Bayyena Alzaabi

As I am from Abu Dhabi, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the city’s tune. The city was my comfort zone, my familiar, my home turf. Coming to NYUAD, I found it endearing how everyone was so eager and excited over the place I considered my normal. Add on to that the fact that I’ve never been the type for adventures. I’m not shy, per se - I just like the comfort of a schedule. Why chase after tourist spots when I can stick to my cozy cafés? Why switch up my routine when I know it like the back of my hand?

Turns out, as I came to know and love, that sentiment doesn’t fly with NYUAD students. The friends I made here had fresh eyes and the need to explore; their infectious excitement and my chronic FOMO pushed me to join in on the fun. I was dragged out of my “regular” and started involving myself more, peeling back the layers of the city to reveal a vibrant new hue.

From conventions to food stops, escape rooms to painted pottery, musicals to menageries… I’ve had a lot of fun exploring my home with you all. I still cherish my comfort, but now I switch it up every so often and wander off my normal path. I learned that from everyone here, and hope to carry it with me from here on out.