ShreeyaCampus7
This is the fourth entry of a blog series written by Shreeya Sachdev ’26 (MBA). She shares her reflections from her journey through the program—highlighting the experiences that have shaped her growth.

 

A place to belong

Simon is the place where I truly found my community. It’s where I felt like I found my people: people who show up for you, support you, and genuinely care. Community at Simon isn’t just a word that gets used often; it’s something you experience every single day. I’ve seen firsthand how everyone comes together when someone needs help, and how there’s space for everyone to belong, no matter who you are or where you come from.

A globally diverse community

One of the biggest reasons this sense of belonging feels so natural is the diversity at Simon. The MBA program consistently brings together students from over 30 countries, with nearly 40% of the class being international students and close to 45% women. This means that chances are, you’ll meet people who understand exactly what you’re navigating, whether that’s moving to a new country, switching careers, or returning to school after years of work. That shared experience creates instant connection.

Clubs, culture, and connection

There are also so many student-led social clubs and community enrichment organizations that make Simon feel like home. Organizations like SWIB (Simon Women in Business), Simon Black Association, LASOS, and ASIAM give students the opportunity to connect, learn about different cultures, and celebrate each other’s traditions together. All are welcome! Throughout the year, we have potlucks, cultural celebrations, and community events where people openly share food, stories, and parts of their identity—and those moments really stay with you.

Support beyond the classroom

What I also love is that this sense of community extends beyond just students. The Simon Partners Club is a wonderful space created for the partners and spouses of Simon students, helping them build their own connections and support system while being part of the larger Simon community. It’s incredibly reassuring to see that even those who move here alongside us are welcomed, included, and supported in such a thoughtful way.

Faculty and staff who care

Beyond students, the Simon staff and faculty play a huge role in shaping this environment. From the admissions team to student engagement to professors, everyone genuinely goes out of their way to make sure you feel supported. You can reach out to anyone and trust that you’ll be heard and taken care of. On top of that, the broader University of Rochester offers countless communities and resources, so help is always accessible.

A community that lasts

Even when you speak to alumni, you hear the same thing over and over—Simon is a place where you belong. And once you’re here, you truly feel it here, you truly feel it.


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