How does it feel to be valedictorian?
We had the pleasure of sharing our time at the MMA with exceptional peers who have contributed immensely to the program. I feel grateful to be considered one of them. This is an honour I accept with appreciation and a profound sense of responsibility.
Juandiego Morzán Samamé (MMA ’23)
Why do you think your classmates chose you for this honour?
I hope my classmates saw in me someone who not only put effort into academics but also tried his best to build meaningful relationships based on genuine care, trust and positive energy. I aimed to be an approachable friend whom they could reach out to when they needed help. Thankfully, I've been fortunate to receive their support and friendship in return.
How has the program changed you?
The program has been a transformative journey for me. It cultivated an open mindset, prompting me to embrace a wide array of experiences, ideas and events—some of which I had never previously imagined possible. Each of these experiences became an invaluable source of learning.
Along the way, I also discovered the profound significance of sharing these moments with those I care about. Within the realm of understanding managerial perspectives on analytics and AI, the program instilled in me a deeper sense of purpose, guiding my future aspirations.
Describe a highlight of the program.
In our journey through the MMA, we've been through a whirlwind of emotions and rewarding experiences, making every step memorable. From team-building exercises at the ROM to the exhilarating case competitions, datathons, and myriad social events and celebrations, we've been through countless enriching moments together.
While choosing just one highlight seems daunting, for me, it has to be our final event, the Analytics and Finance Showcase. I believe this day showcased something really invaluable: our growth: not only professionally, but personally.
I felt proud to see all the amazing projects and the result of months of work and collaboration, but most importantly of how our communication and leadership skills had grown and how close our class had become.
What makes my classmates / graduating year special?
Several aspects make our fifth MMA cohort unique and make me feel so grateful to be part of it. At the core, we are a diverse group, with each member bringing insights from distinct backgrounds, cultures, languages and experiences. Within this diversity, we built a strong sense of community by sharing a common goal: the vision of reshaping society and enhancing the world through the strength of data and analytics.
The ability to listen to one another - openly, respectfully, without judgments, and with genuine interest - was key to forming this sense of community and to empowering us to accomplish multiple initiatives as a cohort.
Our journey through the program was also marked by unwavering grit and commitment. We consistently pushed our boundaries, always aiming to give our best. Finally, we approached each challenge by constantly learning – being unafraid to experiment, test new ideas and learn from them - a skill that is going to stay with us well into the future.
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