Meet Some of the ‘Real Humans’ of the Class of 2021

The MBA news publication Clear Admit recently published a look at six students in the recent incoming University of Virginia Darden School of Business class for an article titled “Real Humans of UVA Darden’s Class of 2021.”

The publication says students in the “close-knit” full-time MBA program in Charlottesville can be expected to review more than 500 cases during their two years and participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including Darden Worldwide Courses and Global Consulting Projects.

The featured students include a former legislative aid to a U.S. Senator, a banker from Spain and a sustainable energy enthusiast hailing from China, among others. Each students praised the supportive community they were only just beginning to meet at the time.

Said Canada native Joan Cannon:

Why Darden? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The 3 most important factors that I considered when picking Darden as my MBA school were: 1) the community culture, (2) the quality of education, and (3) the school’s mission.

The Darden community is family, and you feel that support, warmth, and closeness from every single Darden student, faculty, staff, and alumni. Darden is consistently ranked as one of the top MBA schools for the quality of its professors and it is true. Not only are Darden faculty stellar teachers and researchers, they are also great mentors who always have their doors open to students looking for help or advice & even dedicate their time to off-campus activities with students like hikes and dinner parties.

Finally, Darden’s mission is to “improve the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences.” From top to bottom, the school is dedicated to creating responsible business leaders, and I am inspired to learn and grow everyday with this mission in mind.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
Everyone brings something unique to Darden that adds value to the classroom and the community as a whole. I believe my most valuable contribution to my Darden class year is my commitment to social impact in all facets of my life.

I’m committed to building supportive, diverse communities by investing my time and resources to support the success of others around me. I’m committed to being an environmental changemaker by choosing a career path where I can address critical global environmental issues for the betterment of society.

Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I can hit a 127 mph tennis serve!

Read Cannon’s full profile and profiles of five other students on Clear Admit.