A Young MBA Graduate, Finally

As if on queue with the holidays, I received one of the best gifts this season-- my diploma.

Well, it didn't arrive falling from a chimney or wrapped in colorful paper, but I got it after going through sixteen months of work and play at the Asian Institute of Management.

It feels great, especially during our graduation, where everybody from the first 16-month MBA program was just on an emotional high. I clearly felt the jubilation as I triumphantly walked up the stage, shook hands with Prof. Ricky Lim and Mr. Francis Estrada, walked off bursting with pride, diploma in hand. It was my way of saying, "Take that AIM! I did it! I survived the cases, the CP, the WACs, the BS." The challenge was presented and I prevailed.

Now, I walk away from AIM as a young MBA graduate, and I should be looking for a new, different challenge. But I'll put that on hold for now. I'll relish the holidays with one special present-- not under our Christmas tree, but hanging framed on my wall.