One of the most unexpected lessons of UCLA’s MBA program came not from the classroom, but from a kitchen accident. When a late-night cooking mishap sent him to the ER, Efraín discovered just how valuable the school’s health insurance could be. What began as a minor injury became a crash course in the realities of U.S. healthcare—and a reminder that preparation often pays off in the most surprising ways.

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 30 “Health Insurance”

One of the more unexpected perks of UCLA’s MBA program turned out to be something I initially brushed off—health insurance. At $1,000 a year, it felt like a hefty expense, especially for someone in good health. However with the ridiculous prices in the USA made me realize just how valuable solid insurance could be.

While chopping vegetables for dinner, I managed to slice my finger deep enough to cause significant bleeding. With no way to drive myself to the hospital without potentially passing out at the wheel, I called in reinforcements.

Javier, a close friend from the Mexican gang, arrived within minutes and rushed me to the ER. Fortunately, the solution was far less dramatic than I had imagined. A nurse applied a specialized medical glue to seal the cut—essentially “super glue for humans”—and sent me on my way.

The total damage? $150.

Had I not been insured, that same treatment would have cost upwards of $2,000. In that moment, the $1,000 annual premium seemed like a bargain. Sometimes, the little things—like avoiding a massive ER bill—remind you that preparation can pay off in ways you least expect.

Of course, while I was dealing with glued fingers and ER visits, my classmates were neck-deep in the recruiting process. I watched as they slipped into tailored suits, obsessively prepped case studies, and lined up interviews with the likes of Bain, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan.

Their stress was palpable. The constant pressure of landing one of those coveted roles at a top firm was all-consuming for some.

I, on the other hand, approached things with a level of calm that confused even me. Consulting, banking, and the traditional corporate paths just didn’t hold the same allure. I wanted something different—something more entrepreneurial. Maybe it was stubbornness, or maybe it was just a desire to chart my own course, but I wasn’t gripped by the same anxiety as many of my peers.

I did go through the motions, lining up a few interviews back in Mexico City. One entertainment company caught my eye—similar to Live Nation—but the salary they offered was less than inspiring. After weighing my options, I decided to hit pause. Job hunting from Los Angeles for roles in Mexico wasn’t the easiest process, and I figured I’d be better equipped to explore opportunities once I was back home.

For now, school took priority. I let the job search sit on the back burner, quietly simmering as I focused on finishing strong.

As the quarter wound down and winter break loomed, the itch to travel set in. The Latin American Business Association had cooked up a New Year’s trip to Brazil, and the mere thought of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahía was enough to have me packing my bags.

More than thirty of us signed up, flying straight to Rio post-Christmas. For some, it was their first time in Brazil, and my grasp of Portuguese (or Portuñol depending on how drunk I was) quickly turned me into my friends group’s unofficial guide.

I was happy to help, especially when my language skills were needed for the important things—like chatting with local women. Brazilian girls, as my Friends discovered (I knew since consulting days), are indeed as stunning as their reputation suggests.

Beyond the social scene, though, the trip was a chance to dive into the vibrant culture of Brazil. From the bustling beaches of Copacabana to the historic streets of Pelourinho in Salvador, we immersed ourselves in the heart of it all.

It was the perfect escape from the looming responsibilities waiting back in LA. In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about job searches, resumes, or interviews. I was sipping caipirinhas on the beach, watching the sunset over the Atlantic, and fully embracing the kind of adventure that had drawn me to an international MBA program in the first place.