A month into my MBA programme as a new '21J student, I sit here during a rare moment to reflect. What a weird year it has been. The world has been reshaped by the events that have transpired in 2020. Despite all the uncertainty that has been thrown our way with the COVID-19 pandemic, INSEAD has emerged as a role model in dealing with current circumstances and I want to commend the school for its efforts thus far.

• Read more about INSEAD's Leadership During COVID-19

My INSEAD dream was a like a seed planted two years ago in 2018 by one of my former managers who was himself part of the Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2018.  The seed he planted was watered by a personal desire to acquire knowledge to fix complex situations in life; nurtured by a passion to make an impact in a world full of challenges. It was later fertilised by an unusual COVID-19 pandemic and now turned into a fruit of admission and I am thoroughly excited about it.  How did the INSEAD dream start? 

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As a 21J, having recently started my core courses at INSEAD, there is no question that we are learning how digital has had a profound impact on business. You only have to look at the companies that are surviving and thriving in the COVID pandemic to understand the power of digital strength on a company’s fortunes.

• Read more about Learning the Language of Digital, Fast

“Never again,” I told myself after the lockdown restrictions were lifted in Antwerp, Belgium, where I had been residing for the last three years. Never again did I want to live all alone in an apartment for weeks on end (felt like years) in isolation. I could practically see the wrinkles forming under my eyes each day as I woke up at 6:30am, worked out in my living room, showered and was on video calls starting at 8:30am for the rest of the day.

• Read more about Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice: Shared Housing Provides the Ultimate INSEAD Experience.

I have long heard that Fontainebleau is the most popular bouldering destination in the world and a must visit place for every climber, and that bouldering is very popular amongst INSEAD students. Although I've never tried, I feel that my MBA journey at INSEAD is very much about trying new experiences and discovering new adventures. My classmate Patrick gave me a bouldering lesson at the Karma Salle d'Escalade Fontainebleau, I learnt so much, and really look forward to venturing out into the forest soon!

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INSEAD MBA students are allocated into study groups, so that we may learn from each other, strengthen our teamwork skills, and use our collective intelligence to reach new heights. Study groups are a little like families - we sit together in class everyday, complete a significant amount of assignment together, and coach each other in our Personal Leadership Development Programme (PLDP) programme.

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Fontainebleau has many shared houses for INSEAD MBA students. I live at Club 16, which is right at the heart of Fontainebleau and 15 mins walk to INSEAD. My housemates are all very international and fun to be with, we love sharing our experiences and learning about each other's cultures. The great kitchen and dining rooms at Club 16 means we often cook and eat together, and invite over other classmates. Shared houses provide the perfect environment for us to strengthen our friendships and have fun!

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• Read more about Barbizon, Painter's Village

Before I came to INSEAD, I thought career planning was about perfecting your CV, cover letter, Linkedin profile and cracking interviews. I was wrong. During launch week, we learned that our career choices are deeply rooted within our values, beliefs, past experiences, aspirations and dreams. 

• Read more about Career Reflection Through 10 Pictures

Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunion in the Chinese culture. It is a particularly emotional time for me, as I miss my dear family very much. However, this year is special, because I celebrated it with my dear classmates in Fonty. We ate Chinese traditional food, including spicy hot pot and moon cakes! We admired the beautiful moon together, just like we would do every year on mid-autumn festival day at home! With so much warmth and joy, I'm so glad to have found a home away from home in Fonty!

• Read more about Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival