Each year we ask our classmates a straightforward, simple question taken from the lines of a poem by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Mary Oliver. We share with you intimate and candid responses to this question, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Concept and photography: Tony Deifell, MBA 2002.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
I know the flight between Washington and Boston well. I can recall the favorite seats of politicians. The sounds of jammed doors, aborted landings, and “engine trouble” echo through my mind.
This flight is special because my partner and I were separated by 250 excruciatingly long miles. Beyond the other passengers, the plane carried our relationship.
I always wanted to work with planes. Planes carry countless people each day, each with a story. Business deals waiting to be closed. New jobs about to get started. Planes empower our stories and make our dreams a reality.
I came to HBS to make my dream to work in aviation come true, and, by November 2020, I landed my dream summer internship. Four months later, I got fired before I even started. COVID-19 left countless unemployed, and my journey seemingly ran out of air in an instant.
Most told me to move on, but I knew it could be now or never. I asked anyone who would listen for time, and I found my way to a cargo airline. My experience led me to write a case on airline finance that is now taught to all first-year MBA students.
A year later, the industry is still struggling due to COVID-19, and, while I am not working in aviation after graduation, I know it will happen one day. Following your dreams can be turbulent; bumps requiring course corrections can come without warning. It requires looking up and taking a leap of faith that things can work out. I plan to live a life where I jump often because one day, I may finally get the chance to fly.
