Summer plans

So how do most HBS students spend their summer before school?

Well, if you're a "typical" 24-25 year old who has spent the last few years working really hard, saving a respectable treasure chest, but haven't had much vacation or personal travel time, the answer is.... travel! Despite the fact almost nobody is in Cambridge yet, HBS students are already planning a group trip to either Africa or China. This isn't a school trip - but an admit student organized trip - apparently following up on other previously successful pre-matriculation trips. Although I won't be going on this trip, to me this is great, because it reinforces my expectations that HBS students will be doers, not talkers. It's great to be among a group of people who don't just talk forever about going to China... they make plans, and they actually do it.

I've spent the last 10 years galavanting across the world, so I'm putting my focus on much more pragmatic issues... such as downsizing! For example, downsizing from a 2200 square foot, 1 acre home, to a small apartment. Downsizing from 3 cars to 1 (or 2). Figuring out what to put in storage, and finding a renter for my house. Figuring out my National Guard transition (yes, I plan to stay in the Guard during and after school). I'm also working on family genealogy. I was able to trace my wife back to the Mayflower and William the Conqueror. I know I know... all very boring grown up things. As many military officers can quaintly relate, there is certainly an envious appeal to being 24 years old and being able to move everything you own in the back of your car.

Still others are doing more than just relocating their homestead or traveling to exotic locations. Some are working on their business, completely immersed in their entrepreneurial ventures. Some are doing all three at the time same. I'm working on my own business plan this summer as well, or at least learning how to put it together.

However students spend their summers, it is probably safe to say few will "waste" a single moment of it.