Stepping in Unison

NYU Shanghai students and staff joined (literally) with students from Shanghai Pudong Special Education School this weekend for their first practice session ahead of the Shanghai Sunshine Unified Run.

The event, now in its fourth year, aims to help pupils with disabilities better integrate into society by connecting them with local volunteers to work together towards a common goal.

As the 11 team members stood in a row with one ankle strapped to the person next to them, that goal was to help each other set a world record for the total number of participants in a synchronised run. The Shanghai team will be one of 40 groups around the world participating in the record attempt on October 21-22.

Director of Student Life Adam Ebnit said New York University has a long-term tradition of serving its communities, and this commitment was being continued in Shanghai.  

“Through community engagement programs at NYU Shanghai, we aim to develop global citizens who contribute to the positive social development of China and the rest of the world,” Ebnit said.

“The forthcoming Unified Run will provide opportunity for our NYU Shanghai community to build reciprocal and positive relationships with organizations that work diligently to address important social issues. Most importantly, this will be a fun experience for everyone to enjoy by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to build camaraderie and teamwork.”

Freshman Greta Solomon, who is one of four NYU Shanghai students taking part in the challenge, explained why it was important for her to volunteer: “I have really enjoyed working with Special Olympics in the past, and the large scale of such a beneficial event allows me to be a part of something much bigger than myself,” she said. “It’s also a way to put myself in the shoes of those with disabilities on another level.”

The Unified Run is one of many opportunities for NYU Shanghai students to get involved in supporting their local community, which include helping those in need with housing, education and general support. And the benefits of volunteering are mutual.

“Whether it’s mentoring a child, teaching English to immigrant children, building a home, or spending time with an elder, through service, one is better able to understand the complexity of important social issues, foster empathy for others and develop self-efficacy for making positive change in the lives of others,” said Ebnit.

Beyond Shanghai, the Deans’ Service Scholars (DSS) program has allowed students to teach English language classes at schools in Hunan, help families living with HIV in Henan, contribute to reforestation efforts in Yunnan and support impoverished communities in Cambodia.

Dean of Students Charlene Visconti said she was delighted that students chose to contribute to NYU Shanghai’s stated mission to advance public service and to promote healthy development within the many communities it inhabits.

“My hope is that this experience will help define your world view and sharpen your sense of responsibility to the most vulnerable among us. Learn, work hard and have fun!” she said.