International Student Experience / Moving to NYC with Shu

Transcript

Time to meet Shu, an international student in her junior year studying international studies, with a triple minor in political science, psychology, and business. Spending half of her life in Nagano, Japan and the other half in Boston, Massachusetts, Shu was looking for a university with a diverse student body in close proximity to the United Nations headquarters. Let’s hear it, Shu. Take it away.

– Hi, Alex. Thank you so much for the introduction. I grew up moving across borders, which inspired me to further my higher education in international studies. The diversity of the city and proximity to such institutions such as the UN headquarters made spending my undergraduate years in New York City my top priority. The Manhattan University Liberal Arts program is a tight-knit community, where we have a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. I was able to get acquainted with most of my department professors very early on. These close relations foster open conversations ranging from paper topics, to future planning, to everyday things. The professors that I have met here become my guiding lines, sparking my curiosity, broadening my perspective, and helping me connect academic knowledge to the world beyond graduation. Additionally, I am very active on campus, serving as the president of the International Student Association, where my board and I strive to create an inclusive, reachable, and welcoming community for our students from abroad. We hold cultural and practical events in collaboration with the Office of International Missions and Partnerships, such as future planning and cultural exchange discussions. Manhattan University is providing me with a very enriching environment throughout this critical growth period of undergraduate studies, furthering my commitment to give back to my community through means of serving in student government, establishing new clubs, and so much more. This is a safe place where I as a student can expand and test my limits academically, as well as to mature as an adult. The multidisciplinary studies that cover sciences to the humanities, and campus community, the volunteering, and the leadership experience, and the people that I have met here have shaped me to the person that I am today. I strive to continue improving to be the best version of myself here at Manhattan University. Now I give the floor back to you, Alex.

– Giving back to the community is a hallmark of the Manhattan University education. And Shu exemplifies what it means to stay true to your roots. From leading the International Student Association to serving in student government, she was blending her career goals with her college life. Way to go, Shu, and thanks for sharing your story.