New York University, or NYU, is the backdrop of the hottest and busiest times in my life.

When I think of that time, I always recall the purple NYU logo tote bag, the fountain in Washington Square Park, and the endless assignments and energy drinks. It was at NYU that I first realized how vast the world is.

Typically, universities have large campuses where everything is contained, but NYU is completely different. Classrooms are near Soho, and cafes or shops are right next to the dorms. Stopping by Starbucks for a coffee on the way to class is a given, and Broadway show posters or street jazz music are just part of the everyday scenery.

Classes at NYU were truly intense. The reading materials provided by professors were always thick, and in discussion classes, there was no time to hesitate before sharing opinions. Speaking in English was initially daunting, but no one laughed at mistakes. Instead, the atmosphere encouraged dialogue with comments like, "That's an interesting perspective." As I accumulated these experiences, I developed the ability to articulate my thoughts verbally, which later proved to be a great help in my professional life.

What stands out to me is how professors treated students as 'adults.' They emphasized participation over attendance and encouraged a self-directed learning attitude rather than rote memorization.

Once, on a day when I was pondering an essay topic, a professor said, "Don't try to find the right answer; write about what you're truly curious about." That advice has stuck with me. After that day, studying felt a bit less overwhelming.

Of course, life at NYU wasn't always glamorous. Tuition was expensive, and rent was even more so.

Living as a student in the heart of Manhattan was always a battle with 'money.' So, I worked part-time, bought and sold used books, and packed my own lunches. Strangely, those times instilled in me a stronger sense of responsibility. I naturally thought, 'To survive in this city, I need to toughen up.'

And above all, life at NYU broadened my horizons. My friends came from all over the world, and people with different backgrounds, accents, and habits gathered in one classroom.

One day, a friend from London said, "You Koreans are impressive for studying so hard," and another day, a friend from India remarked, "It's amazing how you always keep your promises about time." That made me deeply reflect on what kind of person I am, what country I come from, and the culture I grew up in.

I will never forget the procession of purple graduation gowns gathered in Washington Square Park on graduation day. As music played and thousands of graduates celebrated each other's dreams under the New York sky, I felt an overwhelming emotion of, "Ah, it's really over."

NYU was not just a school. It was a place that threw me into the world while teaching me how to endure.

What I learned there was not just academic knowledge, but how to live authentically as myself.

So even now, when someone asks me, "How was NYU for you?" I often say, "It was tough, but if I had to do it again, I would choose that path once more."

The memories of my youthful passion and efforts learned in the heart of New York feel like an everlasting spark within me.