This weekend

I loooove long weekends! :) On Friday I decided to get out of my shell and join my classmates Jennie and Robert for dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant called Farmicia. We then went to watch "Black Book", the heartwrenching story of a German-Jewish girl who narrowly survives the war in Holland and shortly after the liberation, tries to find out who betrayed her family. I highly recommend it!

Yesterday and today, I have been studying for my two exams. Thursday is sooooo close, and my cases and notes cover more than 500 pages! I feel I can never finish sob sob... in addition to what has been discussed in class, I have to draw similarities and differences between the strategies employed in each case. Quite a task!

I have finished reading our textbook on the history of Latin America and I am quite disturbed by what I have learned about the United States' interventions in the internal affairs of almost every country on the South American continent: support for military dictators simply because they were opposing Communism, training of special forces to fight rebels, killing of priests, overthrowing of regimes etc etc. I had not realized the extent of these interventionist measures, and I am surprised that the American population does not protest them in greater numbers. I wish I could request that my tax contribution not be used to fund such activities .... I would gladly contribute to an education fund or to other noble causes. It was interesting to learn that President Jimmy Carter was one of the very few US presidents who actually opposed policies of interventionism...

Lots of love, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Back from the BBQ (follow-up)

Hi everyone, I have just gotten back from the BBQ party, which was phenomenal! It took place on the deck of a 19th century old brownstone, which amazingly enough, was able to hold over 60 people! I was under the impression the roof could collapse at any point in time, which thankfully did not happen :) I was positioned strategically though, and had already thought of what I could hold, should the tragedy have occured :)

Philadelphia is breathtaking! I took some pictures of various neighborhoods today, I hope you enjoy this one - it's my favorite!

The ornate buildings and cathedrals I encounter at every corner remind me of old Europe - it's a great feeling to be able to walk down narrow streets and be surrounded by such beauty from all of the sides. Majestic constructions show up in the most unexpected places, and I am having a great time discovering what this great city has to offer!

I am sending my love to everyone in America and abroad! It is almost 1am and I have to get back to my studies - I had not anticipated the BBQ would last this long :) ooooops

One week left till we leave to Mexico!

Studies, studies, and more studies. Papa said it right today: "that's why I sent you there!" :) I admit I had gotten used to my comfortable life outside of school, and now I am beginning to remember why I was so excited when I graduated 5 years ago! :)

The good news is that I FINALLY found an apartment for the fall :) yeyyyyy I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to not have to worry about living in the streets after I return from Barcelona in July.

If I decorate it nicely, it will look similar to the beautiful model apartment displayed in the picture :) That is.... if I have the funds! One of my father's friends was kind enough to offer me several pieces of furniture and other items I will need on a daily basis. I am so grateful and can't wait to start finding a place for everything.

I am getting ready to go to a BBQ party, which will be held at one of my classmates' house. Over 40 of us will be there, and I am sure we will have a blast! I have been feeling quite anti-social lately, because I have not gone to any parties sob sob.... I have been staying home studying every day... this will be a much deserved break :)

Hugs everyone, I have to return to my studies now. The exams next week look menacing, and of course I am panicked. Will I ever change? :) muaaaaaa

An amazing day at Estée Lauder companies

What an incredible day! Today we visited the headquarters of Estée Lauder companies in New York City and had the privilege to meet with some of the company's most outstanding officers, including the president of the prestigious division Clinique, the vice president for global branding strategies for all 23 Estée Lauder brands, and the president for global makeup branding for the Estée Lauder brand. We were given an amazing overview of the company's branding strategies with an emphasis on the international context in which Estée Lauder operates. After the event was over, we had the opportunity to ask questions and see some of the ads that would be introduced to the public in the fall of 2007.

At noon time we were invited to a guided tour of the
German and Austrian Gallery Neue Galerie, which is owned by the president of Estée Lauder companies and which features an impressive collection of paintings by Van Gogh and others.We also saw the breathtaking painting by Gustav Klindt, which has recently been acquired by Mr. Lauder for the astounding amount of $135 million (the most expensive painting in the world.) It is amazing to think that he and his brother are the founders of the Institute which I am attending.After visiting the Estée Lauder headquarters today, I have developed a clearer understanding of the mission of our school.

The evening concluded with dinner at a lovely Italian bistro located in close proximity to the Art Gallery.While riding in a chartered bus back to Philadelphia, we shared with each other that we had developed a stronger sense of what we are trying to accomplish at Wharton.

All my love and thanks to everyone who reads and contributes to my blog!

It's pouring outside!

It's 7 in the evening and I am unable to walk home because it is pouring outside! Yesterday I had my math exam - yey, it's over and I did well! I feel that a burden has been lifted off my shoulders, although I still have International Strategy and Latin American history to worry about. I am exhausted from so much reading, and I dread what is to come. By fall, I hope to learn how to manage my time more efficiently - or else I'll sink :)

My strategy class today was phenomenal! We discussed Japanese and American approaches to production, control, design, etc in the automotive industry. It is amazing how the Japanese minimize costs from every single activity, which translates into savings of billions of dollars. When we did the calculations in class, I was speechless. I never thought the differences are so major. It was fascinating to listen to two of our classmates, who have previously worked in Japan, speak about how business is done there and what the values are that make Japanese companies so successful. With everything that I have learned today, I feel inspired to do my internship in Japan! ... well, in case my great plan to work at Burj-al-Arab in Dubai doesn't work out! :) If you want to see something amazing, check out http://www.burj-al-arab.com/ (select to take the virtual tours - right side of page). A second fabulous alternative would be working with another of Dubai's amazing projects: the Palm! See http://www.thepalm.ae/ and share with me your impressions, can't wait to hear from you!

That's all for today because I must find a quiet spot to study three strategy cases and two history chapters for tomorrow. I am sure there is even more to read in my folder, i don't even want to open it :)
Lots of love!

First week flew by!

One week has already passed and I have started dreaming of integrals and logarithmic functions :) Thank God for the Romanian education system that keeps me afloat in class, many of my classmates are not that fortunate and I sense nervousness all around me. Our final exam is this coming Tuesday! In one week we covered everything from linear functions, to variable APRs, to partial derivatives, definite integrals and profit maximization. I am amazed!

On Saturday, we had a business game / simulation which turned out quite interesting because my team, which was initially winning, lost the lead. I have learned once again something I remembered from Tony Robbins' fabulous seminars on personal growth: that if we are not aware of limitations, we perform higher. That is precisely what happened with my team. When we were told that no other team in the past had produced more than 4 high quality boxes per table (that was the exercise), a decision was made not to try to produce high quality, but instead to focus on low end production. That decision completely grilled us. I had tried to explain to the group that we could definitely do more than 4, but because my teammates' focus was on past performance, I was unable to inspire them to try. My teammates were amazed when the winning team produced 17 high quality boxes. I was not surprised at all, but I definitely need to work on motivating my team, especially when we face the constraint of time. I found myself not having the luxury of explaining in detail why we could perform better. We therefore lost the competition, when we could have won. It was a great learning lesson!

Other than that, we are all so excited about the summer immersion, that it has become the focus of almost all of our conversations. The Portuguese professor attempted to tempt me to switch tracks :) which was quite fun because my Spanish teammates immediately interfered and did not allow him to continue :) It felt great to already have their support!

I am among amazing people, all accomplished and creative, and I learn so much every day! It is a thrilling, energizing environment!

Later on today we will be taking tango classes together, what can I say? Wharton is amazing!

Hugs and kisses! I miss everyone!

First real day of school :)

Friends, I only have a minute to write, just wanted to let you know that I am loving it over here. I have already made a million friends - last night we met for dinner and had amazing conversations. Need to start studying today, I am already one packet behind in Math! My favorite subject became much more difficult today, but I am still afloat :) I am starting Global Management in one hour, can't wait! My professor is also the director of Lauder, he is from Spain - phenomenally knowledgeable and polished! It looks like the class will be top notch, I should have read 30 pages by today but I was not aware of that since we have not yet had our first class (completely my fault!) aaaaaaa at least I am not the only one ;) Will be back to write more soon. Got to run to lunch, 5 people are waiting on me :)

Kisssssss
Ralu

Fashionably late :)

Hi everyone, sorry for taking so long to post my third blog, I'm at Wharton after all :) and life is busyyyyyyyy here :) I arrived on Saturday night and immediately got fleeced by the cab driver with a $50 bill!!!! which more than covered the trip from the airport to the apartment building. I will have to learn pretty quick the rules around here, before I am left without a penny :) The apartment is located in a gorgeous building at 2020 Walnut, a straight shot from the school. Today I walked to my first Math class, which took me a good, envigorating 30 minutes in chilly weather, but I made it and felt great. My professor is fabulous, I already knew all of the concepts he taught today, but learned new ways of interpreting certain business problems, so that was pretty cool. Found no Walmarts around, so Tiff darling, my gift card won't help much until I take a cab to the outskits of the city :) People here are extremely health conscious and I found a million stores with organic foods, shampoos, bars of soap etc. It looks like I will get in shape soon yey :)

After a delicious, fun brunch with the Lauder class yesterday, I spent about two hours walking around Philadelphia with two classmates who appeared to know where they were going.... :) Imagine what impact that walk had on my poor feet, but guess what? Today I left my heels behind and I am feeling much much better! Sob sob when will I wear my lovely European shoes again? :) :)

My next orientation starts in half an hour, and it will be followed by a nice reception. My classmates are phenomenal, they come from all over the world, including Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, Ireland etc etc. They are so much fun to talk to! I am sure the Lauder experience will be incredible, I just hope I can keep up! :)

Can't wait to hear from you!
Smiles and kisses,
Ralu :)

Meet Some of My Future Classmates!

For clarification purposes :) Lauder is Wharton's international program. Lauder graduates will be awarded both an MBA and a Masters of Arts in International Management.
Jose (far left) will be studying with me in the Lauder Spanish track, while Patrick wil be joining the Russian track. Angela is a pure Whartonite and she will be my roommate in the fall, after the Lauder class returns from the two-month summer immersion. Angela is originally from Hong Kong and would have loved to join the Japanese track, as her boyfriend is Japanese and she speaks the language quite well :) Nellie (far right) is the assistant coordinator of Lauder.

This picture was taken at the Winter Welcome Weekend held at Wharton in February. We had a blast!

Leaving to Philadelphia

I still find it difficult to believe that tomorrow I will be on a flight to Philadelphia, leaving many friends and familiar places behind to pursue the opportunity of a lifetime. On Monday, I will be starting my joint MBA/MA (Spanish) program at Wharton School of Business and the Lauder Institute of International Management.

I can only dream of what is to come: a world class education in the city which gave birth to this nation, two months of study and work in Mexico and Spain, leadership ventures to Antarctica and Kilimanjaro, management projects across the globe, and so much more.

I look forward to this new exciting stage in my life, and to sharing with you glimpses of my experiences for the next two years. Stay tuned and please post comments :)!