Unlike many of her peers who tend to equate “global leaders” with glamorous politicians, financiers or celebrities, Zhang Haiyan ‘19 explores leadership in a more aesthetic way. She seeks to “enhance people’s happiness through the experience of beauty.” Her unique aspiration has landed her one of the 20 2016 Future Global Leaders Fellowships, a highly selective program for the most exceptional first-generation college students from around the world.
“Through this program, I hope to put into practice through education a number of philosophical theories I am fond of,” Zhang said. “I hold a firm belief that the processes of actualizing oneself and others are not separated.”
The competitive three-year program, sponsored by the Future Leaders Foundation, grooms fellows for their induction in the Fortis Society, which is said to be world’s first private network of diverse leaders committed to one another’s success and to a better world.
Another NYU student Munachiso Nwadike from Nigeria, who is studying at NYU Abu Dhabi, has also won the fellowship this year.
“I see the fellowship as a great opportunity to communicate with diverse cultures and bond with talents from other part of the planet. I want to push my physical and mental limits,” Zhang said.
A Shanghainese born in the Hongkou district, Zhang has developed a keen interest in philosophy, especially aesthetics, and various forms of art such as documentary making, photography and painting over the years, in addition to her excellent academic record. Her melodic voice has also won her third place in the NYU Shanghai’s first annual sing-off competition last year.
In August, Zhang will join the other fellows in Ohio to complete an intensive leadership training where they are expected to overcome a series of extreme leadership challenges through teamwork.