It is not easy to say goodbye to McCombs. In fact on most days I’m still in denial that its over. Perhaps this is because I am still on my post graduation world tour, but more likely the denial comes from my unwillingness to be sad. It is not easy to say goodbye to a place that provided you with incredible learning experiences, fantastic friends, the opportunity to go to Russia and Africa, and the chance to live in the awesomeness that is Austin. This is by far the hardest post I’ve been asked to write (and the post I’ve postponed the longest) so instead of getting teary eyed i am going to write about my last weeks in Austin, the last drops in the bucket if you will.
May began with my favorite band, the Arcade Fire coming to Austin. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the world, and one never has to wait too long for their favorite band to come through and play at an awesome venue. The Arcade Fire came to The Backyard, an outdoor venue just 20 minutes away from downtown. The Backyard is great because it feels really homey. Food is provided by local Austin vendors in food trucks, and oak trees line the lawn in a way that makes you feel like you just stepped off your back porch. Despite the concert falling during the last week of classes, about forty of my classmates journeyed out to see the concert. Only in Austin.
Later in the week it was time for MBA Revue, a time when the entire program comes together to roast and toast one another. It is the McCombs version of Follies and as the former GBC President I got to serve as one of the organizers of the event. It was a blast and the submissions were hilarious. You can check them out here.
The rest of the month was dedicated to graduation. Graduation at McCombs does not sneak up on you. During the week prior to commencement there are several events that build up to the final ceremony. Grad Banquet, Cohort Games 2.0, the Gilligan’s Island Boat Cruise, MBA Golf Scramble, and Salt Lick BBQ Banquet are all held in the week preceding commencement. It is a fantastic way to celebrate with your classmates before we make our way to different parts of the country and the world. Here are some photo gems from the week that is Disorientation:
Cohort 3's winning Human Pyramid at Cohort Games 2.0
Gilligan's Island Boat Cruise