A Year in Review

This year, a few of us at the Johnson School are creating something called The Johnson Book. Essentially it's a coffee table book that captures all the things that have gone on here over the past year in pictures and words. Here is an excerpt of one of the sections that will be included. It's called "A Year in Review."

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At the Johnson School many wonderful things take place each year. There are challenges yes, that is part of business school. The great thing is that through the ups and downs, each of us emerges stronger and more refined than before. This year of 2008-2009, has been no different. Let us take a look at how it unfolded and the memories we created.

It began with first years cutting their teeth at orientation. They met their fellow classmates and learned about what the next two years would bring. Orientation was capped off with JOE, a Johnson School tradition that unites the incoming class just before they enter the toughest few months of school..."The Core." Then the second years arrived, holding their heads a bit higher than the year before and aiming to do their best to lead the school through what was sure to be an eventful 10 months.

The first few weeks of school it seemed like everyone was back to their old tricks. Heads were buried in books and calendars in order to perform academically, fulfill commitments, and get jobs. We again, did our best to navigate through a system of learning and individual development. As time moved on though, the celebrations began!

Diverse interests were brought to life through events like Diwali and Asia Night. Friends congregated in Collegetown post-exams and champagne toasts were heard abound after job and internship offers. At some point, most of us engaged in at least one activity we never thought would be SO MUCH FUN! Activities like the Pumpkin Carving Contest, Beirut tournament, Flip Cup tournament, Mustache Contest, and the Bowling World Series. All of these events showcased b-school competitiveness and re-captured youth, at its best.

Time marched on...

Students flew all around the world immersing themselves in different cultures. Club elections were held and first years began to take reign of Johnson School leadership. Treks were taken, guest speakers arrived, presentations were given, and triumphs and setbacks were experienced.

This year also marked major world events. We were part of a historical election and witnessed our economic security stumble along side of a shocking Wall Street shake-down. It was a struggle to wrap our heads around the changing times, but through the year, still kept up with comforting traditions. We cheered for Big Red and their Ivy League Conference victory, placed bets on the NCAA tournament, and watched the beautiful springtime reawaken at the Masters in Augusta.

The departure of the second year students marks the end of an era for some and the mid-point for others. It is with great pride we take this journey and looking back we know it is the good things we will remember. It is the people we met and the time that we spent together. For when it's all said and done, it is each of these little memories...each one of us...that make one great, big, wonderful year - every single time.

CBJ: The Johnson School's Very Own Small Business

Hi everyone!

Recently I submitted an article to be published in the Cornell Business Journal (CBJ). CBJ is the only independently run organization at our school and is essentially a student run small business. It is one of the great things you can get involved with during your tenure at the Johnson School and provides a way to pose interesting questions and issues while reaching a considerable amount of people. Its audience includes current students and alumni - via physical and on-line distribution.

I wanted to share my article with you...hope you enjoy!

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New York City: Passe? Or a Classic that Never Goes out of Style?

For years people from all over the world have clamored to get to the Big Apple. It represented possibility, freedom, and an exciting life...a successful life. It was home to the best of the best. Whether in finance, fashion, or art, those at the top of their game definitely played on the little east coast island. Now New York City faces many competitors as young professionals look to other cities in hopes of catching the next big wave - and this has left many people asking, "Has New York City lost its luster?"

Take Seth Johnson, a Washington DC business man and a total shoo-in to become a New Yorker, but decided on Dubai instead. He now commands a high salary and hand picks jobs from Saudi Arabian investors with deep pockets. Then there's Pavan Krishnamurthy, a child psychologist currently finishing his residency in San Francisco. He always dreamt of living in NYC but has set his sights on Berlin, claiming it is the new New York City and that the old one is dead. Sean Davenport, an independently wealthy entrepreneur who could live anywhere in the world, well he chose Jacksonville, FL commenting, "Who wants to be in NY now? I mean, it's such a downer." Yes, perhaps these people would have chosen alternate cities anyway, but the fact is these stories are becoming much more common, than 'I dream of NYC' stories.

Emphasizing this shift is obviously the current economic situation. New York City's unemployment rate in December totaled 7.4 percent and is predicted to rise until it hits 10.5 percent, a previous peak occurring in the 1970s. Budget officials also assume that the city will lose 294,000 jobs from mid 2008-2010, including 46,000 from the financial services industry. Tourism is down five percent, many small businesses have closed their doors, and retailers find themselves in constant sale mode. A global issue for sure, but New York City is just one of those places where you absolutely cannot live, unless you have a paying job (a high paying job is best) or fortunate circumstances. It practically costs $50 every time you step out your front door and, in contrast, other cities offer appealing lifestyles for a fraction of the cost.With this said, New York is infamous for being resilient, bouncing back, taking care of others when they're down on their luck, and for lighting up the mood the way only NYC can. For instance, many venues in the city promote Wall Street specials offering drinks at half the price when the Dow closes down 100 points or more. Then there's the Pink Slip Party where those who've found themselves without a job are provided a forum to meet and greet potential employers. A recession dining guide has been made and friends who have kept their jobs continue to lend a helpful hand to those that haven't. But is it enough?

In the immediate sense no, probably not - but financial crisis aside and with a more long-term view, one can surmise that while other parts of the world are pulling people in different directions, New York City will always afford opportunities of all desires and draw the best of the best to attention. Just because other destinations are rising up and becoming an integral part of the world business and political scene, does not necessarily mean that those who have been there for a while have become passe. For one to succeed, the other does not have to fail. So as people continue to move abroad or seek alternative residences, those who reside in the 917, 212, and 646 will surely call up their friends in Dubai, who every once in a while, say they miss New York.

Names in article were changed to protect privacy
New York City stats cited in New York Times, February 15th, 2009
U.S. unemployment rate totaled 7.2% in December 2008

Very Important "Must Do's"

Hello again! Now back from a nice long winter break spent with friends and family, I find myself back in Ithaca for my last semester! At this critical moment, one has to ask one's self...what is it that I absolutely want to do in Ithaca before I leave this town forever. Ok, that's a bit dramatic...but before I don't live here permanently anymore.

After careful thought, I can confidently say that these are my top five must do's:

1. Go to the Pines for a burger
The Pines is practically part of the core course requirments so can't believe I've made it this long without going.

2. Go to the Creeker for a beer
It's my belief that quality time with Ithaca townies is truly a once in a life time experience and one that should not be missed.

3. Study in a library other than the Johnson School Library
There are gorgeous historical libraries on campus, and now that the undergrads have clearly invaded our precious little space at Johnson, I think it's high time we start throwing around our weight near their books.

4. Hit a golf ball on Cornell's Robert Trent Golf Course
Yes, I'll hit more than one golf ball if the temperature ever rises above 40 degrees.

5. Give Randall Sawyer a high-five
Seems only appropriate to high-five the admissions guru on your way out.

So those are my five must do's! If you're on your way into the Johnson School, make sure they're on your list of To Do's!