In August, NYU Shanghai welcomed 434 students into the Class of 2023—220 from China and 214 from 38 countries and regions around the world. Everywhere from Pennsylvania to Morocco, from Chongqing to Qingdao, they’ve moved into their dorms, are hustling to and from classes, and exploring Shanghai together.
Let’s meet first years Abby, Declan, Zineb, Zhenyu, Yueyang and Hanting and learn about the roads they took to Shanghai.
Abby Clark ’23
Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
Why did you choose NYU Shanghai?
I lived in Shanghai from 2011-2012, attending fifth grade and half of sixth grade at an international school. I absolutely loved the city. After moving away, being able to come back to Shanghai would have been a dream come true, so when I found out about NYU Shanghai, I immediately applied.
What do you want to achieve over the next four years here?
I want to become more connected with the world around me. I want to try many new things, step out of my comfort zone, and learn a lot. I also want to become fluent in Chinese by the time I graduate.
Declan Mazur ’23
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Why did you choose NYU Shanghai?
After studying Mandarin for a little over 6 years through my school system, I knew I could use such an invaluable skill in my career and beyond. NYU Shanghai opens the door for me to explore past and present Chinese culture, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for China’s future, and how that will affect all of us.
What do you want to achieve over the next four years here?
I hope to serve in the American Peace Corps’ Education sector, teaching in China and/or Southeast Asia. After living in Shanghai for four years, I hope my knowledge can be put to good use towards as many people as possible.
Zineb Dardafaa ’23
Hometown: Rabat, Morocco
Why did you choose NYU Shanghai?
I expect college to be a fabulous experience that will last a lifetime. NYU Shanghai presented itself as the perfect way to leave my comfort zone, in every way. I also started to fall in love with Shanghai during the three days of Admitted Students Weekend. I am eager to discover what this city still has to hide from me.
What do you want to achieve over the next four years here?
I would like to learn new things, widen my knowledge and become proficient in what I aspire to pursue as a major (business), immerse into the Chinese culture and start mastering the language.
Zhang Zhenyu ’23
Hometown: Chongqing, China
Why did you choose NYU Shanghai?
The academic and educational quality of NYU Shanghai is unquestionable, but what attracted me the most is its open environment to express yourself. Different individuals from all over the world gather here, each holding different views and opinions on different things absorbing different ideas and understanding the world differently. You may feel cultural shocks at the beginning, but soon you will find it is such a fun and attractive place to be. In addition, because my passion is to study language, I want to immerse myself in different languages and also meet people with different cultural backgrounds.
What do you want to achieve over the next four years here?
In the next four years, besides achieving academic excellence, I want to be independent and find my true self. I want to learn how to solve problems in real life, and be able to do self-management and planning even though under pressure from study and work. As the motto goes “make the world your major,” I also want to “make the life my major”.
Zhang Yueyang ’23
Hometown: Qingdao, Shandong, China
Why did you choose NYU Shanghai?
Last summer I attended NYUSPS courses as a high school student. Even though it was only one week at NYU Shanghai, I did get to feel its unique academic atmosphere and campus culture. I want to step out of my comfort zone to study in a different environment and meet friends from all over the world. Also I knew NYU Shanghai would give me the time to explore and find the major I am truly interested in.
What do you want to achieve over the next four years here?
Over the next four years, I will participate in various student clubs activities and make friends with classmates and professors. Four years from now, I hope to be pursuing graduate studies in a major I love.
Xu Hanting ’23
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Why did you choose NYU Shanghai?
I made my decision right after Candidate Weekend. In 24 hours, I got to meet people from different cultural backgrounds with various perspectives, which inspired me to make new friends and learn more about this world. I also enjoyed the small class sizes where I can have more individual attention and better communication with professors. Since the campus is situated in Lujiazui [Shanghai’s Financial District], getting internships will be very convenient.
What do you want to achieve over the next four years here?
I want to find out where my true passion is and work to be the best in that field no matter what the obstacles are. Also I want to stay in good shape by finding one morning every week to exercise.
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