So I finally went out and partied a bit on Thursday. It was a brilliant idea to put 6 business schools together - NUS, NTU, SMU, Essec, INSEAD, SP Jain. How could I resist it?
Strangely, for all it was worth, I didn’t think there was much voluntary integration. When I arrived I saw the Indians sticking with the Indians, the ethnic Chinese sticking with the ethnic Chinese, and large groups of French people who did not look like they were from INSEAD, also sticking together. It was a good party but next time I suggest the organisers make us play a game, whereby we have to meet 5 new people, each from different schools and exchange name cards!
Also, the alumni from local schools were invited, whereas when I emailed 2 INSEAD alums they were not aware of it. Which is probably why INSEAD was a little under-represented. Of course the other reason is that the rest of you have already left for Cambodia this weekend!!!
Anyway, I bumped into 2 INSEAD guys and we decided to get drinks. While waiting at the bar, I introduced myself to 2 strangers and learnt they were from Essec. Then I introduced myself to 2 Indians standing nearby, thinking they were from SP Jain but turns out they were from NUS. Then another Singaporean INSEADer arrived with many friends and I had a long conversation with one of them.
Then I edged further out to an ethnic Chinese group and learnt they were really from China, studying at NTU. We discussed Chinese energy needs, then I moved on. Another couple was from Cornell but I didn’t get to chat with them (what’s Cornell doing at this bash?).
By this time half the section was occupied by Essec students who were talking among themselves. Where were the other INSEADers?? They were fashionably late. I headed out to greet them and we went to another section of Mimolette.
Then I went outside and saw many Essec-only groups. I decided to join a group of nice-looking young men who were very polite, and had a long chat with them. I learnt more about Essec. I think INSEAD is much more international - they told me Essec is about 75% French. I like French people but if you want diversity there must be more nationalities represented. We discussed living in France as well as French football, which I also like.
The P4s started to leave but the P2s were now in full swing so I met a couple more of them and their friends. Then I bumped into more P2s on my way out and chatted to them at length about some plans we are planning to execute on campus. You will hopefully get a surprise next week.
So now I am home, happy and glad I met new people outside of INSEAD and within INSEAD, and got to know the wilder side of some classmates whose moments of joy may now live on forever in Facebook, untagged or otherwise ;-)
Have a good weekend!
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