What values are important to you and how have they influenced you?
The values of authenticity and intentionality are central to my life. Authenticity helps me to cultivate meaningful relationships through vulnerability and empathy, while intentionality ensures that my actions are deliberate, thoughtful, and impactful. These values grew from my past experiences, and will guide how I inspire future change.
I learned the importance of authenticity in college. In my first year at UNIVERSITYX, I struggled to adjust to the college environment and to mask my feelings of loneliness, a common sentiment that many students are ashamed of. Hoping to destigmatize this conversation, I published several articles for WEBSITE detailing my experience. These articles were circulated nationwide, and I got messages from many friends, acquaintances, and strangers telling me how they could relate to these feelings. This experience showed me the power of vulnerability, and motivated me to pursue a leadership position as New Member Educator for CAMPUS FRAT, to support underclassmen during their college transition. Professionally, I leveraged my authenticity as an Onboarding Mentor for new employees at CORPORATE GIANT, where I guide new hires based on my experiences.
In addition to authenticity, I aspire to act intentionally. In 20XX, this value helped me cope after my sister Marcy was diagnosed with DISEASEX. I was in my first year at CORPORATE GIANT, and struggled with the pressures of a demanding job while maximizing my limited time with a loved one demanded that I prioritize my time strategically. Grappling with an incomprehensible situation, I sought action: I cooredinated March Madness Brackets, sold customized bracelets and cookies, and spearheaded fundraising events. Combined, these initiatives raised over $500,000 for the National DISEASEX Society, on behalf of Marcy’s care team.
Marcy’s fortitude and ability to seek joy throughout her illness inspired me to find new meaning in my own life. When Marcy passed away in Year, I immersed myself even more in my passions and my intentionality. I found many places to invest my energy, from volunteering at a local animal shelter to joining an intramural soccer league, and most recently, training for my first marathon. These activities have introduced me new communities, challenged me to embrace change, and helped me find balance in my life, all while reinforcing the importance of acting with intention.
At Kellogg, I will leverage authenticity and intentionality to contribute to the campus community while capitalizing on my educational and professional goals. My experiences have illuminated the importance of empathy, which I hope to inspire as a business leader after pursuing Kellogg’s Strategy major with a growth and scaling pathway. Additionally, I plan to join Kellogg’s Soccer Club, to bring my experience to my community involvement. Ultimately, a Kellogg MBA will prepare me to succeed while reinforcing my core values.