As I wrap up my first year in the MBA program at the Wisconsin School of Business, I keep coming back to one thought. The Consortium did not just give me an opportunity; it gave me a community and a sense of responsibility. Before I even set foot on campus, I felt this mix of excitement and curiosity about what the next two years would look like. I knew the MBA would challenge me, but I did not yet understand how deeply The Consortium would shape my experience.
That understanding really began in Indianapolis. Walking into the Orientation Program for the first time, I realized quickly that this experience was larger than myself. UW-Madison is one of the founding schools of The Consortium, and being part of a founding institution carries a certain weight. It brings a sense of history, purpose, and commitment to something larger. As I met students from across the country, it hit me how powerful this mission truly is. Every conversation reminded me that we were all there because someone believed in us, invested in us, and wanted to see more underrepresented students thrive in business.
The most important day of the conference was Career Day. You could feel the energy the moment you walked into the room. There was a mix of nerves, preparation, and ambition that filled the space. Hundreds of students stood ready to share their stories and make connections that could change their career paths. I took a moment to look around and appreciate how many organizations showed up not only to recruit but also to support The Consortium’s mission. They were not just looking for talent, they were standing behind a movement that has been opening doors for decades.
As I started my first few conversations with companies, the nerves slowly began to fade. Talking about my experience in the military and in HR reminded me that I belonged in that room. With each conversation, my confidence grew. By the end of the day, I was not only proud of how I performed. I was proud of the community I had stepped into. As the conference wrapped up, one question stayed with me. How am I going to give back so that others can have the same experience or an even better one?
That question stayed in the back of my mind throughout my first semester. Between classes, group projects, and adjusting to the program, I kept thinking about the responsibility that comes with being a Consortium Fellow. It is not just about receiving support, it’s about continuing the mission.
That opportunity came sooner than I expected. When I was asked to serve as one of the new Consortium liaisons, it felt like everything had come full circle. This was my chance to give back. I started mentoring incoming students before they even arrived on campus. I helped them understand what to expect at the Orientation Program, how to prepare, and how to navigate the early nerves that everyone of us feels.
Toward the end of the semester, I had the chance to participate in On Wisconsin, supporting prospective Consortium students who were considering UW-Madison. Sitting in that room brought back memories of my own uncertainty. I remembered the questions, the excitement, and the fear of the unknown. I remembered exactly what it felt like to be in their seat. But this time, I was on the other side of the table, answering the same questions I once had. I had walked the path they were about to start, and now I could help guide them through this amazing journey.
As I look back on this first year, I think about the students I met in Indianapolis. Many of them still check in, share updates, and reach out when they need support. That is the heart of The Consortium. It’s a network, a community, and a commitment to lifting each other up. Being part of a founding school like UW-Madison makes that commitment feel even more meaningful. We are not just participating in the mission, we are helping carry it forward.
I am grateful for the people I have met, the opportunities I have had, and the responsibility I now carry. As I finish my first year, I am excited to continue supporting incoming students, strengthening the community, and honoring the mission that brought me here in the first place.
This first year was not just about learning business. It was about learning how to lead with purpose and remembering that the mission does not end with me. It continues with every student who walks through the doors of a Consortium school, especially those who will sit in the same seat I once did, wondering what comes next.