Exiting the Honeymoon Stage

Almost every new relationship, be it romantic, platonic, or professional, begins in the idyllic but fleeting honeymoon phase. Everything is sunshine and smiles, with the smug confidence that comes from knowing that this new relationship will never experience the problems of others that have come before it. At least for me, entering the MBA program at Terry was no different.

Though initially a bit apprehensive about joining the program, I immediately fell in love with my class as a whole after just a few days of orientation. My classmates were all shiny and new, decked out in their best business casual, working the room like pros. The stereotypes that I’d anxiously expected to meet just didn’t seem to be there. Sure, there was a sprinkling of the All-American, ambitious, possibly arrogant white male, but far fewer than I’d expected and half feared, but even they turned out to be pretty great guys.

Those first few weeks went by in a blur of networking lunches, panel discussions, information sessions on classes and clubs, and naturally the ropes course adventure. But now, the dust has settled and the reality of this transition has set in. Now is when the fun begins.