By Tosa Two Heart

As a second year Emerging Leaders MBA student at Bentley, I have found that time goes by fast. Looking back at the past year, there are three things that have described my experience:

1. Putting in the effort

I came to Bentley to be a good student and to learn as much as I can. I felt that, if I didn’t work hard, I wouldn’t be taking full advantage of my classes. I didn’t come from a business background, either as an undergraduate major or in work experience. Therefore, most if not all business concepts I’ve encountered at Bentley were fresh to me.

Being a full-time student, my logic was to treat my program as a job. I would spend most days on campus in the library, giving myself one or two days off. This enabled me to focus on coursework and to try to build a foundation of what I was learning, as well as to push myself further to master as much of the material as I can. This is not to say I was perfect. Which brings us to my second point.

2. Making Mistakes

I have made a lot of mistakes. It really is important to learn how to study smarter, not harder. I had to adapt many of my study strategies throughout the last two semesters. The most difficult part is not knowing what the professor expects until after the first midterm. After getting your first real grade back, it becomes easier to self-evaluate and adjust. Each professor has their own communication style. I had to roll with the punches, do the best I can, and ask a lot of questions. Fortunately, in the last semester I was able to excel in most of my classes.

My strategy for this year is to keep efficient communication with my professors and continue to make my coursework my first priority. This year, I have found some ambiguity in what the professors expect from group work. Even more challenging is that group work is the bulk of my grade in three out of the four classes I am taking. However, it’s crucial to take a step back and be kind to ourselves. I think we only have the capacity to do our best and, without making mistakes, we can’t learn to do better. I look forward to my future mistakes; they are where the seeds of new wisdom lie.

3. Taking a Breath

The Bentley University campus is beautiful and serene. I am so glad that I chose to come to such a quiet and tranquil campus. When I am not in classes or in the library (my second home), I can’t help but notice nature. These are moments where I stop and take a picture to appreciate the little things in life. This helps me take myself out of my own worries and remember how great it is to be where I am at today. Next spring, I will graduate. I will no longer be able to call myself a graduate student. I want to enjoy my time here while I can, and look back on my memories of Bentley as positive and life-changing.