Mapping New Economic Opportunities

I slept at 2AM after 10PM class and driving because I couldn't sleep. Then, I woke up at 6AM, got ready and drove to a Marriott Hotel at Falls Church. Took about 40 mins and lots of traffic on the 495 North as I hit the morning traffic. I don't think I've traveled so early for at least a semester. I realize how different my life is to others. And, of course, it hits me that most people are wealthier than me. I listened to Judges about Samson and frowned at his foolishness. This was my third time attending the economic forecast conference hosted by CRA. And, I have to say that I have become comfortable. I don't feel same conscious in the presence of developers anymore. I sat down at a table and got myself a cup of coffee, danish pastry and fruits as well as omelet, potatoes and bacon. It was a satisfying breakfast. Jeannette stopped by and told me that I should talk to 3 people. I didn't even feel the need to and I was totally comfortable with that. I also thought about Solomiya who emailed me how my comments that Russia and Ukraine are brothers was inappropriate. And, I was fine. Nothing inside me turned anymore. I felt good. I was the first to apologize for my attitude yesterday and I was done. I was not going to be sorry anymore. It is right that I am done even if others overreact.

Out of three conferences that I have attended, this was by far the best. I loved Chris Nassetta's (CEO of Hilton) and President Cabrera's talks. Chris emphasized how Hilton experienced the best year in its 98 year history and the decision for moving the HQ from West Hollywood to McLean. Most of their customers are in the East coast and the Eastern Time zone suits better their global operation. They also got a good deal from the state of VA. President Cabrera spoke about how GMU positions itself by ensuring that they are training and generating workforce that the industry needs (e.g. cybersecurity, data analytics, engineering). I was especially glad to hear Dr. McAuliffe speak. He said that GMU is the best school and that Cardinal Bank is the best bank and that VA is the best state. Arguable but I liked that he took pride in his work and his state and his partners. And, I loved to see that he really was excited for his work and had a clear vision for what he was doing. Dr. Terry and Fuller also gave good talks on the national and regional trends and a srategy to counter the regional shift from federal town to a private sector driven growth. I became comfortable. It really started from meeting Dr. Zoltan. I am happy that my PhD is not just neoclassical economics and math. I want to make this PhD a worthwhile thing. Opportunities are endless. And, I don't need to worry about jobs. Even masters students have jobs, some even in the World Bank. PhDs are still highly regarded. This is the moment to cease.