7.11.2008

Hmmm....MBA School?

Many of you have probably been wondering what is going on with grad school for the Hugh family. It has been an eventful week and I have to share all the details for everyone to understand the emotional rollercoaster we've been on.

About a month ago I decided to take the GMAT again and thought that I had signed up for Tuesday, July 8. I hired a tutor and studied hard for three weeks. Then I went into the Pearson VUE testing center in Draper, Utah and saw my name on a list as a "NO SHOW" for Monday, July 7. I had missed my test date and didn't know how that happened. An error on my part. I felt so defeated, but my loving wife, Bri, said let's look and see if they have any times soon. Lucky for me they had three times available on Wednesday, July 9. The fact that they had any openings was a miracle simply because you usually have to schedule the test a month in advance to get a date. So Bri signed me up.

On Wednesday, July 8, I went in and earned my best score yet on the GMAT! I couldn't believe it! I walked out of the testing center on cloud nine. I rushed right over to my work and sent my unofficial score report to Thunderbird and BYU. Bri and I thought that we wouldn't hear back for a week at least.

Thursday morning I got a call from the BYU MBA Admissions Director, Yvette Anderson, and she said, "Craig Merill would like to meet with you at your earliest convienience." I expressed my interest in meeting with him immediately and arranged a 3:30 p.m. appointment Thursday afternoon.

When I arrived at his office, Craig Merrill expressed how excited he was to meet me because he has heard so many good things about me. We talked for about 25 minutes reviewing my application, background and professional goals. He then proceeded to explain that he had previously met with the MBA admissions committee and as a committee they had decided that on paper, I met the programs requirements. Craig then stated that if "I meet with Ronell and feel that he is a person we can admit to the program, can I do that?"The committee said, "Yes."

He then continued by saying that I had worked hard to get to this point in my life. He said the purpose of the meeting with me was to see if I was a person he felt would add to the program. Then in his own words he said, “With that in mind, we would like to admit you to the BYU MBA Program.” When he said that, my head dropped and I started crying. I thanked him and informed him that I will work hard in the program. He said that he had no doubt just by my reaction to being admitted. It has been a 2 1/2 year journey for us to get to this point. What a surreal experience it was for me.

Anyway, there you go. Now we are waiting to hear from Thunderbird in Glendale, AZ. Lots of decisions to make, but I definitely feel and know that the Lord's hand has been in all of this.

14 comments:

Ben McMurry said...

That's pretty Cool! I think you should stay here, because I don't know who else could take your calling and keep it cool.

Ben McMurry said...

oh yeah, congrats!

Stacy said...

I can't believe I called you during the middle of all of this! I'm sorry! But congrats! Hope you stay here. For no other reason then selfish, it's nice to have another friend close by.

winter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
winter said...

Congratulations! Happy Birthday Bri! I hope you got our message, what a great birthday present!

Spanky and Family said...

YAHOO!!! We're excited for you and glad that everything is working in your favor. Have a great weekend!! Meg and Spanks

Abby said...

Ronell I wasn't surprised when I read this story...you are an amazing guy and I couldn't be happier for you, CONGRATS!

Lauren said...

That is incredible! Congratulations! You have worked so hard and deserve this! That is awesome. Even if you aren't moving we are still on for a BBQ (or something) in a couple of weeks. See you guys then!

Jana said...

thats a pretty cool experience, and i am so happy for both you and bri. with that special welcome to the program i think it should be byu, you guys just need to stay put. can you get adam crackin now?

Renee and Jake said...

Yeah for you.Michael is thinking about going for his MBA as well. Wouldn't it be funny if you guys ended up together again.

elli hugh photography said...

Ronell-
Dewayne and I are so proud of you. You have come a long ways. you have just proved that if you want something bad enough, you can get it. You have been so succesful in your calling as a father, husband, brother and friend. There is no doubt in my mind that you will be successful in the MBA program of your choice. Congratulations, we love you!

Courtney Vance said...

Congratulations! I vote that you stay here as well. Not that I have a say in the matter but we might be here longer than I anticipated.

california smiths said...

CONGRATS! We know how hard you worked for this. Good luck choosing what is best for your family. We look forward to hearing what you do this fall. Very proud of you!

Nate and Kelly said...

Congrats to you guys! Bri, we need to get together with Jana and have a reunion sometime soon... I'd love to see your little ones in person-- they're adorable!!