Can a leopard change its spots?

As I sit here wrapping up my first quarter of grad school at Bainbridge Graduate Institute, I’m almost at a loss for works.  I’m having difficulty putting my thoughts down because my head feels like a tornado has been unleashed and my thoughts are flying around waiting to land at the first sign of peace.  This quarter has taken me on many journeys and I’m proud to say that I finished this quarter with a new outlook on life.  My expectations for the quarter have been far surpassed and the inspiration I’m feeling has become contagious.  I’ve surrendered to the unique experience that is BGI and I am committed to making this experience more than just getting a master’s degree.  

So what has me so jazzed? One of the core principles BGI embodies is the need for change. I've always been an advocate for change and I've always felt this world could be better if change was more readily accepted.  Despite the stereotypes around my chosen professions, I thrive in change.  I love the feeling of trying something new or challenging the habits and beliefs we hold as sacred.  Why do so many people struggle with change even when it’s desperately needed? To me it all comes down to the desired feeling of security.  There’s a fear of the unknown when it comes to change and that puts people outside of their comfort zone.  BGI has taught me to be comfortable with the ambiguity that change can sometimes create.  Sacrificing the desire to always feel secure is a small expense in making this world a better place.  

The beauty of each BGI intensive is the opportunity for multiple types of learning.  One of my favorite parts of the intensives is the Change Agent in Residence (CAIRs) talks.  The personal stories, heartfelt passion and knowledge these individuals impart on us in amazing.  Michael Kanter taught me that staying true to your core values is an invaluable asset.  Steve Butcher showed me that for-profit businesses can have compassion as a mission.  Mirran Raphael reminded me mentorship is incredibly powerful and a lifelong journey.  Jeff Mendelsohn encouraged me to live in a world of possibilities and not one of limitations.  Seeing change in action and hearing of its success creates an environment in which we are set up for nothing but success.  

This quarter has opened my eyes and made me see what assumptions I've made about the business world.  I wasn't expecting to be so inspired by all the negativity that our current economic system has created.  I know that sounds a bit bizarre but I feel like a fire has been lit under me.  For a while I've felt a bit of hopelessness about the world we've been living in but I failed to be able to put words to it.  Through the readings, videos, and lectures I've been partaking in, I now have a voice for these feelings.  This world is destined for change and to be part of this paradigm shift we so desperately need is an opportunity I feel nothing but gratitude towards.  This hopelessness is no longer feeling as such but feeling more like empowerment instead. 

Another key learning opportunity for me this quarter was the work with the Chicken Sweaters on our group project.  Working with Julia, Liz, Maren and Brittany has taught me to value those tough moments and difficult conversations that need to be had.  The process of team work is just as valuable as the product that is created.   The complexity and dynamics of human relationships are fundamental to understanding our potential within this world and enacting change.  BGI enables us to co-create an educational process that will keep us on a path of lifelong learning and having the skills to work in teams is essential.  

I have a deep appreciation for BGI and how it forces me to reflect.  I don’t often reflect on my actions, learnings and experiences and I've really come to value the opportunities for it.  Working with faculty, guest speakers and my cohort is a transformational process and it’s important to me to get the most out of this experience.  Our cohort is amazing and when I think of the possibilities ahead of us all, I can't help but be excited.  We have several CAIRS with in our group already and the passion we all share for changing this world is nothing short of inspirational.  They say a leopard cannot change its spots but are we sure?