Enjoy Doing "Useless" Things

As a Chinese student, I grew up constantly reminded to make every minute count. There is always a goal we are striving for. Whether it is securing good grades in middle school to get into a good high school, or working hard in high school to get into a good college. We are so used to chasing the next achievement that our actions often feel driven by a utilitarian mindset.

However, sometimes it is essential to do things simply for their own sake. Try doing something "useless", something that might not directly contribute to your success or that you might usually dismiss as "太麻烦了(Tài má fan le)." Visit an interesting exhibition or watch a musical; it might awaken your artistic side. Stroll through the streets of Puxi, and find a cozy café to relax in. It could refresh you for the rest of the day. Looking back, I can hardly remember the classes where I got an A during my freshman year, but I vividly recall biking to the Bund with friends, talking late into the night until we watched the Pearl Tower’s lights flicker off. These are the moments that truly stick with you. So make some happy memories, and do not be afraid to embrace a little "useless" fun along the way.

Try Out Different Possibilities

Your freshman year is the perfect time to explore beyond your intended major. NYU Shanghai offers a diverse range of courses across various disciplines, so take the opportunity to explore different subjects and discover what truly interests you. Before college, I believed programming was just complex code and frustrating errors, and I felt it was not for me. However, after taking the Creative Coding Lab in my freshman year, my perspective shifted. The professor made programming engaging and fun, showing me that it combines logical thinking with creativity. I discovered that programming can be a powerful form of expression and found myself in a flow with coding assignments. This experience revealed to me that our biases often come from a lack of understanding. Engaging with something new can make it far more interesting than we initially thought. So, explore beyond your field and discover new passions!

Hope you have a wonderful four years at NYU Shanghai. Find something you truly enjoy and embrace the journey!