Student Perspective: Reflections and Resolutions

Just as finals were wrapping up fall quarter at Kellogg, we asked students, “What is one way you have been transformed this year? How will you transform the world in 2014?” Read their responses below, and share your own using #OurKellogg and by visiting OurKellogg.com.

The first quarter at Kellogg made me aware of things I had only heard about before—the camaraderie of a business school, the wide knowledge of multiple subjects, the ins and outs of networking, and endless group assignments! I am a work in progress, but I have definitely become more social than I was before coming to school.

For 2014, I am not sure if I can take one big bang step to modify the world, but I would like to take advantage of the several volunteering opportunities at Kellogg, such as Kellogg Cares, to impact the community around me.

— Aftab Khanna ’15

First and foremost, I got engaged this fall. I proposed to my now fiancée in one our favorite spots, Regents Park in London!

Over the past year, I like to think that I’ve become better at time and energy management—from balancing academics to Kellogg commitments (extracurricular and social) to fitness (did two half-IRONMANs this year) to travel/adventure (took five international trips) to Chicago activities (I am fortunate to sit on the board of an education foundation) to friends and family, etc., etc. In other words, the typical MBA life. I have gotten better at prioritizing, understanding my limits and saying no.

In 2014, I hope to start a company!

— Matthew Zafirovski ’14

I’ve become more introspective and aware of my own strengths and weaknesses. Being challenged in subject areas and really realizing what I need to do to be successful in school and in my career has made me more thoughtful of the choices I’m making and where I need to focus my efforts in recruiting and classes.

— Jordana Cohen ’15

I fell in love with traveling and I would love to have the opportunity to work internationally for an extended period in my career. I would often find myself talking to my international classmates about their countries and listening to the passion in their voice as they would describe to me their countries, customs and cuisines. Last year I had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places, such as France, Spain, Brazil, Colombia and St Croix, and I realized how similar people are around the world.

For the upcoming year I have made a vow to achieve an epic level of greatness on a daily basis and share that greatness with the world. I am hoping that this passion for greatness will become contagious and will inspire others to do the same. #BeGreat

— Rahshiene Taha ’14

I didn’t really believe this going into business school, but it really does transform you. It’s hard to pinpoint why or even how, but I know that the way I think, the way I respond and the way I act towards situations has dramatically changed—for the better. I’m much more aware of my surroundings and the forces that influence them, which I believe in turn will help me make a positive impact on the world. They do say, “change yourself, change the world,” right?

— Sheila Shah ’15