What I’m Thankful For
As Thanksgiving approaches, we asked SOM students what is making them feel grateful this year.
Katherine Ahn ’27, MBA
This has been a year of new beginnings, and I’m thankful that starting my journey at Yale SOM is one of them. I feel fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community—one that is not only driven, but also welcoming and open. I didn’t expect to build such meaningful friendships so quickly, and I’m especially grateful to my Gold Cohort for making every class engaging and dynamic. It has been a privilege to learn alongside people who inspire me every day. My time at SOM has challenged me and encouraged deeper reflection on how I want to create meaningful impact. I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Akintola Buhari-Alade ’26, MBA
This year, I’m most thankful for the moments of shared laughter and genuine connection with loved ones. These moments remind me what truly matters. Reflecting on my time at SOM over the past year, I’m deeply thankful for classmates who have become friends and recruiting buddies, and for those with whom I created something meaningful together through various activities. My classmates’ passion, resilience, and willingness to support one another show why we are all here at SOM.
Beyond school, I'm grateful for the friendships I've made across the Yale campus. I’ve been fortunate to connect with people whose backgrounds, stories, and aspirations differ from mine yet somehow complement my path.
Jill Carpio-Santos, MBA International Exchange Student
Going on exchange and experiencing life at Yale has been such a meaningful chapter for me, and I’m grateful for it every day. I was a little nervous about arriving as an exchange student in a community where people already had their own circles, so it’s been really nice to meet so many kind people who’ve made me feel welcome. I’ve also loved getting a glimpse of the classic U.S. campus experience (like going to football games!), and look forward to applying what I’ve learned here in my career after the MBA.
Dorian Ezzard ’26, Master’s in Public Education Management (TBM)
The opportunity to be a part of The Broad Center at Yale SOM is beyond my wildest dreams. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a group of thoughtful, passionate, and wildly talented education leaders from around the country. We have laughed, cried, and shared our hearts in more ways than I can count, and I am so grateful to the Broad staff for curating an intentional, life-changing experience for our cohort.
Being a part of this program has challenged me to think in new ways, expanded my toolkit, and inspired me to renew my commitment to building a stronger education system. I've been reminded of the power of hope, community, and equity as forces for true change for humanity. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the Yale SOM family.
Francois Chabaneix Ferrand ’26, MBA
A year and a half ago, I was moving out of my apartment in Zurich, excited about the opportunity to join the Yale community. I must admit that behind that positive anticipation, I felt a big sense of uncertainty: Was I ready for the move? Would I fit in? What if the experience didn’t meet my expectations?
Today, I could not be more thankful for having made that decision. I am thankful for having the chance to take a range of courses at SOM and the broader university, focusing on topics from strategy and operations to business ethics and global affairs. I am thankful for the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone by trying new experiences, such as learning how to ice skate and play ice hockey (even though it came with a neck cast and a week of no neck mobility). Above all, I am thankful for having been able to create such close friendships. I will be graduating in six months, and like any change, this one comes with a new set of uncertainties. What makes me calm is knowing that no matter where I end up, I will have a group of friends rooting for me.
Ben Halvorsen ’27, MBA
I’m grateful for my peers, who consistently impress me with their knowledge, experience, and ambition. I have never been in such a stimulating academic environment, and I learn as much from my classmates as from my professors.
I’m grateful for my friends and family, especially the Yale Graduate Rugby Club. It’s been a pleasure to dust off my cleats and get back on the pitch with teammates from all of Yale’s advanced degree programs.
Most of all, I am grateful for this amazing opportunity. Four months ago, I was working in hazardous waste management, finishing up a facility decommissioning project for a client. After 12 hours of pumping, I was exhausted and covered from head to toe in antifreeze. I wondered what my life would be like here at SOM. My expectations have only been exceeded. It’s been a privilege to have access to world-class resources, to attend lectures hosting CEOs and politicians, and to join a community driven to make a positive impact on the world.
Allison Hishmeh ’26, Master of Advanced Management (MAM)
I’m thankful for my MAM cohort. This is an extraordinary community of global leaders who already hold MBAs from the world’s most prestigious business schools and have come together to explore what leadership means in a rapidly changing world.
I came to Yale to deepen my understanding of the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation. What I found is a living ecosystem of leaders: brilliant peers who push one another to think more expansively, act more responsibly, and imagine new possibilities for impact. It’s a classroom that feels like a global think tank, brain trust, and family at the same time. It’s a privilege to learn from individuals who embody the future of leadership.
Pinky Kumari ’26, Master’s in Systemic Risk (SR)
I have so much to be thankful for this year, but being a Yalie tops the list. My husband and I are on this journey together, which makes it even better. Moving here with our super energetic 5-year-old was definitely an adventure, but the Yale community has made it so much easier than we expected. Our son has already made his own little crew of friends, which has made this place feel like home for all of us.
I also love how the SOM community genuinely celebrates everyone’s backgrounds and cultures. The Diwali celebration on campus was such a special experience, showing what this community is all about. And I’m so grateful for my amazing colleagues in the Systemic Risk program. The insightful discussions we have and the camaraderie we’re building feel like the foundation for lifelong friendships. It’s that kind of warmth and connection that makes me feel so lucky to be here.
Era Mane ’26, Master’s in Global Business and Society (GBS)
Studying at Yale has been the realization of a lifelong dream, one that continues to exceed every expectation. Every day here provides endless opportunities, fascinating conversations, and the chance to grow in ways I never imagined. I feel profoundly grateful to be in this position.
I’m especially thankful for the support of my family. Knowing how hard it is for them to have me this far from home makes me appreciate their love even more. I’m endlessly grateful for my little nephew, who brings light and joy into everything I do.
I’m thankful for the professors who inspire me to think beyond what I know, for the constant flow of new opportunities, and even for the job hunt—it never lets me get bored. Above all, I’m thankful for the people I’ve met here. They make all the difference. Not only do I feel intellectually stimulated and heard, but I also feel like part of a family built on shared enterprise, genuine kindness, and unwavering ambition.
John Morrison ’27, MBA for Executives (EMBA)
I am grateful to be part of Yale SOM because it provides an environment that challenges me to grow both personally and professionally. I am surrounded by people who inspire me to think bigger, work harder, and believe in myself. It is more than just learning about business, it is a place where I’m growing as a person. The diversity of backgrounds and career paths in the program create a unique culture which fosters growth and thinking across different paradigms. Surrounded by motivated peers and renowned and supportive faculty, I feel inspired to strive for excellence and achieve my potential. The learning goes well beyond textbooks and PowerPoints, and the focus on leading with empathy, communicating with confidence, and collaborating towards a shared goal is refreshing.
Marketa Myers ’26, TBM
Our world feels especially challenging right now. With the government shutdown, cuts to SNAP benefits, and a deeply polarized Congress, the national landscape can feel heavy. Yet, in the midst of these times, I choose to be intentional about finding gratitude and joy.
This Thanksgiving season, I am deeply thankful to be part of a dynamic cohort of 28 passionate educators through The Broad Center. Within this group, I’ve found a true sense of belonging—a space where I can learn, grow, and show up as my authentic self, knowing I am valued. I am profoundly grateful for the student colleagues and Broad Center staff who continually challenge my thinking and expand my capacity to serve.
Even in uncertain times, this community reminds me of what’s possible. The shared joy, purpose, and unwavering determination to help every child succeed give me hope. Together, we are changing the world—one person, one community, and one act of gratitude at a time.
Irine Juliet Otieno ’26, Master’s in Technology Management (TM)
I’m grateful for the community I’ve found at SOM—from my TM cohort to the clubs and the people I’ve met along the way. The shared meals, study sessions, late nights, laughter, and banter have made this journey feel full and human. I’m equally grateful for professors and classmates who challenge me to think deeper and share boldly, and for the donors whose generosity makes it possible for me to be here. Additionally, I'm thankful for my family’s continued well-being, and the fact that even while we’re far apart, we are able to stay closely connected.
Rene Rodriguez ’26, TBM
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside and from our incredible cohort at The Broad Center. Together, we’ve found the balance between joy and rigor, pushing one another to become better versions of ourselves for our communities while laughing and smiling more than I ever thought I could.
There’s also a tremendous amount of gratitude I feel for Yale, but especially for everyone who makes TBM possible. A deeply felt thank you to the TBM team who lead us with equal parts kindness and urgency, to the SOM staff who keep us fed and caffeinated, to our professors who aren’t afraid to challenge us, and of course to my cohort members. They push my thinking, keep me grounded, and laugh at my jokes even when they shouldn’t.
Lastly, as a Philadelphia 76ers fan, I’m also grateful for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Josh Salta ’26, EMBA
Another year, another batch of memories, caffeine, and group projects! Being part of Yale University isn’t just a dream come true—it’s the beautiful reality of late nights, deep learning, and endless snack runs.
As a proud second-year EMBA student, I’m beyond grateful for the friendships that turned into family and the professors who kept us humble. I’m especially thankful to my amazing cohort for trusting me as a community builder (aka part-time event planner, full-time group chat moderator). It’s been such a joy to witness the incredible diversity in our class—especially when we’re balancing different time zones, calendars, and the occasional “Wait, when’s that due?” moment.
Of course, none of this would be possible without my wonderfully supportive family—my lifelong cheer squad who make sure I stayed grounded, fed, and occasionally sane. Thank you Mom, siblings, and grandparents up above—this journey’s for you. (And yes, I’m still sleeping less than you’d like.)
Yanely Vasquez ’26, SR
I’m grateful for my first New England fall, a season that reminds me that beginnings can be both delicate and bold. Coming to Yale feels like a dream realized and the start of a new chapter. At SOM, classmates help, listen, and—when it counts—push me. In these first months, I’ve enjoyed lively class discussions, quick smiles on the walk across campus, thoughtful professors, and staff who make starting school in a new place easier. I’m discovering new traditions without leaving New Haven—different cultures, different stories, different ways to ask better questions. The magic is in the routine: walking under bright leaves, laughing between classes, building friendships that already feel like home.
Selamawit Worku ’27, EMBA
I have many things to be thankful for in my life—from loved ones to health to new opportunities. Overall, this year has been a whirlwind of changes, and starting my EMBA program at SOM has been transformative. I am grateful to be at Yale, supported by a thoughtful program team and learning from brilliant professors alongside a dynamic cohort. I am thankful to have met some kind, fun, and incredibly inspiring individuals to learn from and make great memories with. Through meaningful exchanges and shared experiences, I have been able to reimagine my goals, expand my leadership skills, remember to not dim my light, celebrate wins, and explore all that Yale and New Haven offer. This holiday season, I look forward to connecting with my family and reflecting on this new chapter while meditating on my hopes for next year.
Chao Zhang ’26, MAM
I’m deeply grateful for the incredible academic opportunity to both learn and contribute within the vibrant and collaborative community at Yale SOM. Yale was a dream come true, offering unparalleled academic resources where I can study Italian in the morning and advanced investment strategies in the afternoon. Beyond academics, it’s the supportive and close-knit community that truly made SOM my new home. From the admissions ambassadors and staff who facilitated my application journey; to my wonderful orientation leader and cohort of MAM students with whom I study and recruit; to my Global Social Entrepreneurship class that allowed me to form friendships across schools; to my teammates in the Investment Management Club and Yale Philanthropy Conference, each person has made a lasting impact. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this inspiring community and share this journey with all of you!
