Managing Expectations for a Second-Year
What We Missed
John Pilson '01
Issue date: 9/6/00 Section: Humor
- Page 1 of 1
Now that everyone is getting settled in and adjusting to the rigors of the grad school lifestyle, it might be prudent to reflect on all the wonderful things that we have come to miss during our summer stints in the real world.
Spam. What did we do over the summer without weekly updates on social activities for Ricky Martin aficionados that feature “College Football and Major League Baseball on the (sic) TV?”
The Palms. With many 2nd years now planning how many times to climb the wall at, wait for it, the Royal Palm Tavern, this quaint watering hole has been the subject of many articles in this paper. There is a reason for this, the Palms experience is a microcosm of the MBA student’s existence in Ithaca as it includes:
· Competition: elbowing aside undergrads for goods and services;
· Selling yourself: regaling undergrads with stories of the working world;
· Listening to a constant stream of classic rock with the occasional Dave Mathews band song thrown in; and
· $2 beers.
Fine Dining. Over the summer, I am sure I was not alone when I was craving a wrap or a limp turkey sandwich when lunchtime rolled around. Also, the collegetown offerings of bagels and Chinese food may have permanently damaged my palate, because when a friend recently suggested Collegetown Bagels as a place to eat lunch, I didn’t immediately cringe but saw the intrinsic value proposition.
Cornell Fitness Centers. Okay, I admit it, they are crowded, cramped, antiquated, and lack modern amenities but these gyms provide us with a necessary outlet in those cruel winter months.
Bibi Maizoons. Is this a threat to the Palms or a complimentor? With the barriers to entry so high in the collegetown entertainment market, a SWOT analysis may be required. But Bibi’s is a compelling investment opportunity as it offers:
· Legions of the aforementioned Ricky Martin aficionados;
· A key point of differentiation, a sticky dance floor;
· A scalable, robust social solution;
· Low customer acquisition cost;
· A unique risk profile; and
· It addresses multiple high-growth end markets.
So, enjoy these assets while you can, and for all those Ricky Martin aficionados you will be pleased to hear, that there is a home for you here.
Spam. What did we do over the summer without weekly updates on social activities for Ricky Martin aficionados that feature “College Football and Major League Baseball on the (sic) TV?”
The Palms. With many 2nd years now planning how many times to climb the wall at, wait for it, the Royal Palm Tavern, this quaint watering hole has been the subject of many articles in this paper. There is a reason for this, the Palms experience is a microcosm of the MBA student’s existence in Ithaca as it includes:
· Competition: elbowing aside undergrads for goods and services;
· Selling yourself: regaling undergrads with stories of the working world;
· Listening to a constant stream of classic rock with the occasional Dave Mathews band song thrown in; and
· $2 beers.
Fine Dining. Over the summer, I am sure I was not alone when I was craving a wrap or a limp turkey sandwich when lunchtime rolled around. Also, the collegetown offerings of bagels and Chinese food may have permanently damaged my palate, because when a friend recently suggested Collegetown Bagels as a place to eat lunch, I didn’t immediately cringe but saw the intrinsic value proposition.
Cornell Fitness Centers. Okay, I admit it, they are crowded, cramped, antiquated, and lack modern amenities but these gyms provide us with a necessary outlet in those cruel winter months.
Bibi Maizoons. Is this a threat to the Palms or a complimentor? With the barriers to entry so high in the collegetown entertainment market, a SWOT analysis may be required. But Bibi’s is a compelling investment opportunity as it offers:
· Legions of the aforementioned Ricky Martin aficionados;
· A key point of differentiation, a sticky dance floor;
· A scalable, robust social solution;
· Low customer acquisition cost;
· A unique risk profile; and
· It addresses multiple high-growth end markets.
So, enjoy these assets while you can, and for all those Ricky Martin aficionados you will be pleased to hear, that there is a home for you here.