A new batch of graduate students from India have arrived this week to start classes towards their MBA and M.Sc degrees at The University of Tampa. I have been invited to speak to them, as part of their orientation, to discuss drivers of academic success.
I can’t help but think about my own journey to the States in 1985. Eager. Anxious. Broke. Completely out of my comfort zone.
I will gently remind them that they are the foreigners in this country. That they must work hard to capitalize on their chance to succeed in this land of opportunity. I will emphasize that teamwork and effective communications are critical skills to succeed in graduate school, and that rote memorization should be a distant memory. I will reinforce that they will get as much out of their education, as they put into it.
Finally, I must remind them of the sacrifices their families have made, so that they can pursue their dreams. My parents made a similar sacrifice ions ago, when I never gave them too many reasons to believe in me. And for that I will be eternally grateful.
The student in me has now become a mentor. The rites of passage continue…..
About Hemant Rustogi
Tell them Cutty is great on Friday evenings! And they have a chance to form friendships that endure the test. of time!!