On September 5, 2024, the Ivey MSc Digital Management cohort came together to celebrate the culmination of the Ivey Digital Innovation Studio (IDIS) at the final awards ceremony. As I consider my transformative journey through IDIS, I can’t help but reflect on the personal and professional growth that I have experienced over the last year. When I first stepped into the program, I was filled with excitement but also overwhelmed by anxiety. The journey from those initial nerves to a newfound sense of empowerment is one I’d like to share, along with the lessons I learned along the way.
The Initial Overwhelm
I vividly remember my orientation days back in September, 2023. On the final day of orientation, the new MSc cohort was invited to watch the cohort above accept their IDIS awards. I felt completely overwhelmed watching everyone get their awards. The only thing I felt positive about when hearing about their projects and the work they had done with large corporate clients was that I would not be able to deliver the same results as they did.
I felt like an outsider surrounded by impressive strangers. My background in theater was vastly different from the business and finance expertise of many of my classmates. My wheelhouse was storytelling, writing and performing - not accounting, operations, or marketing. This disparity made me question if I should quit the program.
Finding My Footing
Fast forward to present day. I’ve now completed the majority of my masters degree, with only two months left before graduation. I’m filled with bittersweet feelings: happy to be going back home to my friends and family, but sad to be leaving the community I’ve made at Ivey. I will miss the late night case preparations in breakout rooms, the camaraderie with my peers, and the assignments that challenged me in the best way possible.
A Full Circle Moment
In a full circle moment, I was asked to deliver a speech at the IDIS awards ceremony for my cohort this year. Just one year ago, I had sat in the audience, questioning whether I should even continue with the program—and now, here I was, standing in front of my peers, clients, and professors, sharing my story.
In my speech, I opened up about my initial anxiety and emphasized the importance of embracing our unique backgrounds and celebrating our differences. I wanted to inspire others to trust in their potential and recognize that their uniqueness is their strength.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back on my time at IDIS, I’m grateful for the challenges I faced and the growth they catalyzed. This experience has taught me that anxiety, when approached with the right mindset, can be a powerful stepping stone to empowerment.
Conclusion
To anyone beginning a new journey or grappling with anxiety in the face of the unknown, remember that discomfort often precedes growth. Embrace your unique talents, trust in your resilience, and lean on the support around you. A year ago, I never would have imagined how far I’d come—but with perseverance, an open mind, and a willingness to grow, it’s possible to transform even the deepest anxiety into a source of strength and empowerment.