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In order to give one’s life meaning, one must have the ability to imagine and fight for a life beyond one’s own existence. Our time at Bentley is ending in less than three weeks. Over the past few months, each of us came with singular stories, but here at Bentley, we realized our destiny was shared. Good or bad, we made it through. We did not only survive. We strove. Ultimately, we became connected by our shared aspirations and the opportunity that was given to us by the university. Regardless of our differences or origin, we shared a common world, a common campus, a common commitment to making the world a better place. As graduation approaches at the speed of light, the fear of the unknown is becoming more and more unsettling. What is next?

As I reflect on this question, I am reminded of Clayton’s theory that we learned in my strategy class with Linda Edelman. As Clayton explains, “a deliberate strategy is a roadmap that a company or an individual puts in place and sets out to follow while an emergent strategy involves the decision to follow a new path when opportunity knocks unexpectedly, or when an unexpected roadblock arises.” When I decided to volunteer at the Islamic society of Boston Cultural Center, the largest mosque in New England, I never imagined that I would come across Kader Kaneye, founder of the African Development University and former Bentley Student who referred me to the BMBA program. I chose to volunteer but I never imagined or planned that volunteering at the mosque would lead to Bentley. Furthermore, when I decided to join the Boy Scouts of America as an immigrant with a thick accent, I never planned on serving on the diversity task force charged to suggesting ways to make scouting more diverse in New England and beyond or even organizing an Islamic day at camp that saw the attendance of the Boston Globe. Looking back, I realize that my life has been a product of emerging and deliberate strategies and Clayton’s theory that I learned here helps me makes sense of the days ahead.

Bentley’s BMBA has been a challenge but a fun ride; one that each of us will always remember. It saddened me to know that each of us will soon take a different path this May, but I am excited to know that we have forged relationships that will serve as catalysts to improving our respective communities. As you think about the next phase in your life, I urge you to start your impossible, to apply what you have learned over the past year and to believe in the possibility of the impossible.

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