“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I've lived in six different countries; four of them are home to some of the world's poorest people. Once I'd seen how little these people have in opportunities, possessions, and hope, I found it difficult to believe solely in the goals of making money or obtaining power. I am indebted to many for all they have given me but also obligated to the many I don't know who have so much less than I do. Having the good fortune of a strong education and a life of security and comfort, I feel a duty to give back by providing and enhancing opportunities for those less fortunate, in education, job security and opportunities, and healthcare to people without access to any of these. One day I hope to look back on my life and know that I have used the privilege of being at HBS to enhance the lives of others who are less fortunate. I hope to build either an organization that provides jobs and enables parents to seek better healthcare and education for their children or a venture philanthropy fund that supports hospitals, schools, and microfinance institutions that provide for the needs of the poor.

— Ipsita Dasgupta