Many people know Justin Bieber as the spoiled pop star who doesn’t appreciate the musical talents he was given because of his foolish actions, especially as of late. I would have to agree in some ways but putting all of those childish events aside, I believe if you give Justin Bieber another chance and listen to his most recent album, Justin Bieber can teach us a bit about life and about persevering through the lengthy and extensive MBA journey. Taking a deeper look at his newest album (Purpose), in particular, the title, you will feel “Purpose” was meant for listeners to go on a personal voyage to discover their true calling. The “Purpose” album makes me think about how Chicago Booth students are questioned every day in the walls of Harper… there is one question that echoes throughout our student body consistently… When students decide to attend Booth, they commit to a customized and flexible path to pursue their passions… 
So, let’s talk about “Purpose”…
Many people know Justin Bieber’s recent hit singles “Sorry” and “What do you mean?” However when you dig into the deeper cuts of his album, one song resonated with me on the tedious and long-winded process of gaining admissions to the top tier MBA at Chicago Booth: “Life Is Worth Living”. And just to clarify, by no means do I want to convince you to convert to the Bieber mania or craziness but I want to bring to light how this pop tycoon’s lyrics relate to the MBA journey.
After listening to “Purpose” a number of times, I performed a robust examination of how the song “Life Is Worth Living” depicts prospective students’ emotions in trying to obtain an MBA for a top tier b-school such as Booth.
Trust me, those of us that are on this side of this b-school game totally understand and in the song, “Life Is Worth Living”, Justin Bieber (JB) definitely understood as well. In his first verse of this song, Justin depicts a working professional coming to a crossroad in their early career journey and looking at multiple options to explore in the next few years. JB uses such creative metaphors to show how it feels to not be sure of which path to walk down (#2-4).
I mean if you truly think about how the Bieber put together this lyrical masterpiece you may listen to the entire album J. All I know is a light bulb went off in my head and I said to myself… Wow oh wow, I wish Bieber was singing like this when I applied to Booth. Such a motivator! haha
“Life Is Worth Living”
#1: Ended up on a crossroad…Try to figure out which way to go…
#2: It’s like you’re stuck on a treadmill…Running in the same place…
#3: You got your hazard lights on now…Hoping that somebody would slow down…
#4: Praying for a miracle…Who’ll show you grace?…
In the next verse selection, JB decides to travel a level deeper to the worry of all b-school applicants. The Bieber digs into the thoughts we all feel when we decide to apply to a premier MBA program: HOW BROKE AM I GOING TO BE? I already only have “a couple dollars and a quarter” oh… and a ” quarter tank of gas” with a rigorous and “long journey ahead” (#5).
As “Life is Worth Living” goes, Bieber talks about a “truck pulling over” and God “sending our angel”. When you listen to this song, there is a sense of hope that will arise throughout your spirit because there is a helper that is present to give direction and show you the “roadmap” during the midst of doubt, uncertainty and a long journey ahead (#7-9). While listening to the song, it dawned on me that JB was referring to the Chicago Booth TBE (The Booth Experience) fellows when he specified the term “angels” in this verse. While I would not dare to call the Chicago Booth TBE Fellows “angels” J, I would agree with JB in the sense that we are here to lend our support, perspective and voice our experiences to prospective students.
#5: Had a couple dollars and a quarter tank of gas…With a long journey ahead…
#6: Seen a truck pull over…God sent an angel to help you out…
#7: He gave you direction… Showed you how to read a map
#8: For that long journey ahead…Said it ain’t never over
#9: Oh, even in the midst of doubt…
Ultimately through the entire song, Justin encapsulates the journey of traveling along this MBA journey and what kind of pressure each and every MBA candidate goes through when deciding what program is best suited for them. In the above verse (#10-12), JB reminds us that life is worth living and most certainly, taking chances are a huge part of living the fullest life. So today I challenge all our readers to live your life like tomorrow is not promised and (prospective students) consider Chicago Booth 🙂
#10: Life is worth living, ou ou ou ou…Life is worth living, so live another day…
#11: The meaning of forgiveness…People make mistakes, doesn’t mean you have to give in…
#12: Life is worth living again
Cheers,
Gordon Taylor
