Today was a big day: GMAT test day.
I prepped long and hard for this one. Studying has been a priority, even though it sucked to hunker down after work and on business trips this past month.
But it was worth it today.
Tons of nerves all morning, knowing all too well how important my test performance would be. And just one chance at it too.
As I started the test, I relaxed. It was weird actually.
And then when I finally finished and the computer spit out my score, I lit up.
I had to wait until I left the testing area and building, but once outside, I shouted at the top of my lungs. I just let it all out.
It was a fight, but I punched the GMAT right in the face. KO.
If you’re a corporate executive that thinks the workplace doesn’t matter, listen up.
It matters.
Having worked at Epic for almost two years, I can definitely say that “being at work” in an office on a beautiful campus is a significant perk. The whimsical artwork, chef-manned cafeteria, and themed buildings give the place life. If nothing else, it certainly makes tough work days bearable.
On the good end, it gives me some pride in my work, and seeing tour groups flock to experience the campus too, makes me feel a little important. It also shows that the higher-ups care.
During my trip home this past weekend, I got the chance to take a look at two other companies that care about the “work”place: Box and Google.
Who wouldn’t want to work a place where you can slide or rock climb during your lunch break?
As I was running errands this morning, I passed by a young kid playing violin on the street. He had his case open with a paper that said: “Help me pay for my violin.”
I dropped in a five dollar bill and was glad to pay music forward. Hope the money helps keep him excited about learning the violin.
I used to play violin a lot and seeing him brought back memories of my own violin-playing days.
One time, I played Christmas carols with my high school friends Jeff and Emilio outside of Westfield Mall in San Francisco. We were out there a good few hours and made just under thirty dollars I think.
We weren’t really doing it for the money (it covered our public transportation basically), but to spread some holiday cheer and I remember how we were always really excited when we got even a small donation. It was the best when a mom or dad handed their toddler some change or a dollar to toss in our cases :)
Playing violin and then eventually viola was a nice outlet for me, and it gave me some opportunities that wouldn’t have happened otherwise, such as taking orchestra trips to Europe.
I hope the young violinist I saw today gets some of the same and builds some music-playing memories of his own :)