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The Journey of “Bonding & Uncertainty”
Pre-O week: The feeling of being an ISBian started sinking in much before April 13, registration day, thanks to the Facebook group that had discussions on virtually everything from pre-term courses to movers and packers. My curiosity to know my classmates at ISB ensured that I attended a few meets in the city in February and March. Many of us also attended a meet organised by alums at the ISB campus in Hyderabad. That was the first time we were introduced to the concept of “speed networking.” It was great fun and we were excited to have met the super alums - the ones who had lived the dream that we were all eager to start living.
O week: “Information” and “introductions” are the first words that come to my mind when I think of O week. I must have introduced myself at least 100 times - so much so that I could probably introduce myself in my sleep! By far, it has been the most memorable week at ISB until now.
- Fun and networking: All the activities seemed to be meticulously planned and were executed with precision. Be it the treasure hunt, where the girls made the boys dance to the tunes of item songs; the team building activities, where we learned to trust each other; the alum activity, where we came to understand who a true ISBian is; the back-to-school party that helped us drop our inhibitions and mingle with our classmates; or the awesome SV parties, where we met children and spouses - ISB felt like a big, happy family!
- PPTs at Khemka: In retrospect, it is hard to imagine that we sat through 30-odd PowerPoint sessions in five days! Although it felt like an information overload at that time, in hindsight, it was nothing compared to the information overload that is currently happening in my Economics and Statistics courses.
- Section Bonding: As we prepared ourselves for the inter-section sports and talent night competitions, we grew closer and identified ourselves as a team rather than as individuals. We strained our throats to make our section chants heard!
- Inspiring Alums: We are still trying to figure out what kept the motivation levels so high for the Co2013 alums that they worked day in and day out to organise O week for us. They have left a legacy of sharing and collaboration, which I am sure we will uphold and pass on to the Class of 2015.
- Alum Gyan: We wanted to know anything and everything, even at the cost of sounding stupid at times! Our uninhibited inquisitiveness knew no bounds and we extracted as much gyan as possible from any alum we found on campus about any topic under the sun. I am ready to bet that our thirst has still not been satiated! That said, every single conversation with the alums proved to be tremendously helpful for us in understanding the school and ourselves better.
The Icing on the Cake: After a great deal of talk and thought about the “big” jobs, came a speech, “Give Character a Chance,” by the Deputy Dean, Deepak Chandra. He urged us not be afraid of failure and to focus instead on creating an impact and being one among the few world changers. The parameters on which most of us had judged success were questioned. We felt as if we had just been a part of the herd up until now. But we are all at the ISB because we are potential leaders. We are still coming to grips with the irony of this!
Classes and the Mid-terms: As we sit through our classes, we are constantly amazed by the world-class faculty at the ISB. For the first time in our lives, we love weekdays more than the weekends - thanks to the plethora of assignments due over the weekend! And lo and behold, the mid-terms just flew past! A few of us still aspire to be in the Dean’s List, some have decided to make a greater effort, and others have realised that there is no point in trying to compete!
Learning: Following the Dean, Ajit Rangnekar’s –
- Humility: As we continue to learn about the achievements and potential of our peer group, we realise that we are a very small part of the whole and this realisation keeps us grounded.
- ISB is much more than grades: As we participate in more and more initiatives, we can observe the subtle changes this wonderful atmosphere is producing in each one of us, especially the changes in our personalities that are going to stay with us forever.
- Appropriate use of jargon: Now that we know something about MR=MC, random sampling, hypothesis testing, 5Cs, 4Ps and balance sheets, I am sure we will be able to flash these terms around enough to give the impression of being very smart!
Certainty vs Uncertainty: In the first month alone, there have already been a number of activities on campus related to professional and personal clubs, cricket tournaments, language classes, P2P sessions and ELP orientation. The ISB has become synonymous in our minds with “diversity and leadership.” Yet, in spite of this varied exposure, uncertainty still persists about the future. The only certainty is the relationships and bonds we form with our peers at the ISB. And I know for a fact that this is going to be a priceless asset in our lives!
I hope that the next 11 months I have left at the ISB go by slowly because I am in love with this school! I am eagerly looking forward to the rainy season when I’ll get the chance to watch the peacocks dance and the birds fly, witness the grass turning green again, and get wet and dance in the rain!
About Me: I walked into the campus with only one expectation - to learn thoughtful leadership. From all that I’ve seen and experienced so far, I am sure I will get that at the ISB and I am happy to be here.
Prior to the ISB, I worked as the Chief of Projects with an NGO, VR1, for three and a half years. I have established a residential school exclusively for underprivileged children in a town in Andhra Pradesh. I also represented India as a Delegate at the “World Young Leaders” Summit held in the United States in 2012. I aspire to be a social entrepreneur and create an impact on the youth and children in our society.
Sruti K.V.
Class of 2014
ISB, Hyderabad