Back on campus, Efraín reconnects with friends, welcomes first-years, and builds community around music and entertainment. But a conversation at the welcome party reveals the harsh realities of post-MBA life for international students—offering a powerful reminder that resilience will be key in the year ahead.

Disclaimer

• All characters and events in this chapter —even those based on real people—are entirely fictional.
• The following chapters contain coarse language and situations and due to its content it should not be read by anyone.

Chapter 19 “Start of Second Year”

The summer’s efforts had unearthed a wealth of information, including a comprehensive list of incoming students preparing to join the Anderson community. As I skimmed through the names, a few familiar ones from Mexico caught my eye. Some had already reached out, eager for insights and advice from veterans like myself.

I also began receiving messages from Latino students keen to connect. Seizing the opportunity, I added them to my concert mailing list—building new connections over a shared love for music. But what truly piqued my interest was the emerging cluster of students passionate about the entertainment industry.

Passing the torch became second nature. I found myself sharing experiences, from the mixtape project to the entertainment initiatives we had spearheaded. The enthusiasm from the new cohort was palpable, and watching their excitement grow was invigorating.

What began as casual chats evolved into something more—a creative incubator of ideas and collaborations. The summer outreach had become the perfect catalyst, linking like-minded students and cultivating a community driven by mutual passion and inspiration.

When fall quarter rolled around, UCLA Anderson buzzed with anticipation. The first night back was marked by the official welcome party for second years—an event I had been eagerly awaiting.

I laced up my brand new Jordans from the ’92 Olympics—and made my way to the Irish pub just three blocks from my apartment.

Stepping inside felt like coming home. Familiar faces lit up as I entered, and friends greeted me with the kind of warmth that only comes from shared experiences. Surprisingly, my Jordans stole the spotlight, catching the attention of sneakerheads who nodded in approval and threw out admiring comments.

I hadn’t expected my shoes to be the ultimate icebreaker, but they worked.

As the night wore on, I gravitated toward a few first years—new faces eager to integrate into the Anderson fold. We swapped stories, laughed over shared struggles, and bonded over ambitions for the year ahead. By the time I left the pub, I felt part of a tight-knit crew again. The welcome party had done its job. It felt good to be back in the thick of things.

It was during that very party that I learned something important from a recently graduated friend—his ordeal with the OPT (Optional Practical Training) visa.

The OPT permit allowed international students like me to stay in the U.S. for up to a year post-MBA, granting time to find job opportunities. In theory, it was meant to ease the transition into the workforce. In practice, it wasn’t always that simple—especially during a global economic downturn.

My friend, determined to land a job in the video game industry, faced significant hurdles. Unable to secure employment immediately, he found himself in limbo—trapped in the U.S. for over six months. Leaving the country before securing a job meant forfeiting the OPT, an impossible gamble for him.

This meant painful sacrifices. He missed his brother’s wedding, along with other important family milestones. Yet, through perseverance, he ultimately succeeded—landing the job he had worked so hard to secure.

His experience was a cautionary tale, underscoring the complexities international students faced post-graduation. But it was also a testament to grit and resilience.

Hearing his story gave me pause. As much as the MBA had opened doors, there were still real-world hurdles ahead. I knew that when the time came, I’d need the same level of determination to navigate my own path forward.