Apr 1, 2016
Apr 1, 2016
Campus and Community

As the class of 2020 received their acceptances and began to contemplate the next step in their academic careers, NYU Stories asked folks from around the university to tell us in their own words—in their own handwriting, even!—what about this place inspires them to come here to work and study each day. We talked to students, faculty, and staff, all of whom had different—and often deeply personal—reasons for why they had chosen to make NYU home.

photo of student with handwritten text. Handwritten text reads: I’m a double major from a farm in maryland. I have James Joyce and Billboard Magazine on my nightstand. Outside my window is the city where I’ve found my home and a future as a journalist and recording artist. Maggie Rogers, Tisch School of the Arts class of 2016.

photo of student with handwritten text. Handwritten text reads, Gallatin has been a space for me to season science with creativity, art with information, and data with beauty. I’ve redesigned an ancient Roman road map as a New York City subway diagram 3d printed brain scans so we can feel the mind instead of only looking at it, and tried to figure out Isaac Newton’s favorite font. Jacob Ford, Gallatin School of Individualized Study class of 2016.

photo of student with handwritten text. Handwritten text reads, NYU has pushed me to pursue not only my academic goals, but also my passions. I’ve eaten at over 200 restaurants in the city and am interested in the food industry. I’m also on the nYU track and field team. I’m studying accounting because it allows me to apply my skills to any industry I’m passionate about. Brianna Yee, Stern School of Business class of 2018.

photo of woman with handwritten text. Handwritten text reads, Since my first day as a freshman 14 years ago, NYU has fostered an environment for me to be challenged and evolve as a student, a teacher, and as a professional, and a person. As the university has changed and grown, so have I. Shannon RIley, Weinstein Residence Hall Director and Adjunct Instructor in Steinhardt.

photo of woman with handwritten text. Handwritten text reads- It’s all about the students! When I’m in the classroom teaching, theory and practice or the academic and artistic, something special always happens… Sheril D. Antonio, Associate Dean of the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television and Associate Arts Professor in the Department of Art and Public Policy.

photo of woman with handwritten text. handwritten text reads- Good health supports learning and academic success. I love that I get to open students’ eyes to that notion and watch them thrive. Caroline Wallace, Director of Health Promotion at the Student Health Center.

photo of student with handwritten text. Handwritten text reads- The research that I have conducted at NYU in visual perception has changed me into a more curious, compassionate, and motivated individual. It has inspired me to pursue my present dream of an MD/PhD in cognitive neuroscience. Ravi Pancholi, College of Arts & Science class of 2016.

photo of student with handwritten text

photo of student with handwritten text. text reads- I have yet to meet a single person who flourished and thrived through adolescence. As a nurse, NYU provided an opportunity for me to shadow a family nurse practitioner in an urban health clinic specifically catered in providing individualized care for LGBTQ youth. I owe my confidence & humility to NYU & NYC. I’m empowered to use entrepreneurship, activism, and technology to improve health outcomes for adolescent population. Griffin Sutherland, College of Nursing, Class of 2016.

photo of student with handwritten text. text reads- When I transferred to NYU I was looking to find my own community. Participating in student life and attending events here nurtured my love for social justice. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher but now I know the impact I want to have. Laura Suriel, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Class of 2017.

photo of man with handwritten text. text reads- For more than 30 years, as a student-athlete then, and an employee now, NYU has fulfilled my dreams, whether I was playing in the National Collegiate Club Championship in 1987 or coaching the playoffs against the #1 team in the nation in 2008. This place I call home has always been about fulfilling the dreams of countless young men and women. Jose Pina, Head Coach of Men’s Volleyball.

photo of student with handwritten text. text reads- As a double major in Honors Math and Interactive Media Arts (IMA) at NYU Shanghai, I loved the intimacy and robustness of the education I received in Shanghai. After arriving in New York for study away semesters, I was able to take graduate math classes at Courant Institute, and build a venture out of my IMA project from Shanghai. Studying at two wonderful campuses on the opposite sides of the globe really gives me the best of both worlds. Xiaoyue Gong, NYU Shanghai class of 2017.

photo of man with handwritten text. text reads- My research is on fish’n’robots, and it is not a take-out food. I am a proud member of the NYU Tandon faculty and a happy Brooklynite. The energy, character, and diversity of where I am fuel my research and inspire me every day. Maurizio Porfiri, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

photo of a male student with hand-written text superimposed. Text reads: After completing an undergrad degree in neuroscience, I decided to pursue a life in the arts instead. I wanted a school that would equip me to thrive in a "dramatically" different career setting. Steinhardt's graduate Vocal PErformance program has given me more than enough tools, not only to excel in the arts, but to thrive in this innovative, exciting and inspiring city! Typewritten text below reads: Martavius Parrish, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development '16.

photo of a male professor with handwritten text superimposed. The text reads: As the faculty coordinator of the new creative writing track and the director of advising in the English department, I help guide students as developing writers and scholars in the heart of the literary world in New York City. Typewritten text below reads: Nicholas Boggs, clinical assistant professor, English