Guo_Optional Essay_Sloan

Optional Essay for MIT Sloan Class of 2016

Transcript

1. An interview with Andy Guo and Sloan! Andy Christopher Guo Height: 5’7 Weight: 160lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Age: 28 Birthdate: 10/16/1985 Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts Current Industry: Technology (Finance -- Management) Post-MBA Industry: Financial Technology -- Strategy Previous Industry: Financial Services -- Investment Banking EXCLUSIVE THE THE INTERVIEW POST THE INTERVIEW POST THE INTERVIEW POST THE INTERVIEW POST TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014 A COLLECTION OF SAN FRANCISCO’S MBA INTERVIEWS
2. 1) Family: I am the youngest of three brothers. We specialize in four different fields: Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Business. 2) Favorite Food: I love all types of pizza, especially BBQ Chicken. 3) Favorite Pet: I raised a dwarf bunny in college. 4) Hobbies: I enjoy watching TED Talks. I also love group-based activities, such as card games, social-gatherings, and community service. 6) Sports: I love to play sports. Football, Basketball, and Rugby are among my favorite. I played football for four years in High School. 7) Obsession: Bizarre Foods. I will try anything once. My last destination was Machu Picchu, where I tried Fried Cow Eyes and Guinea Pig. Seven Things That Define You Guinea Pig
3. However, upon hearing these words, I knew I had to take action. I’d always been the one who encouraged and supported others, but I finally realized that I needed to take charge of myself. Often, I wanted to revert to my old habits -- but I forced myself to keep jogging and to eat healthfully. My motivation needed to continue to come from within. Today, I’m thankfully 160 pounds. Losing weight has been my proudest personal accomplishment. It has also refreshed my outlook in life. I am now action oriented and will encourage and support others as hard as I do myself. At MIT, I would encourage others to continue to follow their passions, despite any obstacles that they may face. It is this support that will allow us to push further and achieve more than ever before. One Life-Changing Event I Am Action Oriented: “At this rate, Andy, you won’t reach thirty,” my doctor warned. At the age of twenty, I was 200 pounds (and only 5’7!). I was sedentary with poor habits, including excessively eating fast food and playing video games.
4. I Enjoy Life With People “Happiness is only real when shared” is a quote that lives deep in my heart. I love traveling — the culture, the food and new perspectives are all rewarding, but for me, the most fulfilling part is the camaraderie traveling creates between my friends and me; it is a time when you let vulnerabilities show, allowing a deep connection with others. Last year, two friends and I trekked five days on a very dangerous and flooded Salkantay Trail to Macchu Picchu. As painful and exhausting as it was, I had the best time of my life. From our stories of past love and deceit, to the discussions about life’s meaning, we developed a deep connection that caused us to feel alive in a society where we are often defined only by our profession. At MIT, I would love to experience life with my classmates, especially through group trips and spontaneous activities, creating lifelong memories and long-lasting bonds that we can always draw upon. One Thing You Love to Do
5. engaging the undergraduates in the group by asking about their experiences at Haas. Because all members of the group felt respected and heard, together we developed an idea for an online bulletin board on which alums and undergrads could post “individual problems,” and pin “solutions,” (including that individual’s contact information). At MIT, I would bring the same mentality. For example, while working with my learning team, I would find ways to create a safe environment, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard to create the most engaging discussions, fostering a foundation for a harmonious and advantageous working relationship throughout the time at MIT. One Trait You Will Exhibit in the Classroom I Will Collaborate As an active member of several organizations outside of work, I would contribute all that I’ve learned about effective leadership and teamwork. As a Class Engagement Officer of UC Berkeley Haas, I recently worked with three undergraduates and five graduates at the Haas Leadership Retreat to brainstorm activities that would appeal to both undergraduates and alumni. Realizing that the alumni were dominating the conversation, I immediately diverted the conversation,
6. THE THE INTERVIEW POST THE INTERVIEW POST THE INTERVIEW POST THE INTERVIEW POST Find out next month on his status!