Domestic Exchange Student Reflections
New York University
I never thought that there would be a time when I wanted to trade in my North Carolina leaves, trees, and driveways for New York City traffic, skyscrapers, and subways, but this time came over winter break. As I sat in front of a plate of my grandmother’s pork barbecue (with her secret sauce), I found myself wanting udon noodles from Chinatown. Now, don’t get me wrong, my grandma can throw down on some barbecue, but I fully acknowledge that New York City has stolen a piece of my heart. I was so grateful to be heading back for another semester.
This semester, I am studying at New York University, home of the Violets, and the former home of our dearest president, President Campbell. NYU is massive compared to the New School and Spelman College. With a student body of over 40,000, it’s easy to get lost in the mobs, especially coming in during spring semester. But have no fear, the visiting students program is here! Due to the organizing and brilliance of Ms. Touray and Ms. Riley, coordinators for visiting students, we receive fabulous resources to ensure a smooth transition. NYU has a large population of visiting students. This semester, there is an entire group from Puerto Rico, who are receiving assistance due to Hurricane Maria, students from abroad, as well as other domestic exchange students. As visiting students, we go on NYC excursions and so far, I have been to the Empire State Building and saw “Once on this Island,” a hot musical currently on Broadway. It has been a fantastic beginning of the semester.
My classes are amazing! I am taking a play writing class and an acting class through Tisch, an education class through Steinhardt, a history of theater class through the College of Arts and Sciences, and an African American Linguistics class through the Social Cultural Analysis program. As a visiting student, they allow you to take classes in many different schools within NYU system. Through my education class, I have been tutoring students who are preparing for the SAT, and goodness Lord; I had to prepare for that one, since it has been so long since I have taken it myself. The program is through The Door, an alternative school that serves students failed by the system. If you are interested in helping underprivileged and marginalized youth, it’s a wonderful program to check out.
In my time here so far, I have met up with two Spelman alumna (C’2016) and one Morehouse grad (C’2009), and they have been so welcoming. This just proves that the AUC love stretches beyond Atlanta. I also have a job this semester. Now, this isn’t a requirement, but due to my experience last semester and adjusting to NYC prices, I found it helpful to have a small job. It was acquired through the university, and it provides some extra spending money to pay for things that will enhance my experience. I was cast in a workshop show through Tisch called, “The Swashbuckling Sisters of the Seven Seas.” Your girl is a pirate! Arrrrgh! I am extremely excited to be part of this girl empowering musical and cannot wait to tell you all about it in my next reflection. Over all things have been rocking and rolling, and I just can’t wait see what this semester will bring!
