I had no idea what people meant when they talked about the GSB community. I mean, really meant. I?d read the pamphlets and heard the speeches. I?d even boasted its merits to others. Without really knowing what it was. Sometimes I?d offer this explanation to groups of eager admits: Stanford is filled with ?amazing, smart people? from ?diverse backgrounds? that ?collaborate rather than compete? and ?genuinely care about each other.? Sounds wonderful ? but how is that any different from a high performing church group or Girl Scout troupe? Strangely, no one ever pushed further and asked why all these bright young things gathered here for two years, beyond developing themselves and their résumés. They never asked what would be expected of them when they joined this exclusive ?community?. Maybe everyone already knew. But I didn?t. I finally learned what the GSB community could mean when Joe, Jina, Justin, Chris and I launched the fundraising campaign for tsunami relief in honor of James. I realized that if we need advice, professors will respond with cogent and thoughtful feedback. I saw that our initiative can inspire other organizations, like the local Red Cross chapter, to find nontraditional solutions. I was humbled by the ability of our community ? classmates, faculty, administration, and alumni ? to see through its grief and reach out to another community in need. I learned that the GSB community is about potential. It is the wind-up before the pitch and the calm before the storm. It is energy stored ? in anticipation of being used for great purposes.