This goes out to: New Section F, Old Section J, and the VCPE students.

Hi!

So I am not teaching TEM this semester for the first time in a long time. Most of the reason is due to my father. He is 88, and I need the flexibility to check in on him. Part of it is burn out in all honesty.

It was a privilege to serve as TEM co-course head for three years. But after being at a 100%+ teaching workload for a few years while also continuing to manage down some VC funds, I needed a break.

I am still hosting office hours and attending My Takes when invited. And I very much enjoy running into you on campus. You lift me up and give me hope for our world’s future.

Generally you all seem to be at different phases of The HBS Life. The first-years comment about how quickly the experience is going by. How is it that “the days feel long but the years feel short” at HBS? The second-years are in their last semester and feeling nostalgic. Is the HBS experience really almost over?

Here is something my mother told me: “life is about seasons, and the trick is to enjoy each season for what it offers.” I’ve mentioned that each HBS semester is unlike the other and is unique. The first semester is exhilarating but also very challenging as you adapt to a new school, a different pedagogy, and a new country for many. It is winter. The last semester is filled with a sense of accomplishment and marvel. It is summer.

I suggest that you just enjoy where you are. Each semester has its own vibe in terms of pros and cons. Just accept it and enjoy it. Radical acceptance of what the day brings is key to finding life’s joy. It’s an old Buddhist teaching that I think is very relevant to us today. Strivers in particular have a hard time with this.

Enjoy the semester!