Okay, so in-residence wrapped up on Friday. I have tried to take the last few days to reflect on the week so that I can give an opinion that is more than just a play-by-play of the week.
My original goal for last week was to post updates throughout the week, needless to say I posted very little. This was due to the time demands of the program last week. Do not underestimate the time the 1st year in-residence will take. I took some work with me that I expected to be able to do in the evenings. I did not look at it once. The whole week was intense. It was not an "orientation" week, or even a light week to kick off the program. From about mid-day Sunday through Friday, it was an intense week that gave no personal time, and hardly anytime for neccessities such as food and sleep.
Now while this may sound like complaints, the fact that the program gave no time except for class and classwork, it isn't. I thouroughly enjoyed last week, and would put it up there in probably the top 3 educational experiences I have had. The professors were outstanding, and truly made me see the difference between a Top 15 school and one that is not. I believe in some way it restored my faith in education. It solidified with me that this program was the right choice to make, and I would recommend to anyone who is on the fence about the program to go through with it, it is completely worth it.
I do slightly wish I was back in the in-residence, and feel awkward being back to actual work. I cannot wait for next year in-residence, and in fact, wish there were more than just the two.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
day 3
So we are on day 3 of the 7 days of in-residence. Yesterday we began the actual class, C511, and had our first group assignments and readings that were due this morning. Last night, to say the least, lived up to everything I had heard. After a complete day in class, 8am-5pm, we ate dinner, and began group work around 7pm. We finally wrapped up the readings and group assignment around 2:30pm, and after 7 hours or so of working, the final product was still far from perfect.
From discussions today, many groups had the same experience, with only a few completing the task before midnight.
We have taken a more urgent approach in the group work tonight, and we are all tired, somewhat cranky, and are hopeful we complete the task before 11pm.
The class instructors are great. They are enthusiastic, engaging, and are true masters of the subject matter. While I myself am a "numbers person", and the class work deals with much softer issues, such as culture and change, I am struggling to relate. I believe these items are very important in the business world, however because I am entrenched in numbers, subjects that deal little with numbers I find myself often struggling with.
While I am only 3 days into a long and daunting program, there is no regrets, and in fact, I probably am even more of a supporter of the program than I had been.
From discussions today, many groups had the same experience, with only a few completing the task before midnight.
We have taken a more urgent approach in the group work tonight, and we are all tired, somewhat cranky, and are hopeful we complete the task before 11pm.
The class instructors are great. They are enthusiastic, engaging, and are true masters of the subject matter. While I myself am a "numbers person", and the class work deals with much softer issues, such as culture and change, I am struggling to relate. I believe these items are very important in the business world, however because I am entrenched in numbers, subjects that deal little with numbers I find myself often struggling with.
While I am only 3 days into a long and daunting program, there is no regrets, and in fact, I probably am even more of a supporter of the program than I had been.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
In-residence begins
1st year in-residence began today, so I guess I can officially say that I have begun the Kelley Direct program. Arrived in Bloomington around noon, checked in, walked around campus a little.
3pm was registration/check-in, which was very quick and painless. Some pictures taken (for Angel and for the Student ID), got handed some information on the in-residence week, purchased the coursepack for C511, got some Kelley swag, and some snacks.
6:30pm was the welcome reception. Got to finally meet some classmates, heard from Dean Venkat, ate, and then afterwards we got to hear from a few of the professors who teach "1st year" courses. The professors were very enthusiastic about the program and the course they teach.
The KD faculty and staff are very friendly and helpful. The classmates that I have met so far come from a wide range of backgrounds, are also very friendly, and have alleviated any fears I may have had about what exactly my classmates would be like.
The campus is amazing. I am not used to the traditional college campus, as I have mostly attending urban universities. However, just from walking around I feel that maybe I missed out somehow.
Groups have been assigned for the week, although I have not met any of my group members yet. The actual class begins tomorrow, and the syllabus and assignments for the week have been posted on Angel, and just from reading what will be expected and due of us this week, I have already begun to stress.
More to come throughout the week.
3pm was registration/check-in, which was very quick and painless. Some pictures taken (for Angel and for the Student ID), got handed some information on the in-residence week, purchased the coursepack for C511, got some Kelley swag, and some snacks.
6:30pm was the welcome reception. Got to finally meet some classmates, heard from Dean Venkat, ate, and then afterwards we got to hear from a few of the professors who teach "1st year" courses. The professors were very enthusiastic about the program and the course they teach.
The KD faculty and staff are very friendly and helpful. The classmates that I have met so far come from a wide range of backgrounds, are also very friendly, and have alleviated any fears I may have had about what exactly my classmates would be like.
The campus is amazing. I am not used to the traditional college campus, as I have mostly attending urban universities. However, just from walking around I feel that maybe I missed out somehow.
Groups have been assigned for the week, although I have not met any of my group members yet. The actual class begins tomorrow, and the syllabus and assignments for the week have been posted on Angel, and just from reading what will be expected and due of us this week, I have already begun to stress.
More to come throughout the week.
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