Back in November I went on a 3 night backpacking trip through the Enchantments, a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington Cascade Mountains. It was the trip of my dreams and everything went perfectly: weather was ideal with clear skies (it rained right before and after we were there), the larches were peak yellow, lakes were crystal blue, we saw some mountain goats, and enjoyed Oktoberfest in Leavenworth afterwords.

As I was hiking out of the wilderness on the final day, I was experiencing a high from the crisp air, gorgeous sights, and having been off the grid for ~80hrs. It was one of those moments where you feel wholly appreciative and in love with life. At that moment, inspiration struck.

I knew that once my phone reconnected to the internet, the routine of life would come back. I had work the next day and Business School applications were looming, due on the first week of January. The essays were something I was dreading. I remembered the experience of applying for undergrad during high school, not really knowing what I wanted. I just knew it something I had to do -- and the lack of potency in my essays reflected it. Were things different now? Did I really want to go to Business School, or was it something I just felt I had to do? What did I want our of my career, our of my life?

At that moment, I found an answer -- it might not be the answer, but for now it feels right. A few of my favorite memories / experiences have been outdoors: cycling from Seattle to Portland, Skiing in Japan, and now hiking through the Enchantments. I think I'd like to contribute in some way that ensures future generations get to enjoy these experiences. Can I find a way to leverage my experience in tech to build a more sustainable future? Who knows? But that's what I'll explore in B School (in addition to genera personal development).

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With that epiphany, the application process actually became fun. My essays seemed to write themselves, and I found that having conviction in my story enabled me to be loose and creative with its delivery. For maybe the first time in my life, I am genuinely proud of my work and eager to share. I started this blog in part to help me practice my writing, and the essay writing process has only re-affirmed my confidence to keep writing.

I think my story is resonating with admissions teams, because I got into NYU Stern's Tech MBA program. It's one of my preferred choices (of the four I applied to), so I think I can say I'm going back to school!