Leslie Returns to Classroom During Offseason
 Leslie |
1. Describe the structure of your graduate program and tell us what type of degree you are pursuing?
Lisa Leslie: I am attending a two-year Masters program with an option in Business Administration. The program is composed of an accelerated series of courses and is based on a group format of matriculation. It’s a very intense program and starts off with a great number of individual and group projects.
2. What inspired you to go back to school?
Lisa Leslie:Interestingly enough, the movie Legally Blond, based on the novel by Amanda Brown. The message of the film is actually uplifting and inspires viewers to believe that they can become whatever they desire, regardless of how they started. Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is a typical young college grad from Los Angeles who is miffed when her boyfriend dumps her to attend law school. After a period of wallowing in despair, she decides to head off to Harvard to prove that she can be the “blue-blood” prep school girlfriend he desires. Although her initial attempts revolve around retrieving her man, Elle soon discovers that there is more to Law School than getting a husband and slowly realizes her own dreams and opportunities.
Elle reminded me of myself somewhat but I am a lot more focused and take pleasure in the "little things" life has to offer. Elle lives for makeup, clothes and manicures and seriously knows nothing else, but her heart is good and considerate. Although I take pride in looking my best, I am more aware of my other God-given talents. It’s an enjoyable movie, and while you’re instinctively pulling for Elle to see that there’s more to the opportunity she’s received than a man, you also begin to think about your own life and situations where you haven’t reached your full potential. After watching the movie, I thought to myself, I’ve wanted to return to school, what am I waiting for? It was the right time so I figured why not do it.
3. How do you plan to utilize your degree and what are some of your career goals?
Lisa Leslie: Being in a position to be my own boss is one of my long term goals. I believe the knowledge and preparation that I obtain from my MBA degree will help to prepare me. I want to be an entrepreneur and follow in the steps of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Shaquille O’ Neal. I saw this opportunity as a great start.
4. What has been the greatest challenge you have faced in graduate school so far?
Lisa Leslie: Getting use to the workload was challenging after being out of school for so long. We are required to study in groups, and I have a fantastic group that works well together. It’s been tough, but I’m maintaining a 3.6 GPA so I guess I’m doing OK.”
5. What were some of the student’s initial reaction on your first day of class?
Lisa Leslie: Initially, the students were surprised. When I first walked in, I caught a few people saying “Oh my God, that’s Lisa Leslie.” They are very nice people and have been very receptive and respectful of my career. The program is going very well for me.
Lisa will complete her Masters of Business Administration in 2004 and plans to attend classes full-time in and out of basketball season.
