Mane Harutyunyan

My time at NYU Abu Dhabi was about understanding who I am at the core. It was about realizing that we are products of the decisions we make, but also the strength behind who we become. Those four years — including the 80 percent of time spent in the library — were about exploring fascinating ideas, learning about cultures, succeeding, failing, taking risks, continuing difficult tasks, sometimes procrastinating, but always knowing that we are working towards something incredibly beautiful. 

We shape the mind and body of tomorrow through education and life experiences: Abu Dhabi, with the library and the beach becoming my sanctuaries; London, such a beautifully relaxed semester that I almost forgot I was a student; and New York City, the city of adulting, where a small kid learned to grow up. I feel part of me will always remain in those places; the memory of a certain image is accompanied by regret for a certain moment, but it comes with acceptance that I lived that moment, even though I can never live it again.

I know I'll cry the day this yearbook is published — not only because my friends won't be just a few meters away anymore or because I'll lose the comforting familiarity of this place — but also because I know I am ready for life's challenges. Those tears will be a mixture of joy, laughter, regret, happiness, sadness, and all those 3,000 emotions we all feel.