Central Station

By Minh Phan

Have you had a moving cinematographic experience lately? On Thursday September 17, 1998 I saw the movie "Central Station" and experienced a deep sense of humility. Let me tell you more.

The week of classes ended with the dreadful QM716 (Statistics). What came next was three hours of heated team discussion on linking customer loyalty to organizational effectiveness. Exhausted, I decided to relax by taking advantage of the invitation to a free screening of the movie "Central Station" at the GSU, proudly the site of the movie’s US premiere.

I had no prior knowledge of the movie or its creators. I went simply because of my curiosity.

After some brief but powerful introductory remarks, "Central Station" opened with a wretched old lady telling that she was willing to forgive and forget. Following her, a series of characters poured out their earnest thoughts and yearnings. Why? They were poor and illiterate. They would pay Mrs. Dora a buck to write letters to loved ones for them.

Despite their trust and payment, Mrs. Dora was not kind and honest. She kept her fees and instead of sending the letters away, she trashed them or kept them for a good laugh with her neighbor.

One day, a lady and her young son, Jesue’, paid Mrs. Dora to write a letter to the boy’s father whom he had yet to meet. Then, an accident killed the mother. Left alone, Jesue’ became vulnerable to opportunists, including Mrs. Dora. Fortunately, her conscience overcame her greed and the adventure of helping the boy find his father began.

Along the way there were misfortunes and even heartbreaks. Mrs. Dora meant well but somehow her good intentions kept resulting in losses. In the darkest moment of the story, Mrs. Dora and Jesue’ as a team found hope and a means to live. The journey ended with Jesue’ meeting his two older half-brothers. Mrs. Dora felt her job was done and so she silently left the boy to his brothers and returned to a life which seemed so empty. . . .

The theater lights came on and I could see many eyes and faces, including mine, were overwhelmed with the powerful story of human oddities and mishaps. I asked myself for the reason why I felt so touched by this movie. Is it because I admire the risks that the movie’s creators took with this project? Is it because the movie seemed so authentic with no special effects wizardry? Or is it because I have stumbled so many times in my life that I have long yearned for compassion, honesty, and sincerity?

Anyhow, I wish "Central Station" would soon be out on the big screen for you all to experience. If possible, share with me your thoughts on this movie.

GPO Looking for MBA Hosts

By Gail Barton

The Graduate Admissions Office is seeking enthusiastic full- and part-time MBA students who are willing to volunteer a few hours of their time to host, assist and educate prospective students during their visits to our business school. The best way for a prospective student to learn first-hand about our exceptional program is to meet someone who is currently undergoing the MBA experience. The MBA Associates will serve as hosts and panelists at information sessions. Associates will also serve as a contact for prospective students with student life questions. If you are interested in becoming an MBA Associate, please pick up a volunteer form in the Graduate Programs Office. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dawn Galolo in the Graduate Admissions office at 353-2670.