This is blog #36 and my first as an Ivey MBA graduate. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep doing this but it was really nice to hear from some readers that this blog has actually been somewhat helpful to prospective MBA students - So I’ll write from time to time as an MBA grad and Ivey alumni and profile my life in the big city – Toronto.
It has been over a month since graduation however time seems to be passing very quickly. I’ve been busy catching up on all the things I neglected during the year including filing my taxes ;) Geeta and I travelled to Florida for 11 days – Disney World was overwhelming, Miami was not totally as expected, but the Florida Keys were heavenly. Did I mention that we got chased out of the waters by a shark while beaching it up in the Keys – no worries; no one got hurt :)
So how does it feel to be done?
Well besides the flashy/shiny Ivey ring that I received upon graduation, I really don’t feel all that different (by the way the ring has got quite the bling bling factor to it – still trying to get used to it :) ). I do however feel more prepared for the working world and more confident than ever. I feel like I have a toolbox of strategy, financial, leadership, communication, analytical, networking and marketing tools to propel toward my executive aspirations. Guess time will tell.
Life in the big city.
We have moved into our new apartment in central Toronto, and we are really starting to embrace the vibrancy and cosmopolitan nature of our new home – Toronto, Canada. So far so good – really liking the restaurants, coffee shops and walking. Love that everything is accessible and that we don’t have to drive much in the heavy traffic. What’s even better is that we’ve moved to a city where many of our Ivey colleagues/friends are also located. It feels like we are picking it up where we last left off. In the first couple of weeks, Geeta and I have managed to meet with many friends and it has made the transition much easier. Good friends + new city = don’t matter where you are!
In other news….
My brother’s family is the new poster family for Immigration Canada. I think this is hilarious. My niece and nephew have since been enrolled in modelling school. Too funny! Check it out here. Pic on the left.My niece Sanya turned one! – can’t believe it has been a year already. She was born during module 1 of the program and I am looking forward to seeing her in an upcoming trip to Otown (aka Ottawa). My Californian niece Ayana is now four! – man I feel like I am getting old! Pics below - baby Sanya in her crib and four year old Ayana at her Cinderella-themed bday party.
My dearest parents are moving to London, U.K. come late August! My mother is taking a diplomatic posting with the embassy in London - I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments. She’s always a source of inspiration. The fact that both my parents are still ambitious enough (even in their 60’s) to make big moves and live a fulfilling life is hugely inspirational to me. I hope I’ve gotten some of that in me. I’m looking forward to many wonderful trips to the U.K. over the next four years.
Until next time…Sacha Gera, MBA :)
