Dina Keswani, Executive MBA '09
Dina Keswani, Executive MBA 09

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Hail, all hail, Cornell!

Attending Cornell University's commencement event this past weekend was a momentous event in my life. Experienced in true Cornellian spirit, both the Johnson School graduation that took place for us executives at the spectacular Bailey Hall; as well as attended the University wide graduation that took place on Sunday at the Schoellkopf Stadium. It was honestly an uplifting moment when the degree was conferred by President of the University. This occurred precisely at the time when he said -'I hereby confer the Master of Business Administration Degree, with all the Rights, Privileges, Honors and Responsibilities pertaining there to - Congratulations'. You could feel the sheer joy, excitement (and huge relief too) that engulfed the air when Johnson School's fabulous class of 2009 officially graduated!

This Ivy MBA program has been one of the richest experiences of my life and is worth all of the effort that it has required. As they say, the tassel's worth the hassle - yes indeed! The first time when I held the degree in my hand, I felt so proud and yet deeply humbled. Gave myself a pat on my back and said - 'Congrats on becoming the first female MBA Ivy graduate in the Keswani family!'

The heart and head have the same first three letters; the difference is known when you follow through. This accomplishment could not have been achieved without the unfailing support of my family, my employer and colleagues at American Express, the honored program faculty and off course, not forgetting - my team mates, with whom I was fortunate to have had the most profound experiences and diverse opportunities to partner with during the last 22 months.

I feel simply awesome, to be equipped with skills that will continue to help me in every part of my life both professionally and personally. There is no doubt that I will surely miss business school. Then again, I am eager to fully get back to a newer routine and venture back into a world otherwise known as 'life'. When you get into the grove of attending regular conference calls with team mates, it's only natural to feel weird when you don't have to attend one - ever. No more regular group assignments or logging onto blackboard to check on grades or course material updates, no more preparing for homework, quizzes, exams, or attending after class review sessions...no more stays at the Staler Hotel and IBM Palisades and their predictable food menus; no more hanging out at the ebar, the deemed second home during the program, hey no more blogging too ! Yup, all will seize to exist. Thankfully we will always have facebook and Linkedin to help us continuously stay connected. I am also excited to utilize this enhanced time to indulge and be part of the esteemed Cornell alumni network and hopefully experience all that it has to offer.

While documenting my last blog update, it was interesting to read through my first blog entry and its headline, logged way back in Oct '07 ! Even after the completing this amazing rigorous intellectually stimulating program, I am glad to report that I still feel that 'intuition will continue to be in vogue', or atleast is the case for me. I like to sign off by saying good luck again to the class of 2010 and incoming future Cornellians. I am sure you will have the time of your life. 'Wherever you go, go with all your heart' - Confucius.