Here's to You, Class of 2017

The Chinese term, 关系 (Guānxì) translates to mean, “relationships” but, depending on the context, it can also be translated to mean, “connections” or “networking.” Prior to Jan 12, (when a group of New York University students from the main campus arrived in Shanghai to partner with the Dean’s Service Scholars Program), I never really thought about the importance of “guānxì” between classes - nor, did it ever cross my mind how the lack of upperclassmen would affect NYU Shanghai. On our way to Beijing, a group of NYU seniors were in the back of the train excitedly discussing their post-graduation plans— terms like, “Teach for America,” “Law School,” and “Mckinsey” were thrown into the mix. The snack cart passed and I ordered a large bag of mystery-flavored chips and sunk into my seat in shame. Most of the time, I have no idea what I am going to have for breakfast much less what I am going to do with the rest of my life. The students at New York University have been involved in programs that have been established for decades. They know people; they know internships; they know the city. They may know the city, but how well do they know each other? In a school of twenty-thousand students it’s hard to believe that any sort of community exists. That is NYU Shanghai's advantage. Our school is developing— the growing pains we are experiencing, we are doing so together. In so many ways, the relationships we maintain with one another will determine the ultimate success of our university, regardless of whether we belong to the Class of 2017 or the Class of 2018. One day we will all belong to the same alumni network, a “guānxì” that will stretch across the globe. To the Class of 2017 - before you begin the last semester in Shanghai before venturing abroad - here is to you. As a member of the Class of 2018, I look forward to the memories we will share over the next semester in developing this university. It is my wish, that 20 years from now we will look back at this portion of our lives and remember the feats we accomplished together. The “guānxì” is strong within us. - Lilly Korinek

Class of 2018, Let's Keep in Touch

During my stint as an Orientation Ambassador over the summer, I came to know a number of freshmen before any of us even set foot on the NYU Shanghai campus. The face of every single student I met, regardless of sex, race, or country of origin, beamed with the same mix of trepidation and excitement. Some were fearless in front of a crowd; their questions and discussion points came flowing in a stream so fast and so powerful I wondered how on Earth they managed to breathe. Others were decidedly more taciturn. It took a considerable amount of effort to draw them into the discussions (these students, I’ve learned, have wonderfully rich personalities, but they’ll only show you after they’ve gotten comfortable with you). At some points during orientation, I was a bit bemused. The class of 2018 seemed entitled. I walked down the halls hearing declarations about this being their campus and making grand plans to be better than the class of 2017. While these opinions were of course the minority, it was enough to make me question how our two classes would interact with each other. I was afraid we would end up not only a school divided into groups of Chinese and international students, but also a school divided into freshmen, sophomores, and study away students. After school started, however, I started hearing less and less of these declarations until they ultimately disappeared (at least, I think they’ve disappeared). The classes of 2017 and 2018 integrated rather seamlessly though we’re still a bit distanced from the study away students (it’s getting better though, as they take more of our classes). We’ve integrated so seamlessly, in fact, that a few of my freshman friends have expressed concern about next year because so many of their friends will be studying away. “What are we going to do when you’re gone?” they ask, “Who are we going to talk to?” I respond with characteristic terseness: we’re not dying. The class of 2017 might be far flung during the 2015-2016, but we are not disappearing. Sure, coordinating a group video chat will be a logistical nightmare (in autumn, Shanghai is 13 hours ahead of New York, 7 hours ahead of Paris, and 4 hours ahead of Abu Dhabi) but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Personally, I dislike video chatting, and I’m horribly unresponsive when it comes to messaging, but I promise to make an effort. That said, the class of 2018 shouldn’t rely exclusively on these modern methods of communication. Keeping in touch with old friends is important, but so is making new ones. I’m certain almost everyone in NYUSH has had experience making friends both at home and in this new environment. If you’ve made friends twice, you can do it again. Class of 2018, your seniors are relying on you to introduce us to your juniors. We won’t be here to meet the Class of 2019, but you will be. When the time comes, meet them, befriend them, and Skype the Class of 2017. Until then, enjoy the time we have together. Here at NYUSH we have such a wonderful opportunity to become friends with people from wildly different places, it’d be a downright shameful to pass it up. - Sarabi Eventide

This article was written by Lily Korinek & Sarabi Eventide. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Marjorie Wang