What will this degree do for you?

While we close to DC2, the prof. closed the class by asking us "what will this degree do for you?" Thankfully, classmates are very honest, answers are various. Prof describes the degree as a necklace, so, what do you do with it? someone want to bury it, someone wants to display it on the wall, even put the picture on the facebook, some will exchange it for salary, freedom, power, etc. Some want to link with high known alumni, join the club... Then, Prof. reminds us to think about the frequency of of natural wave, do not go out side the wave, but keep bargaining for freedom, bringing impact from what you are good at; Gradually, he talked more about passions inside of you. What he asked us is a fundamental question, though I disagreed or should say, could not reach the same level of opinions as others on some part of his opinions, I appreciate he brought this question up at the beginning of the program instead of the end. It is a good question needed more thoughts.

I am so happy to have a one MIT undergraduate classmate in my team, who gave me a lot of insights about how to drink this water from fire-hose. It is totally MIT style. You will be dump with many and many overwhelming tasks, knowledge, and projects. It is your responsibility to learn how to swim, figure out where to find the support. School has so many support but they will not hand it to you, but you need to find it. When you find it, you will be amazed with how incredible resources are available for you. I view it as to be independent through your exploring. So, can you imagine how undergraduate 1st year look like? I am amazed with my classmate, such energetic and decisive attitude! also, I am so grateful for my first two years study in Iowa, caring and welcome, often I was asked if I need help, instead of now, I knowck door around asking where I can get information. different perspectives and different life stages for me to study.

My DC2 scrubber has been in a wild ride. I told Zhiyong that I will be in charge of my future household scrubber/sponge purchase as I have viewed and touched pretty much every kind exist in the Markets, not just U.S. market. The Mexico company's owner has quite expectation from us. Apparently, there are over 9 millions dollars profit from this per year there. The designer Professor warned us contently that we need to think outside of box, play with product, talk with real customers not just team members/classmates. We certain have a lot of wild check from various customers. I start seeing the light of marketing and sales strategy. This is not my strong area, I am in charge of Marketing and see how this has been tight up with product design.

We had a leadership framwork workshop the whole afternoon today. The presenter through several frequent leadership related questions on the table, but, instead of circling or debating, she asked us to see sometimes how you sort through the clear thread when you face a mass. How sensemaking, relating, inventing and visioning work coherently. A lot of time, only focus on vision will corner us on one thing, but combine all these together, will lead you the big picture of leadership. She shows up the story of Green Belt Movement by Wangorri Maathai, impressive. What even impressive more is the reminder she set that many of those leadership are from much more practice and learning from other leaders. I like the leadership journal we got today, using to capture our reflection of learning & thinking on leadership. How to make the triangle of reflection, skill development and practice in the best balance to help me grow, I know, one step at a time.