Bisha Shahid

When I sit back and try to find the right words to sum up my four years at NYU Abu Dhabi, I realize it's not the classes or the trips that stand out — it's the friendships I've made and the incredible people I've met. Roommates, classmates, D2 staff like Ahmed at the counter or Steven who knows our order by heart, the netball team... everyone left their mark.

Take Ferrari World for example. Five hesitant faces in line, a mix of terror and excitement as we stared up at the world's fastest roller coaster. "Trust me," I said with my most convincing smile while positioning myself at the end of the line to prevent any last-minute escape attempts. The art history major was already regretting it, the computer science friend was googling safety statistics, and the econ major was deep in survival odds calculations. Meanwhile, I grinned and nudged them forward. A few moments later, their screams echoed through the air at 240 kilometers per hour. They all swore they'd never trust me again, but hey, it's a story they'll be telling for years!

Through these friendships, I've grown in ways I never expected. My playlist, once dominated by Urdu and Hindi songs, now includes Arabic melodies, thanks to our late-night study sessions where we alternated our music playlists. I've learned that growth happens in the most unexpected ways — whether it's savoring Syrian fatteh, trying Bosnian borek, or sharing my mom's daal chawal with friends who'd never tasted Pakistani cuisine.

As I wrap up my time here, I'm filled with gratitude for all the unforgettable memories and the amazing people I've had the privilege of crossing paths with. Here's to the next chapter — may it be just as exciting and full of unexpected adventures!