Whenever I travel in New England, I am always keenly aware that I am a Midwesterner. Call me silly, but the differences in the culture are tangible to me. Sometimes I joke that New Englanders just aren’t as friendly as us but then someone comes along and reminds me that stereotypes are never accurate…
Tonight it was a woman on the Dartmouth Coach from Boston to Hanover. She and her husband grabbed the seat next to mine. They were nicely tanned and all smiles. Mind you it was 40F outside and they had on shorts (so New England!!). When the woman caught me staring, she giggled and it reminded me so much about what I cherish about New Englanders, particularly our Assistant Dean and head of the MBA Program Office, Sally Jaeger.
If you’re considering Tuck, you may never hear about her in the literature or at the panels. Unlike some admissions and program officers who have almost “rock star” status on the B-school blogs, the people from Tuck are a bit more understated. However, I can guarantee if you come to Tuck you will know Sally and more importantly, she will know you.
Our first encounter was last June at a pre-MBA conference. She was quiet and observant. She was there ensuring we were comfortable and confident at our first function as B-school students. For me, she was a blur with everything else going down.
But in the fall she remembered me. It was the 6th night of orientation and I was a wreck. Tired like everyone else but slightly more stressed because it was my daughter’s first day of school and I was at yet another T10 dinner instead of hearing about her first day of school. Sally saw me, took one look at me and told me to go home. She told me that I had more important things to take care of that evening.
Wow!
One week I, no actually still in the preview week, and she already knew me and I sensed her commitment to help keep me on track and balanced. And I have to admit, I am no different than the rest of the class in this regard. She knows us all. She knows our families. She knows our stories. Not only does her staff manage so many aspects of our experience as a class, but they work to keep us true to ourselves.
During admitted student weekend, many people asked how you keep balance during B-school. My answer is that you set priorities. My second answer is that you take comfort knowing you have a team around you, like Sally, who won’t let you fail, but on the contrary ensure your success.
Those who attend Tuck enjoy this support and spend their days among true “rock stars”.
Read the full article: Rock Stars in Our Midst