I began my freshman year at NYU in Paris. By the end of the semester, not only did I find myself being invited over for "fondue" by my professors, I found that I could speak somewhat near perfect French.

The second big transition was arriving to the Big Apple. Everything unimaginable, extraordinary, and unreal is here in New York. Coming from Dubai, I felt the excitement and joy of being able to take advantage of life in the largest metropolis in the world. At first, I was overwhelmed by the city and the massiveness of NYU. However, I soon found that NYU has opportunities that are tailored specifically to your interests. Joining a sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, helped me get involved in the communities here through volunteer projects for the Breast Cancer Society and fundraising for the Pine Mountain Settlement Home. I have also found opportunities in New York City that have proved invaluable to me, such as joining the Teterboro Flight School, where I am currently training to obtain my private pilot's license.