My INSEAD Story (Softcopy)

My INSEAD Story
A StoryPie Publication
www.storypie.co
Written by Sian Bentson
Produced by Ankur Grover
Illustrated by Swati Dhiman

INSEAD Graduation Ceremony
Class of July 2014

A Note from the Creators
INSEAD offers an intense and outstanding experience,
from the unique set of classes, campus locations, and
diverse students, to the built-in values of teamwork,
trust, and everlasting friendship. It's a way of life that
goes far beyond the MBA program leaving us with a
collection of special memories and feelings.
This is why we created My INSEAD Story: to give you and
all others from the INSEAD community a chance to
relive these cherished moments. With this book, you can
now hold the year at INSEAD in the palms of your hands,
and share with your loved ones in the simplest of ways.
We welcome you to reminisce over the pages of this book
as many times as you please.
Thank you for participating in this journey with us.
Sian & Ankur

Dedicated to INSEAD students and alumni

I waved goodbye
to my mom and dad
And boarded my plane,
a little bit sad.
But by the time
my plane touched down,
I just couldn't wait
to explore my new town!

I'd packed all my bags
and made a huge move
To go back to school
so my life could improve!
The best school in the world,
that's what I did hear,
It was called INSEAD
where I'd spend my next year.

In Fontainebleau, France
the school could be found,
Where boars from the forest
would dig up the ground.
A brilliant chateau
was just down the street
Nearby all the crepes
and baguettes one could eat!

And across the world
in Singapore
Was the school's
second campus,
not far from the shore.
Flip-flops and shorts,
the best dim sum next door,
And great views from
Marina Bay Sands’
rooftop floor!

I walked to school
on my very first day,
Excited to make
some new friends on the way.
From 6 different continents
the students had come,
All of them smart
and none of them dumb!

During National Weeks
we would have so much fun
Exploring new cultures
and dancing a ton.
Speaking new languages,
eating new food,
To learn from our mates
put us in a good mood!

INSEAD Africa Week

From Monday to Friday
we studied so hard
And on weekends
we traveled to countries afar.

We worked in groups
and succeeded together,
And realised that working in
teams, we'll do better!

The most difficult courses
were done by month four;
Now we'd choose our own
classes and study some more!
The campus exchange
was the next great event
We could learn and explore
on a new continent!

Fonty
Singy

From the forest in Fonty
to beaches near Singy,
We all remained friends
on that internet thingy.

We met new students,
we showed them about,
And played rugby each week,
"Undefeated!" we'd shout!

UNDEFEATED !!!

Soon it was time for us
to find jobs
So we dressed in our best
and looked almost like snobs.
At interviews, we were all asked
lots of questions
And later, we all got the jobs!
Or suggestions...

Now the end of the year
was coming so soon,
We'd accomplished our goals
and were over the moon!

So before graduation,
took one last vacation,
Said bye, then some went on
to rule their own nation!

But no matter
how far away we all went,
We cherished our friendships
and time we had spent.
That year brought us close,
like a big family,
And we promised that
this way it would always be.

To tell you this story
makes me feel so good,
I would do that year over again
if I could!

It changed my whole life
and for that I am glad.
I can't wait to show you
this magical place: INSEAD!

Acknowledgements
My INSEAD Story is an outcome of the learnings
from the Strategies for Product and Service
Development (SPSD) course which was taught at
Singapore in March-April, 2014.
We would like to thank Professor Manuel Sosa for
his constant guidance over the course of
creating this book. Without him, this book would
not have been possible.
We appreciate the support of the
Creativity-Business Platform initiative sponsored
by Gary Wang (INSEAD MBA ’02).