Having originally applied to business school about 2 years ago, I had no idea that I would be here during such radical changes in both financial and political circles.  The insights I've gained would never have been possible if I had been here a year earlier or a later.

The US Presidential election has been on the radar for some time.  It's been like a tropical storm brewing - you feel the humidity in the air, the wind's calmed down, the skies are looking darker, but you can't see the storm - but you know it's coming.  That's how the Presidential race felt.  In many people's eyes, it was a decision for change verses a decision for status quo.  And leading into the election, it seemed that the US voting public were relatively evenly balanced between the two...

Then the storm arrived!  And it appeared to be a crushing victory for Barak Obama over John McCain.  And now, that appears to be a clear consensus for change.  Being in the US, during this time of political upheaval, is probably one of the most unique experiences I will have.  During this period, I'm sure I'll learn more about the US political system (some great info is at http://everything2.com/?node_id=1486844) and the US public in general.  Also, it will be great to see the changes as they unfold.

On the other hand, the craziness within the financial sector arrived like an unexpected courier delivery... but delivering bad news.  Some may say that it was to be expected (many within Columbia Business School quote Warren Buffet), but the reality is that most of the world, including the US, were shocked by how rapidly the financial sector fell apart.  Being in business school now, it's great to hear the opinions of the different fianance professors about what's going well and what's not and also to hear what they would do to fix the system.  Considering that many of the professors are former treasury secretaries, bankers from Wall St and generally well connected to those at the center of the storm, their opinions carry considerable weight.

All in all, it's a great time to be studying in the US... looking for a job, though, is a whole different story!