Jason Cruz

Four years ago, I was faced with a decision that was daunting to me. I could either study at one of the top architecture schools in the Philippines, or I could choose to come to NYUAD.

Despite not having the major I wanted, something compelled me to choose the latter. It was a leap of trust into the unknown. At the time it was a decision full of uncertainty, but I had told myself that I still wanted to pursue architecture, despite how impossible it seemed.

I could never have predicted what would happen next.

NYUAD ended up becoming a place where things can happen. I was able to find opportunities that allowed me to travel and do meaningful work around the world, from Münster to Manhattan to Mumbai. I was able to make meaningful connections along the way, from friends to mentors and networking. I was able to learn a lot along the way, about civil engineering, about the world, and about myself.

It allowed me to pursue architecture in a way I never expected, through awards to build my first ever building, and a sculpture that’s now on permanent display in front of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Through NYUAD, I was able to leave my mark on Abu Dhabi. NYUAD is a place where things can happen, and where we can make things happen.