One and half week of hectic foundation period has officially ended three o'clock this afternoon. The actual course hasn't started yet. We already got so many things to do. The Student Association at the Stockholm School of Economics (SASSE) is obviously doing a great job of keeping us busy. We were warmly welcomed on the registration day. The entire board of the SASSE was standing outside the main entrance of the school and shaking hands with each of every new student. As you can see on the picture, even red carpet was prepared. After we entered the main entrance, there was a corridor leading us to the auditorium, and all the members of the SASSE were standing along the corridor and cheering for the new students when we passed along. I've studied for 18 years in total so far, but I've never been welcomed like this before. Of course the welcoming was just a start, from that moment on, we were well taken care of by the SASSE. They first divided us into groups, and "parents" were assigned to each group. Then, walkabout school tour, games, dinners, weekend trip, and many other activities, plus the activities we had within each specialization program, I felt as if I knew those fellow students for years. Everyone is friendly, active, and open, from students to professors. It felt like I was in another country. This is definitely not the Sweden I used to know, not the school I used to go, and not the classmates I used to have. I feel that I am changing inside just by being around this active and positive vibe. My confidence started coming back. Right now, I'm very happy and grateful to be one of SSE's students. Although I am one of the oldest students in our class, I believe better late than never. My journey at SSE has already started. I promised myself to cherish this second chance and make the most out of it.
