Hi Everyone,

 

I wanted to take a moment to pass along some exciting news – I was admitted to the University of California – Berkeley Full Time MBA program (aka Haas) last Thursday!  As many of you know (and are probably tired of hearing about), it has been a long journey and took over two years from when I started studying the GMAT to last week when I was finally received a phone call letting me know I was admitted.  As the saying goes – there is no rest for the weary.  Other than the immense relief I felt and the two hours I  wandered around grinning stupidly – I’ve been in full scale, life-changing-event planning (i.e., reviewing my finances, chasing financial aid, finding housing options, ending current housing options, on and on).

 

Now that I have second to think, I wanted to share my news with everyone!  I apologize I wasn’t able to contact each of you individually, but I am sure you can imagine how unsuccessful I would have been …  it seems like the only people busier than me are my friends and family 😉

 

After chatting with a few people – I have gotten some pretty consistent questions, so I thought I would preemptively answer what I could in a helpful Q&A.

 

When do you start?

Orientation starts mid-August, but they have a Math Camp for people.  While I think I am pretty good at math, I think I’ll probably need some type of refresher… so I’ll be starting 7/30.

 

Where are you going to live?

I am trying to figure that one out – like all great, nerdy schools – Haas has both a Facebook group and a Google+ Group where people are searching about for roommates.  The roommate profiles are what you would expect, everyone likes granola, sustainable living, and hiking 🙂

 

What are you doing between now and when you leave?

I am going to try to live my life and get as ready as possible for California and the MBA experience.  When I say live my life, that includes hosting Jack’s Bachelor Party this weekend, traveling to Puerto Rico to be his best man (aka holding the tissues if he starts crying) in June, volunteering a week of my time at RYLA in July, and more… Some how in there I would also like to spend considerable amounts of time with my friends and family.  Oh, and you know, keep working. 🙂

 

What are you going to do there?

At this time – hopefully, pursue a degree in Social Entrepreneurship.  If you haven’t heard of that before, it is essentially creating businesses that focuses on more than just profit (e..g., micro financing in Africa).  Specifically for me, I want to focus on starting a consultancy that helps people pursue their entrepreneurial dreams (so, I will probably need to start out by starting a business or two).   Disclaimer:Life is a wild ride and I may find out I have some crazy passion for finance or clean technology, so don’t judge if I change my mind.

 

Are you coming back to Minnesota? 

Short term – Yes, plenty of holidays and as you all know… Minnesotans love to get married 🙂  Long term – Definitely, friends and family live in the cold tundra we call home.  Thus, I shall return to the Mother Igloo 🙂

 

Can I come visit?

Yes! Please!

 

Why are you writing this?

Because I wanted share my good news.  But more importantly, make sure people realize I only have a few weeks before I take off – so if you want to hang out, we need to get on it!

 

Your title says Two Bucket List items… what are they?

1) Get into top 10 MBA program (I like to think Haas is a top 5, but US News disagrees with me 🙂 ) – Check

2) Live on both coasts before your 30 – Check

 

Thank you again to everyone who helped or supported me over the past two years.  I know many of you either 1) never got to see me because I was constantly studying or applying 2) listened to me vent about MBAs while humbly learning to enjoy the waitlist 3) offered your thoughts/prayers/opinions/encouragement when I needed it.

 

With lots of love!
Nick

 

PS – If you read my email and thought – ‘Why the heck is Nick emailing me this?’   It’s because I am hoping we can catch up! 🙂