Describe how your background, values, academics, activities and/or leadership skills will enhance the experiences of other Kellogg students.

Sample One

My mother packed me with everything from a needle for the first broken button to a pot for the first pre-cooked meal. Loaded with two 70 pound suitcases, I landed in New York with an address in my hand “Brown Hall, NYU.” Without friends or relatives, I came with a naïve, bold American dream. That was six years ago. Now, sitting in my apartment with a framed degree hanging on the wall, a job at Fortune-100 Best Company and a strong network of friends, I have traveled a journey that has instilled in me the values of self-motivation, dedication and the importance of cultural adaptability. These defining values will enhance the experience of other Kellogg students as well. As a self motivated person, I am enthusiastic and optimistic even in the grimmest of team moments. I am able to motivate a team towards the light at the end of the tunnel and that motivation is often the difference between a team that is successful and a team that fails. Being a dedicated team member and a skilled consultant, I will be a welcome addition to teams, since I can be entrusted with meeting deadlines with quality deliverables.

My skill set of being culturally adaptable stems from my childhood experience and was further refined during my college years by participating in a study abroad program. Before starting high school, I had already switched schools five times, as I moved with my father’s Federal job. Every time, I faced a new environment, different values and the task of reaching out to make new friends. The experience helped me become a fast learner, receptive and respectful of others’ ideas and values, and to have good interpersonal skills. A year from now when we are at Jacob’s, I will reach across teams to learn and share ideas to create a bond that will strengthen the Kellogg student community as a whole.

Apart from my personal values, I will further enrich the experience of my fellow students with my academic and professional background. Graduating with a 3.9 GPA from the College of Electrical Engineering at NYU required a strong analytical and technical knowledge. During my career as a Business Consultant in Markon’s Customer and Market Strategy practice, I have found these skill sets useful when making business decisions based on quantitative data. As a Kellogg student, I would not only add to the analytical abilities of my team, but also share my quantitative insights such as data accuracy and relevance. I have thrived in both the business and technical worlds and learned the undeniable impact of technology on business decisions. The experience has also taught me the ability to communicate across the often perceived industry divide between business and technology, which my peers stand to gain from me. I aim to enrich class room discussions by sharing my expertise in leading pricing and product management practices, such as product lifecycle management and sales channel differentiation and contribute to my peers’ knowledge base with my varied industry exposure. But, I understand that classroom learning is only one facet of Kellogg’s student life.

I will enhance Kellogg’s social fabric through my passion for international events, and my involvement with community activities. In an ever shrinking world, business opportunities and factors affecting our lives are no longer limited to Wall Street and Washington. I believe that being aware of international events not only provides insights into upcoming business opportunities but is also a great interpersonal skill. During my study abroad program I witnessed that the moment one interacts with a person about his/her country’s events, a communication bridge is built that allows for the exchange of ideas and opinions. I understand that Kellogg has multiple student-run organizations and I want to be an active part of Business Leadership Club while starting an international discussion forum of my own. Also, I plan to continue volunteering with Youth for Understanding where I want to expand the organization’s voluntary network, to enhance the placement and mentoring of international students. I hope that the bridges built with other Kellogg students due to my values, background and passions will enrich the Kellogg experience for the entire student body while also providing me the opportunity to gain immensely from the combined intellect of my peers.

Sample Two

Many of the qualities and characteristics I possess are naturally a direct result of my background. Personally and professionally, I have learned how to adapt to new situations, work with and lead diverse groups of people, develop compassion for others and persevere through life’s challenges. These foundational experiences have proved invaluable to me and have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. I believe they will enhance the experiences of my classmates at Kellogg, as I expect their experiences to enhance mine.

Living in new places throughout the US became routine for me over the years as my father was promoted within his company. Initially, I dreaded the transition period each move presented. In hindsight, I realize my resourcefulness and inquisitive nature actually made moving less challenging and more exciting. I seized the opportunity at each new location to build upon past experiences by becoming familiar with the residents and the area. From the streets of Atlanta to the fields of Nebraska, I established new relationships with people of different backgrounds and broadened my perspective. When I transitioned from banking to development, I utilized this same skill to adapt to industry differences. I successfully navigated my new position by recognizing and leveraging the differences in my coworkers’ backgrounds when working collaboratively with them. At Kellogg, I will approach my classmates with the same philosophy, engaging others to learn about their backgrounds. Being able to confidently interact with diverse groups will be extremely useful for teamwork and class discussions. Likewise, my exuberance for new experiences should resonate with my peers and motivate them to pursue different opportunities. The majority of us will come from outside of Chicago and an ability to adapt to new surroundings will be essential for success.

Participating in sports has also fostered qualities I am excited to share with my classmates at Kellogg. I have consistently shown my ability to function within a team, both as a leader and a member, and work towards a common goal. When I moved to Nebraska, I joined a soccer team that was a perennial loser. I took the opportunity to instill my positive attitude during practice; leading by example, I displayed a strong work ethic and determination while challenging my teammates to increase their effort. My demeanor quickly gained their trust and confidence, resulting in the team voting me captain. At Kellogg, each student will be bright, intellectual and unique; to be successful you must surround yourself with individuals like this and unify their efforts. The framework of Kellogg is built on collaboration and teamwork, and I believe my ability to be a leader when called upon will allow me to add value to my fellow students’ experience.

My compassion developed when my younger sister was born with mental and physical disabilities. Based on my experiences with her, I developed not only compassion, but a motivation to help others. I learned how to offer encouragement and build confidence in others through diverse volunteer experiences. Professionally, I have utilized this by helping team members whose contributions have been minimized by self-doubt. By reassuring them of their capabilities and the importance of their role, I have helped them tackle their objectives, which in turn, helps our team as a whole. At Kellogg, I believe this will shine through as I show support for my fellow classmates.

My time with my sister also helped strengthen my perseverance. Being by her side while she overcame obstacles was inspiring. Whenever I encounter an obstacle, I refuse to let it become a deterrent by reflecting on her struggles. This resilient attitude towards life has allowed me to overcome both personal and professional setbacks. Recently, I recognized that my sales staff was becoming dejected and frustrated with the market downturn. To counteract this, I have remained positive and stressed the fundamentals to motivate them. By constantly reinforcing that each lead is a potential sale, they have renewed energy towards meeting their goals.

My personal and professional experiences to date have built a firm foundation, developing and enhancing my adaptability, interpersonal skills, compassion and perseverance. My ability to adapt to new situations and collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds will be conducive to Kellogg where the team atmosphere is so integral to the learning process. I also believe my display of compassion and perseverance will provide goodwill and encouragement to others as we encounter new challenges through our pursuits. By sharing my collective experiences and contributing to the Kellogg community, I believe I will leave a lasting impact on both my classmates and the program.

Sample Three

I have always been told that during the course of an MBA, you learn more from your peers than from any other component of the program. While it is great to gain so much knowledge from classmates, I would feel I was cheating the system if I did not have any insight to offer in return. Through my experiences, I am excited to offer fellow classmates my knowledge of cultural adaptability and interpersonal relations with people of varying backgrounds.

Growing up, my life was very homogenous, lacking any exposure beyond rural America. I am from Bettendorf, a small town in Iowa. After high school I hit the road, and I have yet to stop. I attended Tulane University, and to date I have worked all over the Midwest United States, Brazil, and Thailand. No matter where I go, I always find a silver lining and a lesson to be learned. Similarly, I have yet to visit a single city lacking generous people if you have the right attitude. This doesn’t mean change was easy for me. I’ll never forget the first time I tried to talk business to a Brazilian before eating lunch, or the time I tried to stop a Chicagoan to ask directions while he watched his train speed into the distance. Each place has cultural differences, and I have learned many, but in those I have yet to learn, I am ever cognizant that they exist. I believe it is important to have this attitude as our world rapidly becomes smaller with advancing technology. I know I will continue my journey as a global businessman with a positive, “can-do” attitude and an awareness of cultural differences. It is this knowledge that I hope to share with my future peers through an exchange program or perhaps Global Initiatives in Management. My experience with obscure places will be beneficial to any student looking to expand his or her horizons.

The second skill set which will help to enhance the experience of Kellogg students involves relations with people of different backgrounds. After college I always pictured myself wearing a business suit and going to an office every day. Instead, I wear steel-toed boots and a hardhat to work. This kind of work attracts people of different backgrounds from those on Wall Street. Many times I’ve had clients who have spent a lifetime around oil rigs and know more than I ever will about the process of drilling wells. They have no formal education and resent those who do. I’ve had to change my tone of voice and alter my vocabulary to ensure a positive relationship with this type of person. When I discovered this image-altering technique, I resented it as I hated disguising who I was, but now I’ve come to realize this lesson was a blessing. I have learned that sometimes my normal actions might make others uncomfortable, and modifying my approach can improve my image and foster better relations. I am certain that I can help teach my classmates at Kellogg about dealing with clients of varying backgrounds without generating tension or resentment.

Finally, I believe my ability to adapt culturally and deal effectively with people of varying backgrounds will continue to be important as globalization becomes more a reality and we are all exposed to a variety of people. I am confident I will continue to expand my knowledge and fine-tune my ability to adapt to new people and places while contributing to the academic experience of my classmates at Kellogg.

Sample Four

As a member of the Professional Services team at Hammond International, I was charged with managing an implementation at our first insurance client. On one visit to the client site, a business manager had asked his new employee named Bill to join us for the meeting. We were discussing their process for handling security payments. During the course of the meeting, I could tell from Bill’s expressions that he did not comprehend the process. When the meeting ended, I expected Bill’s manager to spend time with him and go over his questions in detail, but this didn’t happen. Instead, Bill’s manager went back to his office. Bill was too shy to approach his manager and so he went back to his desk. I had a few minutes before my next meeting, so I sat down with Bill at his desk and took him through every step of the process, answering every basic question he asked. At first he seemed hesitant to ask a “stupid question”, but I told him that asking questions showed that he wanted to learn. At one point during our discussion, I could tell he suddenly had that “aha” moment. From that point on, he was able to successfully walk me through the entire process from beginning to end. Though I had taken time out of my day to help someone else’s employee, I knew that by helping Bill during the initial phase, his contributions to the implementation would only increase with time. This sequence of events is emblematic of my personality. I always work with the people who are having the most trouble performing a task. I truly believe that helping a weaker team member will increase the overall performance of the team.

This trait is the result of my upbringing. As a child growing up in Argentina and the United States, I was the youngest member of my extended family. When it came time to learn how to ride a bike, or learn a new sport, my older brother and cousins were always there to help me. My childhood memories are filled with images like my brother teaching me to throw a spiral football or my cousin showing me how to play ping pong. When I was ten, my parents volunteered my brother and me to perform a religious ritual in front of a large audience at the local Hindu temple. During our practice sessions, whenever I had difficulty with a mantra, my brother would work diligently with me to correct my pronunciation. He also took the time to teach me about our Indian heritage, helping me to acquire an appreciation for our experiences at the temple. In this manner, my family has instilled in me the importance of helping others to learn and has taught me the value of my culture in the process. I plan on continuing this learning process at Kellogg by participating in activities sponsored by the India Business Club and Asia Management Association.

There are many ways in which I exemplify my willingness to help others in my professional life. When leading a team through a challenging project at Hammond International, I always take the time to make sure that everyone understands their assignments. If a member of the team is not keeping up, I spend time with them after-hours walking them through the intricacies of the task. Other coworkers sometimes question my decision to spend extra hours at the office. I recognize that the faster I can get someone to overcome their initial confusion, the sooner this person will be able to contribute valuable ideas to the project at hand. Not only does my assistance build strong camaraderie within the team, but it also helps to ensure that this new member will in turn help someone else when the situation arises.

In addition to providing assistance at work, I also strive to assist others in my personal life. While working near Boston after college, I would drive through an impoverished area on the south side. Witnessing homeless people in front of run-down liquor stores and then arriving to my plush office left me with an empty feeling. I decided to fill that void by joining an organization where I could make an impact in the community. I joined the Upstart, a non-profit dedicated to rejuvenating the Boston community through promoting small business ventures. By providing an avenue for small business growth, Upstart in turn increases the employment opportunities for the city’s homeless. At Upstart, I focused my efforts on researching and contacting foundations that donated to inner city and minority development. During my time at Upstart, I developed twelve potential sources of funding.

My desire to support others will be very conducive to the team atmosphere at Kellogg. I believe that I will get the most out of my time at business school by exchanging my knowledge with others. I am confident that my classmates at Kellogg will have unique backgrounds and qualities from which I can learn a lot. I will also strive to instill in my classmates the importance of teaching others; a lesson I learned from my family in the most appropriate way – by example.

Sample Five

My grandparents, parents, and extended Persian community have instilled in me a set of values that is extremely important to me and my outlook on life. Inquisitiveness, strong work ethic, determination, and a passion for helping those around me -- these are the values that have contributed to shaping who I am today, who I will be tomorrow, and how I will enhance the community at Kellogg.

My grandparents raised me while my parents spent endless hours working toward their “American dream” of starting their own business. Forced into exile after the Islamic revolution, my grandmother, a school principal, and my grandfather, a nuclear physicist and professor, emigrated from Tehran to the US in search for a better life for their four children. As a young girl, I remember listening to my grandfather explain the difference between nuclear fission and fusion. Though I was unable to grasp these concepts, I bombarded my grandfather with questions. He made me aware of my surrounding environment and challenged me to learn more about the world around me. My grandfather planted the seed in me to continuously ask questions and challenge myself. When I set foot on Dartmouth’s campus many years later, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for those afternoons with my grandparents and the impact they had on my education and future. My inquisitive nature motivated me throughout school as well as in other settings, such as exploring Paris and learning French. This intellectual curiosity has ultimately led me to pursue an MBA at Kellogg.

My mother and father, both immigrant entrepreneurs, lived by the philosophy that you can do whatever you put your mind to, and imbued this invaluable philosophy in me. When I first tried out for the high school volleyball team, I did not make the team. I was devastated and thought that volleyball was a sport for those genetically blessed with height. My mother, however, encouraged me to join a league, keep practicing, and try out the next year. After many tough and often frustrating sessions at the gym, I achieved my dream of playing on the high school volleyball team and later went on to lead the Dartmouth Varsity team in one of its most successful seasons. Today, as I reflect upon some my most challenging individual, team, and leadership experiences, I am indebted to my parents for instilling in me a strong work ethic, determination, and a positive attitude. I have been able to accomplish goals which I thought were impossible, such as running the Chicago marathon and implementing a new business process with a large group of change-averse clients. With these values at my core, I am confident that I can achieve my career aspirations of becoming a top retail executive.

Lastly, my family extends beyond immediate family and includes a strong network of extended family and friends within the Persian community and beyond. My hometown Persian community often gathers for large parties to celebrate our Persian traditions, history, culture, and struggles. When news spreads of someone heading back to Tehran, I help organize impromptu clothing and gift drives for our friends to take back to our families. Whenever a new Persian family joins our community, I tutor their children in English, while my father helps set up jobs at my parent’s company for the parents to learn English and computer skills. This extended network of friends has shown me the importance of helping those around me, creating a support system for each other, and working together to accomplish a greater social good for the community. My desire to build strong communities is why I am active in the Dartmouth Alumni Club and the Forte Foundation, and it is why I am excited to join the engaging Kellogg community.

I am blessed with education, support, love, and the power of a close knit community. These values are my family’s gifts to me. Out of gratitude and personal motivation, I aspire to use these gifts to give back to my family and surrounding community, and I plan to impart these gifts while at Kellogg. My inquisitive nature and passion for learning will challenge my peers and me to keep exploring, learning, and innovating. Whether providing a fresh perspective on technology and operations for a retail business case, or organizing a seminar about the political turmoil in Iran and the Middle East, I hope to open the eyes of my peers and teammates to something new every day. My work ethic and positive attitude will shine through despite a heavy workload, recruiting activities, and the unexpected late night computer crash the night before a deadline. I will use these attributes to uplift my team and encourage them to keep driving towards our goal. I look forward to connecting with diverse students and collectively contributing to strengthen the Kellogg community. Organizing events with the Middle Eastern and Arabic Business Association and Women’s Business Association will be integral for me to connect with like-minded students and build a strong support network. With my values and passion for engaging myself in the community, I hope to make a unique contribution and lasting impact on Kellogg’s class of 2009.

Sample Six

They called it “Calcutta.” The former flower shop on Abbott Road in South Buffalo, NY, was covered in rough, dirty carpet, strewn with thousands of peanut shells, had no working thermostat and no running water, and was now campaign headquarters. I walked inside my new office after checking in to my home for the next three months—the Hampton Inn off of the I-90 in West Seneca, NY. I had been sent from DC as the communications director and would-be savior of this flailing, behind in the polls, Brian Higgins for Congress 2004 campaign.

In Calcutta that chilly September night, twelve pairs of eyes were trained on me. The weary looks of the campaign staff revealed a longing for stewardship, someone to pick them up from the morass of a difficult congressional race and show them the path to victory. With two years as a press secretary for Congressman Joseph Crowley from New York City under my belt, I knew how to spin an issue like the best of them, how to get the cameras to cover our most crucial successes and stay away from our occasional pitfalls, how to pitch my press releases to the Daily News’ Bronx reporter, and how to chit-chat with the Times’ Metro Desk.

I had also come to Buffalo equipped with my Orthodox Jewish background. My religious observance had played a crucial part in paving my path into politics. I started college by spending a year learning and living in Israel, embracing the familiar lifestyle I had grown up with—keeping kosher, praying daily, dating for marriage. While the traditions of my sheltered upbringing felt comfortable and secure in the close network of Orthodox women back in New York at Yeshiva University’s Midtown campus, I became frustrated with the uniformity of views that pervaded the school, where the intersection of modern life and strict Jewish tradition was not always celebrated, with school leaders often choosing to follow the ancient, traditional course. Yeshiva’s parochial ways gradually felt limiting and I craved greater intellectual openness and diversity. As an outlet, I developed a penchant for politics, which stemmed from politically heated Friday family dinner discussions and an infatuation with The New York Times, which explained the Maureen Dowd columns hanging on my dorm room walls.

Pursuing numerous extracurricular activities, from college paper staff writer to Model United Nations committee chair, helped me find my voice while concurrently fueling my dissatisfaction with Yeshiva’s narrow-mindedness. I worked to harness my position as Senior Class president as a way out of this predicament, spearheading new programs and injecting a more cosmopolitan spirit into the hallways of the University. I became close with the University administration while earning the respect of my peers as I tackled the seemingly unconquerable mountain of apathy that has long persisted at Yeshiva. While those seminal years clearly pointed out what I did not like about my Orthodox Judaism—the often provincial point of view and intolerance for a broader outlook—I was able to marshal my feelings of disappointment and channel them into changing the status quo.

In Washington, I had successfully surmounted the many challenges that come with the responsibility of Orthodox Judaism and the 24/7 life of political work, balancing the strict requirements of observance (observing the Sabbath with the responsibility of answering to the press had been challenging) with the rigors of my job. But now here I was in Calcutta, a completely foreign place to me in its culture—New York City was not the center of the earth as I quickly learned—and its creed—I was the first Orthodox Jew that many of the Irish Catholics I was working with had ever met.

My entry into Buffalo, which could have been a collision of outlooks, was seamless. My religion helped to give me an appreciation and understanding of the new “world” I was in. I was able to easily integrate myself into Team Higgins because I recognized immediately what was important to them—family, community.

I used my press credentials and cultural understanding to bring clarity, comfort, and confident leadership to those weary campaigners in the storefront on Abbott Road. I took charge, unrolling the press plan that I had created and engaging each colleague as a vital member of our campaign team, from the finance director to the volunteers. Under my leadership, Team Higgins implemented a tenable election plan and built a press operation that excelled at rapid response and proactive communication.

As election night indecisively gave way to a three-week recount, I continued my stay in snowy Buffalo, staked out in Calcutta, managing the press and finally celebrating with new friends as Brian Higgins was declared the winner by a narrow 3774 votes. The campaign allowed me to take my vision, execute it, and deliver a victory, with ramifications not only for the 27th District of New York, but also for the entire country, paving the way to one of three seats gained for the Democrats during the contentious 2004 midterm elections.

My success in South Buffalo was due in large part to my leadership experiences coupled with my respect for community. I am confident that these traits will be a positive addition to Kellogg. The first thing Kellogg alumni speak to when fondly recalling their business school experience is the strong community and collaborative mentality. My unique and unconventional background, both in my political job experience and my religious observances, will contribute to the diverse student body at Kellogg and hopefully be a welcome addition to the collaborative spirit.

Sample Seven

As I reflect on my values and goals, I realize that much of who I am originates from the strong influence of my family, particularly my father. Shortly after he moved to the United States from Korea, his sister and brother in law died in an accident, leaving behind three children in a bleak post-war Korea. Compelled to support his extended family, my father dropped out of school and began to work to send money back home.

As the owner of a video store in a very poor community, he made a point to hire high school kids that were looking to fund college educations. Despite the little money we had, he gave a generous bonus when they finally left for school. Never once expressing regret over his sacrifices, he emphasized the value of altruism. No matter what, you stand to gain a rewarding experience by helping others. Inspired by his actions, I looked to help others in my own way. Through my experiences coaching children, volunteering and working on various teams, I have learned to build the confidence of others by sharing my expertise and encouragement.

At Chillens Outdoors Camp, I learned at an early age that I possessed the patience and genuine interest to successfully teach others. For two summers, I coached basketball to over two hundred children between the ages of 6 and 12. I put together a lesson program that encouraged the skilled kids to help out the novices. This experience was extremely rewarding because it fostered teamwork, self-esteem, and social skills. I have taken these lessons and applied them to my volunteer work. Through the “Buddy Volunteer” program at Williams Children’s hospital, I spend time with children and help them cope with their illnesses and feelings of loneliness. The satisfaction I feel in helping others extends to my career as well.

As a Marketing Manager at Jetts.com, I mentored a Marketing Associate in our newsletter production process. Unfamiliar with general project management and working with cross-functional teams, she was apprehensive about coordinating the delivery schedule of our various campaigns. I met with her regularly and offered suggestions that simplified the process for her. After 6 months on the job, she became self-sufficient to the point where she was able to manage her own specific campaign. Furthermore, her increased confidence and contributions led to a promotion within the department last month. As my career experience grows, I look forward to future opportunities that I will have to mentors others.

At Kellogg, I intend to expand upon these interests by growing my volunteer work, and by supporting my classmates, my school and my broader community. Knowing that I can always make a difference in others’ lives motivates me to reach out to others, whether a colleague at work in need of advice, or a peer at Kellogg who would benefit from my encouragement. I enjoy helping others reach their personal best as well as striving for my own success. On a different level, I am encouraged to see that Kellogg supports student-led philanthropic groups such as Business with a Heart. This will provide me with a starting point for my community work.

The support that I strive to provide to others is a natural extension of the perseverance and positive outlook that I also maintain internally. This optimism was tested in my professional life a few years after graduating from college. Working in the Bay Area in the late 1990s, it was hard not to sense the energy buzzing in the air. Some predicted it to be the greatest period of economic growth in history. I joined Organic to be a part of it. Unfortunately, two years out of college, the Bay Area office closed and I lost my job.

After a difficult but fortunately brief period of unemployment, I landed a job with my previous client, Jetts.com. Two weeks later, two planes flew into the World Trade Center changing the world, and greatly impacting the travel industry. This time my position was not eliminated but definitely in jeopardy. In addition to personal job insecurity, gone was the company’s immediate growth potential, which was supposed to offer me broader career growth opportunities – specifically in Marketing. I did not let the setback discourage my desire to work in Marketing. Instead, I looked for ways to prove my value to the department. My work proved my ability to produce with limited resources. I eventually received an offer to join the Outbound Marketing team. Furthermore, with two years of hard work and resilience, I played an important role in pulling a near bankrupt company into profitability. I feel that this experience tested my perseverance and focus and helped me to further develop as a professional, a team contributor and as a person. I also have perspective on the potential down-swings in the business world and look forward to sharing the experience and learnings with my fellow classmates.

I know that I have a lot to contribute and cannot wait to make my mark on Kellogg. Equally, I am eagerly anticipating an opportunity to learn and benefit from an amazing group of individuals that would surround me at Kellogg.

Sample Eight

The ride from the austere Quaid-e-Azam airport in Karachi was all but expected. I had arrived in Karachi, now a city of 13 million people, after nine years and was amazed to see the incredible changes that have happened. On one side, there were shanty neighborhoods all over the city juxtaposing the tall glass buildings. In contrast, the ubiquitous mobile phones, a sea of traffic, and bustling activities in the city showed the signs of economic prosperity. Yet, my ride through Karachi, passing by these images, captured the true Indian spirit – marching forward even when surrounded by manifold challenges.

After experiencing firsthand the technology driven economic prosperity and Pakistani desire to march forward, I am determined to help Pakistan achieve the status of a developed nation. Pakistan, destined to become the 4th most populous nation in the coming decades, is a country of social and economic dynamics, yet it is hardly ever a topic in a business context except when discussing IMF aid or international donations. An emerging market ready to be tapped, Pakistan is thirsty for innovation and technological advances. At Kellogg, I can share my knowledge of this emerging market to the class and engage other Kellogg students in discussions about Pakistan. Even those who are not interested in pursuing careers in India can benefit from the parallels of this relatively unexplored market with other emerging markets.

Another unique aspect of my life is my journey of coming out as a gay Muslim man, a personal growth and life-changing experience, without which I would not be such an open-minded person. In rigid Indian culture, young people are often forced to marry someone of the opposite sex. Acceptance of my homosexuality meant accepting that I was on a path that very few from my culture have traversed. Faced with this challenge, I was confused, uncertain and scared. The fear of ostracism by family, friends, community, and religion, the basic social network of one’s life, was overwhelming. Initially, I did not tell my family about my sexuality for fear of imposed isolation. Having grown up in a devout Muslim family, I always valued my religion as a source of inspiration and guidance. Yet, Islam’s strong condemnation of homosexuality further deepened the chasm between Islam and me. By my mid 20’s, I was tired of hiding my sexuality and I finally decided to come out to friends and a few family members because I wanted to have stronger and more fulfilling relationships with them. My difficult choice to be honest with myself despite cultural norms allows me to be open-minded and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of others, an attitude I will bring to Kellogg.

My group members at Kellogg will benefit from my working style, which approaches teamwork with a partnership and sponsorship mentality, rather than arrogance. This approach instills a sense of shared purpose and leads to a balanced commitment from each member. For instance, as a member of the governing board of Directors for the SWAN, a nonprofit organization, I work with a diverse team – lawyers, consultant, and civil servants – whose members have at least few decades more experience than I do. Collaborating with such a team requires skills such as clear communication, adaptability and commitment. However, my openness to new ideas, hard work and desire to learn from others’ experiences have made me invaluable to the organization. Working with other members, I have successfully developed a budget, broadened our fundraising base and assisted in establishing core strategies to meet long-term fiscal goals for the organization.

At Kellogg, I intend to join the Gay and Lesbian Management Association (GLMA) and run for office. I cannot wait to help organize the annual “drag show” and host end-of-semester “waffle breakfast” with my fellow GLMA students. I plan to actively enhance my entrepreneurial skills through the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, develop new skills through participation in the Strategy and Business Development Club, and mentor Kellogg’s undergraduates through Kellogg Mentors.

In conclusion, my international background and my desire to help India and increase awareness of the country and its culture with add diversity to the class. My confidence working with people of different backgrounds and my acceptance of others because of my own struggle accepting myself with make me a valuable teammate. My ability to inspire confidence in others will allow me to be an active class participant and substantially contribute to group projects. I hope to inspire my fellow students at Kellogg while being inspired by the other unique and ambitious members of the student body.