Friday, February 29, 2008

Book signing in the city

I was browsing in the non-fiction book section when, suddenly, there was a crowd congregating around me. To my left, to my right, behind me. I looked around curiously trying to fish for information on what the buzz is all about. A bookstore staff made a signal to another one and yelled he needed a chair. Under the sign Three Cups of Tea, a table with neatly arranged stacks of books and a fellow dressed in business casual is kneeling on the floor with a pen on his right hand. Yet another book signing, I thought to myself.

There were two names listed as the authors of the book. Fearing I might get a negative reaction, I didn't bother asking which one of the authors is he. I tried deciphering the texts he was scribbling that maybe it will give me a clue to his identity but my vision failed me.

I spent another minute or two lurking around the area. I noticed that this author is different from the other ones I've seen. He smiles as if he's really happy about what he is doing, no signs of pretensions, he seems like very sincere. I took a note of the book in my books to checkout list with the thought that I might get lucky that a signed copy will land at the main library.

~ral

(The photo above is the ornate Roxie theatre located on 16th St and Valencia in the Mission district of the city.)

Friday, February 08, 2008

Malloy Hall, 203

The damp and frigid wind whipped my face as I walk up the stairs of Malloy Hall. I was almost running to reach the main entrance not because I was late for my appointment but I was trying to get inside where there is heat. It was also strangely windy on Fulton St. which made using an umbrella completely futile. It must be the wind tunnel created by the massive facade of St. Ignatius church, where its towers dominate the sky in this part of town.

USF is one of the five local schools of my choice. I had sent an RSVP to their MBA office two weeks earlier to get my name on their list for the MBA simulation class. Conversing with other attendees made my natural competitiveness come alive. Although I was kind of disappointed with myself for making jeans part of my wardrobe that morning. I learned everyone has already taken the GMAT except me.

We were grouped by four per table to mimic the 'case' style teaching employed at the university. In the next two hours, a professor eloquently shared a simple business model and the case we were supposed to brainstorm on. I could hear my thick accent whenever I ask the professor for a clarification, my uncontrolled nerves perhaps. The other group presented their case well but my group would eventually give the correct business solution for the given problem which provided me an instant high. The exercise was totally mind stimulating and gave me confidence that I can do this.

At the end of the session was the Q&A. I also learned that, even if I take my GMAT in the next weeks, I still won't be able to produce all the requirements. It would be cutting it too close since the admissions office is probably at the last round of selection. I decided not to submit my personal information. At least not yet.

I have an appointment with the San Francisco State University's equivalent program this weekend. I set in my calendar that November is my deadline.


Let's wait and see.
(The photo above is the St. Ignatius church of the University of San Francisco.)