MOT Shanghai-NYC

Every day I’m reminded that we’re all in this together. We’re a diverse cohort, and I’m the only native speaker of English, but we’re a team. We’re going to need the ability to cooperate bilaterally, no matter what happens in the coming years; the program is training us to be the kind of leaders who not only have the needed technical skills but the commitment to hold high ethical standards, because the world requires both. I was in Shanghai six years ago on a study-abroad program, so this time around I’ve enjoyed seeing all the changes. Even in that relatively short time, the city has become increasingly futuristic. This is definitely a tech-first society.

I’m actually on the program’s inaugural graduate student leadership board, and we’ve planned workshops and social events that have allowed me to meet people from all over the world. Another highlight has been spending time with the professors and engaging in meaningful discussions. Really, everyone involved in the program is so invested in providing us with good experiences, that it would be nearly impossible to have a bad time.

It’s impossible to pinpoint just one most valuable thing I learned during my time in Shanghai, as I have learned a lot. Everyone here is great, but if I had to pick, it would be Professor Joel Gallo’s class. He teaches Financial Analysis for Technology Managers, and it covers so much that is applicable to project management. It’s exactly why I wanted to go back to school. To be honest, I had no idea what I was signing up for — moving to a country where I didn’t know a soul or even the language. I’m thrilled to say that Shanghai has really surprised me. It’s not just a fun, beautiful city; it’s also an exceptionally easy place to live. I love everything about it — the culture, the food, and the lovely people.

Through a series of fortunate events, I found myself presented with the precious opportunity to return to my homeland for a semester of study before graduation, thanks to both NYU and NYU Shanghai. This experience allowed me to engage with some of the finest educators in China. During the semester, I was provided with a level of mentorship and a learning experience like none I have ever encountered by the faculty of NYU Shanghai. The students there also exemplified themselves by displaying excellence, pragmatism, and sincerity. These attributes are truly rare and invaluable within the realm of higher education, and I have benefited immensely from them.