How this experience has changed me!
Now that this incredible journey has come to an end and has made room for another journey that I will be embracing in my homeland, except for the thrills of what new adventures are waiting for me, I’m already feeling nostalgic about the days I’ve passed in the U.S., the campus, my friends and of course the student life. Today is my last day of class and has left me thinking of how lucky I have been for this great opportunity, for the new experiences and the friends I have made, and how grateful I feel toward AADF, the Biberaj Foundation, and American Councils, but also how profoundly this experience has impacted me.
Coming from a small country like Albania, I can say that diversity is almost a non-existing concept. Studying at Bentley University, I was lucky enough to have classmates with ethnicities from all around the world. Every day I have been amazed by the stories, cultures, personal experiences, political situations of a high diversity of countries, and the new things I could learn from my friends. I’ve become very passionate about foreign cinematography. It has opened my eyes and has taught me that there are different ways how to see the world, and that diversity does not only involve how people perceive other people but also how we perceive ourselves as well.
In terms of career, an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems did not only boost my confidence in my existing IT skills but also provided me with a new perspective on how to see everything and enriched my professional skills with new leadership and flexible management skills. My networking and people skills have improved significantly, I have gained a new whole level of confidence in myself, and the new professional opportunities now have increased dramatically not only in quantity but also in quality.
And on top of everything, I found the MIP fellowship rewarding both professionally and personally. I’m returning to Albania with so many experiences, memories, and most importantly so many new friendships that I will always cherish in my heart.
In terms of career, an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems did not only boost my confidence in my existing IT skills but also provided me with a new perspective on how to see everything and enriched my professional skills with new leadership and flexible management skills. My networking and people skills have improved significantly, I have gained a new whole level of confidence in myself, and the new professional opportunities now have increased dramatically not only in quantity but also in quality.
And on top of everything, I found the MIP fellowship rewarding both professionally and personally. I’m returning to Albania with so many experiences, memories, and most importantly so many new friendships that I will always cherish in my heart.
©️ Elda Isakaj earned an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems at Bentley University located in Waltham, Massachusetts.
