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Commentary: Being Present (Stanford GSB MBA What Matters Essay)

The applicant – a second-generation American, shares her family’s journey from Hong Kong to the US – all in pursuit of living the American dream. The single-minded dedication and its impact on the family is the opening paragraph. 

When the obsessiveness for the goals at all costs was highlighted by the therapist, the applicant’s parents realized the impact their work had on the children. Dinner time became sacred for the family to offer undivided attention. Everybody shared about their challenging day. 

Plans were developed to tackle each minute's problems. 

The tragedy in the applicant’s family is captured with an interesting backstory about a road trip. The event is highlighted as a catalyst for recognizing the value of being in the moment. 

The applicant took to heart this virtue in an increasingly attention-sparse connected world. The time for the team, colleagues, and well-wishers was undivided. Everyone who interacted with the applicant felt connected to her. This ability to connect and understand the other person helped the applicant build a partnership in Ghana on a road trip that is changing the skills of Ghanaian engineers.