Why I Chose New York University

You always hear people saying that "everything happens for a reason." It's usually heard in bad circumstances, but I believe this to be true. In my previous post, I interviewed people on their college experience so far (please go check it out if you haven't already) and every single person said "yes" when asked if they felt like they had picked the right school for them. I think that this happened because all the schools that they didn't get into, brought them closer to the school that they were meant to go to, and that when making their decision, they followed their gut. Because each of us are unique with different dreams and desires, I think it is important to find a school that caters to your needs as an artist, scientist, doctor, businessman, or whatever you want to be, but it is equally as important that a school meets your needs as a human being, meaning the environment, location, etc. You know yourself, and if you think you don't, you do. You know your likes and your dislikes, and you know what makes you happy and what makes you sad, so be able to trust yourself. Before I explain my story on choosing to study at NYU, I wanted to say that yes, picking your school is important and should be carefully considered, but even if you pick the "wrong" school, you aren't stuck there forever. Transferring is an option, so meditate on this life decision, but don't let it stress you out and fill you with worry.

For me, NYU was the dream. The idea of being in the city with the ability to explore so much and dance every single day was magical to me. I mostly get inspired by watching other people do what they love and by getting to know them, so the idea of a bigger school with a lot of different programs meant that I could potentially get inspired all the time. Growing up in Texas, I had suppressed my own Korean culture and did not accept that side of myself until my junior year of high school, so I also wanted a school that I could not only be exposed to other Koreans, but learn about other cultures too. Not only that, but the NYU dance program, as well as the school on its own, has a name for itself. With its notable alumni, history, and central location, in my eyes, the school was incredibly prestigious, rigorous, and exciting. The name comes with discounts to shows and art museums, so not only would I be well trained as a dancer, but I had would have the ability to experience art easily. A conservatory dance program that was 3 years with access to excellent academics seemed so perfect for me. Especially because I had interest in minoring or double majoring. I honestly to this day am still amazed and grateful that I got in, but even though I got accepted and everyone around me knew it was my dream school, I still struggled with committing to the school and had to take a couple weeks to decide. I had gone to the NYU summer high school dance program before my senior year, and I was extremely happy everyday. That summer, it felt like I was home. And yet, I still doubted that feeling when deciding to actually come here. 

My biggest fear/factor that took me away from NYU was finance. New York University is an extremely expensive school, and even with a small scholarship, I knew my family was going to struggle a lot if I chose this school. My parents had always been incredibly supportive and kind, and I did not want to create a financial burden for them. However, the second I got into the school, they kept urging me to commit, assuring me that we would be okay, but I knew deep down they weren't for sure if we could afford it(sorry mom and dad, love you). In addition, I was terrified to leave my comfortable life at home and didn't believe that I would fit in, be able to "adult", and balance my academics with dance classes. I was scared of how I would be perceived by other people in the city because I am Christian. I had struggled in high school with the competitive environment it had and was scared that by attending NYU, I would relive the terrors of competition. Every time I thought about NYU, my heart would beat with so much excitement, but my mind would be filled with even more fear. I was also scared of making the wrong choice. What if I choose a school but I was actually meant to go to another school and I mess up my entire pathway for life? Now, my number two school was the safe option to me. It was cheaper, it was quieter, it had a good dance program, and it was still in New York. When I thought about it, I didn't get as excited as I would when I thought about NYU but I was okay with it. I knew I COULD be happy there. I knew I could easily survive there. When I would talk about these two schools, it mainly consisted of all the reasons why I wanted to go to NYU and how my second choice schools didn't have the same fears I had about NYU. One day, when talking about these two schools, this amazing woman in my life stopped me and told me that I can't choose my second school out of fear of NYU. My second school had a lot of good things but I wasn't choosing my second school for the good things; it was to avoid potential bad things at NYU that hadn't even happened yet. She said that I wasn't big enough to ruin God's plan for my life, and that to her, it sounded like my heart was yearning for NYU. The same day, I met with my mentor at school who told me that my freshman year would be my most expensive year and that yes, NYU was expensive but circumstances could change, I could get more scholarships, I could have a job, I could live off campus, all these other factors that could make my second and third year cheaper and make it affordable for my family. He also pointed out that the program was indeed three years and that I wouldn't have to pay four years worth of tuition. He calmed down a lot of my fears about NYU and told me that at NYU, I would be able to experience much more and have a lot more intellectual interactions and conversations with people, which would in turn widen my perspective and make me a stronger artist and human being. He said that he also felt that I really wanted to go to NYU. About 10 minutes after my conversation with him, keeping in mind the things the woman had also told me earlier that day, I committed to NYU. And I could not be more happier here. There is so many opportunities and people that want to help you with your life such as the Wellness Center and the Wasserman Career Center. I have already been inspired to create, and both the ballet and contemporary classes have been kicking my butt. The academics are manageable and has already widen my perspective on how to receive art. The people in my class are so insanely talented and so kind, they could not be more inspiring. The feeling that I got when I was here over the summer was right, this is home.