Within GLASS: Experiences

Global Competency

United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi ~

During the Spring 2025 semester, particularly during Spring Break, I had the opportunity to participate in the Experimental Study Abroad program in Portugal. We visited organizations like Energias de Portugal and Nãm Urban Mushroom Farm, where I saw firsthand how the country approaches energy, sustainability, and resource management. Portugal is far ahead in renewable energy, and being there pushed me to think about how similar ideas could be implemented back home or even in developing regions that need it most.

I also took part in the Business Consulting Challenge, which was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Working with a diverse team on a real problem reminded me of the kind of collaboration I love in engineering projects. It strengthened my strategic thinking and communication skills and taught me a lot about adapting to different perspectives, especially when working in a multicultural environment.

One of the most memorable visits was to the Amorim Cork factory. Seeing how the world’s largest cork producer combines tradition with sustainability and innovation was inspiring. It showed me how engineering and culture intersect and how industries can stay true to their roots while still evolving to meet global needs.

Overall, the study abroad experience helped me connect my academic and professional goals to a much broader global perspective. It gave me hands-on learning, cultural insight, and a deeper understanding of what it means to pursue engineering with a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community.

During the Spring 2024 semester, I engaged in a study abroad program at New York University Abu Dhabi as a requisite element of the GLASS Program. Embarking on a study abroad experience has profoundly impacted my worldview, offering me a unique lens through which to appreciate the cultural, social, and economic differences between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The vibrant diversity of New York City contrasts with Abu Dhabi's blend of tradition and modernity, each place offering valuable lessons about cosmopolitanism, governance, and the interconnectedness of global societies. This journey has cultivated in me a deeper understanding of global dynamics and the importance of cultural sensitivity, empathy, and awareness.

Beyond broadening my global perspective, studying at NYUAD has also been a significant period of personal and professional growth. With the opportunity for self-reflection, I established a disciplined approach to fitness, which paralleled the discipline required in my professional life, highlighting the importance of structure, accountability, and reliability.

My travels to various countries, including memorable trips to Italy and a solo journey to Egypt, have enriched my life with cherished memories and reinforced my goals for financial freedom. This transformative experience has left me with a deeper appreciation for the power of international education and the resilience needed to embrace opportunities and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Portugal: Lisbon & Porto

Portugal: Lisbon & Porto ~

Commitment to Service

AFYA: Medical Supplies for Gaza and Israel

AFYA: Medical Supplies for Gaza and Israel ~

Abu Dhabi's Emirates Red Crescent

Abu Dhabi's Emirates Red Crescent ~

Volunteering with AFYA’s Medical Supplies for Gaza and Israel program opened my eyes to how much impact careful, behind the scenes work can have. When I first stepped into the warehouse, I saw tables filled with donated equipment from hospitals across New York, including NYU Langone. Our role was simple but important. We sorted, organized, and prepared these supplies so they could reach medical teams caring for people in crisis.

As I moved through each box and labeled each item, I kept thinking about the doctors, nurses, and families who would eventually rely on these materials. It made the work feel purposeful. There was a strong sense of unity among the volunteers, everyone focused on getting help to where it was needed most. No photos, no attention, just service for the sake of others. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for humanitarian efforts and for the people who dedicate their time to them.

Volunteering Solutions: Kenya, Africa

Volunteering Solutions: Kenya, Africa ~

Spending Ramadan in Abu Dhabi allowed me to experience the month in a way I never had before. When I received an email from Abu Dhabi's Emirates Red Crescent looking for volunteers to distribute Iftar meals, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I chose a Friday evening and made my way to the distribution site, not knowing what to expect, only knowing I wanted to help.

Handing out meals to people as they prepared to break their fast was a moment that stayed with me. The gratitude in their faces, the peace in the air, and the sense of community were undeniable. Everyone showed kindness. Everyone looked out for one another. It felt like being part of a family that extended far beyond borders or backgrounds.

Out of respect for the occasion and for the people we served, I chose not to take any photos. But the experience is unforgettable. It reminded me of the beauty of service, the importance of compassion, and the power of tradition in bringing people together. If I could do it again, I would. .

This trip made me slow down and think about what really matters to me in life. My parents gave everything for our family’s future, and being in Kenya reminded me how much those sacrifices shaped me.At Makimei Children’s Home in Lower Kabete, I worked with the non-pre-health team on a new multi-story building that will serve as both a safe home and a classroom for kids. Beyond the bricks and beams, what stood out most was the spirit of the community. Despite difficult living conditions, people remained resilient, faithful, and most importantly, love flourished among us. It gave me perspective. I came back with a deeper appreciation for the little things I often take for granted and a clearer sense of how I want to keep giving back.This was not just a trip. It was a reminder to live with gratitude, to invest in people, and to focus on building things that last beyond ourselves!

Leadership

Hispanic Heritage Month Event

Organized and facilitated this program for my residents as part of my responsibilities as a Resident Assistant.

AAP Mentor

Met with my mentee, Tyler, at Brooklyn's Jasper Kane Dining Hall.

BellaQuisqueya

I served as the Community Chair on the Executive Board of the Dominican Club at NYU.

Unity Through Flavor

I organized this program as an RA to give Brittany Hall residents a chance to share food, culture, and community together.

Academic Excellence

This was a project that a fellow GLASS peer and I created for a class at NYUAD called 'Creative Robots and Tech,' taught by Professor Moore. The objective of the course was to develop something meaningful and useful with technology—something that could potentially be further developed in the future.

We created a robot assistant called "FollowBot."The idea behind our creation was inspired by those moments when your hands are full, and there's no one around to help. In such situations, FollowBot would be incredibly useful, offering a practical solution by autonomously following and carrying what you can't."