Shahd Nigim

NYU Abu Dhabi has given me a space to grow, to question, and to truly understand who I am and who I want to become. The person I was when I first arrived feels like a memory. Now, after these years, I will leave with more confidence, memories, and a deep appreciation of the diverse world we live in. 

It was in the everyday moments with my friends that I found the most meaning. In my study away at NYU Shanghai I met most of my incredible friends. Our spontaneous walks along the Bund, and those quiet, reflective moments crossing the streets of Shanghai, surrounded by voices and stories so different yet so connected.

At every table I joined, there was diversity. Every meal, every discussion, every journey was a reminder of how beautifully complex we are. I think traveling with friends is like seeing places through their eyes, understanding their cultures not just through words but shared adventures, and the way we navigated familiar streets or introduced each other to foods that carried the warmth of home.

Saying goodbye to friends who have become family is difficult, especially knowing that we will soon find our paths in life and chase our dreams. No matter where life takes me, I will always carry these friendships with me, shaping the way I see the world and the way I move through it.