Frank Fan, Tsinghua-MIT GMBA student, was admitted by MSOR program of Columbia University for his dual degree last year. After one-semester study, he would like to share some thoughts and insights with us.
Admiring the gingko trees in Central Park, golden under the sun, I’m reminded of the gingko trees near Tsinghua University’s old gate half a world away. Reflecting on campus life and our school motto “self-discipline and social commitment”, I thought I’d share some insights into my life thus far at Columbia University. Life here can be exciting one day, unremarkable the next. But in the end, the interesting discussions in class, the cultural diversity, and Broadway Musicals, as well as the many books I’ve dived into, have all left an indelible impression in my life journey.
Learning at Columbia
I still remember the first session of my Real Estate Capital Markets class. The professor, with both deep industrial experience and scholarly expertise, pushed me to think critically about the changes facing China’s real estate industry, and how US mature capital markets have improved the effectiveness of property pricing. My takeaway was that China’s real estate industry still faces opportunities for growth, but that financial reform and tax policies must also adapt in step with each new development. This type of insight, which challenged my previous opinions and ideas, is exactly the type of critical thinking I intend to develop in my studies abroad.
In a fast-changing environment like New York, one must jump out of his or her comfort zone and explore new fields and industries. Thankfully, Columbia’s location and platform have provided many such opportunities. Distinguished industrial experts lecture at Columbia on a regular basis, helping to expand my world view and broaden my horizons.
This semester I also took Napoleon’s Glance, a classic Columbia Business School course that brings together decision theory, psychology, sociology, and creative thinking to teach the art of managing with strategic intuition. This class has inspired deep reflection of my core values and beliefs. The world is much more complex than the simplified cases we study in class; with China’s rapid internationalization, a well-rounded and nuanced world view will be key to producing Chinese leaders with global influence.
Life in New York
I still remember a famous quote from the movie Beijinger in New York: “If you love someone, let them go to New York; if you hate someone, also let them go to New York.” Perhaps it is this vague and enigmatic impression of New York that ultimate led me here. Before departing, an HBS friend advised that I would probably learn more by simply living in New York than by attending all classes. Thus, with an open mind and sense of adventure, I began my new life in New York.
New York is a city that constantly surprises me. Every morning one can run around Central Park and witness the seasons changing. Seeing mothers running with strollers, elderly joggers persevering uphill, you feel the energy and momentum of social progress. When tired, you can sit on a bench and examine the etchings people have left over the years about love, family, and the future. In that moment, you suddenly feel blessed even as just a tiny speck in this grand universe.
Every day I walk through the familiar subway station, but still meet different performers on the platforms. Line 1 has over 100 years history, and the varied designs decorating the walls speak to the city’s changes and transformation. At night, Times Square is always lit up in a scene of revelry, with the “Love In New York” sign always attracting a crowd of tourists and couples who come from all over the world to witness love in this great city.
Window-shopping along bustling Fifth Avenue, you feel the pulsating and energy life coursing through the streets. Winding through Wall Street’s cluster of narrow buildings, you feel the weight and rigor of America’s capitalist history. The Wall Street bull statue attracts tourists wishing to create photo memories, while the Twin Tower tribute lights make us all pause and reflect on lives lost, and yearn for peace. Cycling along the Hudson River, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, leads you to the music of outdoor concerts, and provides beautiful views of the city. Lastly, one can thankfully enjoy Asian food in Chinatown and Koreatown—including authentic Sichuan hot pot—allowing any longing for home to melt away into the laughter of good friends and good company.
Travels around the U.S.
I still remember the classical teaching material Family Album, U.S.A. from my early days learning English. In one scene, the main character visits New York City, and the image of the Statue of Liberty set against a clear blue backdrop left a deep impression on me, and kindled my desire to travel around America. Even though it seemed a fantasy at the time, slowly but surely, I’ve found myself in a position to fulfill this dream.
Taking advantage of New York’s convenient transportation options, I’ve had the opportunity to see classmates at Yale, and attend MIT’s $100K Entrepreneurship Competition in Boston on weekends. I also drove with friends to visit Pennsylvania and Delaware. Along with previous trips to Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, I’ve made good progress in my goal of traveling around America.
In this winter break, I plan to explore California, starting from San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, paying a pilgrimage to tech meccas Palo Alto and Mountain View, driving along the coast on Route 1 to Los Angeles and Hollywood, then all the way down to San Diego. Afterwards I’ll fly to Miami to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise around some South American islands, before ending my trip back in Key West, Florida. Standing at America’s southernmost tip, I will reflect on my travels and experiences in the U.S., and look forward towards the future. Life, as it turns out, can be pretty great after all.
By Frank Fan GMBA ‘14
User Login
