Today, I attended the first of a 2 day conference at the other business school in Barcelona, entitled “Doing Good and Doing Well.” It’s all about green development, emerging economies, alternative financing, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility–in short, everything that ever excited me about going to business school. Since I have been here, we know that I have seriously struggled with my sense of purpose, direction and overall belonging here, but today, I caught a glimpse of the possibility that I might, just might, be in the right place after all. There are exciting and innovative things happening in the business community, from the micro scale all the way on up to the macro. There are people who really care about making the world a better place (while at the same time improving their bottom lines, of course). There are people who are, in fact, walking the walk, in regards to green, sustainable development–which is hard for any cynic to believe, but seems to be true.
I remembered today that my struggles with finance, accounting and international taxation are a part of my long term goals, and that I’m actually studying those things for a (very good) reason or series of reasons. I remembered also that it is possible to be a do-gooder AND a businesswoman all at the same time, and that these two identities are NOT mutually exclusive. I met people from other schools who reminded me that the MBA community is not so totally rife with business jerks–that they, like me, have a sincere interest in successful business that has a conscience. It was an exciting day for me, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. I’ve got plenty of stress at the moment (exams coming up, still looking for that accursed internship, etc), but at least I’ve had a moment of deliciously ingratiating insight into WHY, exactly, I’m putting myself through so much torture.
And dammit, it was freaking inspirational.
Yay! I am so excited to hear that! I love the way moments like this happen just exactly when you need them to to be convinced to stay your path.
I can’t wait to hear what day two brings to you and opens you up too. I think that we tend to forget the reasons why we put ourselves through torture until we are reminded when we least expect it. The renewed inspiration and rejuvenation seems to help sustain us through the next round of struggles. I’m so happy for you and for what you are doing, you’re an amazing woman!!!