gladysjpadilla posted: " "Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow." ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo Finally fulfilled a dream to do post-graduate studies, as company offered a short course on Management at one of the most prestigious schools in t" The Working Mom Chronicles
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."
~ Anthony J. D'Angelo
Finally fulfilled a dream to do post-graduate studies, as company offered a short course on Management at one of the most prestigious schools in the Asian Region: the Asian Institute of Management. It was never in my plan to pursue an MBA in this school as the fees are in expat levels (read dollars!), but the opportunity to learn from experts and be part of the alumni is really humbling and overwhelming at the same time.
The upcoming classes meant that I was a stay-in student, thereby needing to arrange for the villages both at home and in the office to take over tasks in my absence. There were a lot of endorsements, and people to reassure of my return. Nonetheless, I am eternally thankful for the support of colleagues and family who took over the helm so I can concentrate on my schooling.
First day high, when I walked with colleagues from Unilab from our hotel to find our first (of many) case rooms. The joy of writing notes again, of participating in discussions and of pure learning is incomparable. My favorite classes were on coaching, systems thinking, innovations, excellence in execution and leadership. Sadly, marketing classes were underwhelming. But it was not a walk in the park. The hours spent on reading cases, the pressure to pass the exams, and to win in its simulation games all took a toll on us. I took a day or two to recuperate, but attended sessions online to still be on track.
Being in a hotel had its perks too, as I experienced living in a dorm that I did not get to do while I was in university. I would check in the hotel on weekends, and see my family only on Saturdays, then go back again. It gave me some alone time also to focus on school and have some ME time, outside of my usual hats as a mom-wife and as a director. No one else relied on me for a month, and I was free to "find myself" again. I even took myself out on a date, on a high-end restaurants to get my fix: trying out Greenbelt's cuisines on Mexican (for my tacos and margaritas) and Italian (for my pasta and spritz). That was a liberating experience.
We did not win the games, but I won many friends. The class of about 20 was just the right size for rich discussions and meaningful connections, even after graduation. The different industries ensured that we had perspectives from different fields, which enhanced our learning even more. As the school envisions of its graduates, I will leave these hallowed halls infinitely inspired to actively listen, transform processes, and lead my team to create valuable impact to our divisions and communities.
Thank you Batch 113! Thank you AIM and Unilab! Thank you Lord!
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