<p><span class="p-body">SMN Faisal Fahad's academic journey from Nassau Community College to making his mark at NYU's School of Professional Studies and pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia University is a story of relentless pursuit of excellence and the importance of seizing opportunities.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We were thrilled to sit down with<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-information-systems-and-technology.html" title="BS in Information Systems Management">&nbsp;BS in Information Systems Management</a>&nbsp;graduate Fahad and pick his brain about his time at NYU SPS and his vision for the future.</span></p>

<p>For Fahad, the aspiration to attend NYU seemed like a distant dream until a pivotal moment at Nassau Community College. It was during a transfer counseling session that he stumbled upon a brochure for NYU CCTOP. This discovery was a turning point where Fahad realized that what he thought was beyond his grasp was actually within reach.&nbsp;</p> <p>The encouragement from an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/how-to-apply/transfer-applicants/cctop.html" title="NYU Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP)">NYU Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP)</a>&nbsp;admission counselor was the nudge he needed to take the leap and apply. His acceptance into the BS in Information Systems Management (STEM) at DAUS marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.</p> <p>Professor Antonios Saravanos enriched Fahad's academic adventure at NYU SPS with his first class, Systems Analysis. He reflects on this experience, saying, &quot;Professor Saravanos helped me to believe that nothing is impossible.&quot; This belief became the foundation of Fahad's approach to learning and tackling challenges.</p> <p>Among the academic activities Fahad engaged in, research stood out as the most impactful. Under Professor Saravanos's guidance, he jumped head-first into Technology Acceptance Modeling and the influence of privacy concerns on consumers' willingness to adopt new technologies. This research not only honed his problem-solving skills but also ignited a passion for continuous learning and academic inquiry.</p>

<p>Like many NYU SPS students, Fahad balanced his academic commitments and personal responsibilities. As a full-time Uber driver, he appreciated SPS' flexibility and support, which allowed him to manage his work schedule alongside his studies. This is a crucial aspect of Fahad's success story, demonstrating the importance of adaptable learning environments in facilitating student achievements.</p> <p>The skills and knowledge acquired at NYU SPS set Fahad on a path toward further academic exploration. Motivated by his experiences, he applied to graduate programs, ultimately choosing to pursue computer science at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. His focus on software engineering and solutions is a direct continuation of the interests and competencies developed during his time at NYU SPS.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Today, Fahad looks to the future with optimism and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his academic and professional trajectory. The experiential learning opportunities at NYU SPS, combined with the school's flexible approach, have been instrumental in preparing him for the challenges of graduate school and beyond.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Fahad's story reminds us that with determination and support, no dream is too big, and no goal is out of reach. As he continues to forge his path in computer science, he hopes his story can inspire others who are ready to turn their ambitions into reality.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Now that you can earn your&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-information-systems-and-technology.html" title="Today, Fahad looks to the future with optimism and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his academic and professional trajectory. The experiential learning opportunities at NYU SPS, combined with the school's flexible approach, have been instrumental in preparing him for the challenges of graduate school and beyond. Fahad's story reminds us that with determination and support, no dream is too big, and no goal is out of reach. As he continues to forge his path in computer science, he hopes his story can inspire others who are ready to turn their ambitions into reality. Now that you can earn your BS in Information Systems Management online, the time is now to see where this STEM degree can take you.">BS in Information Systems Management</a>&nbsp;online, the time is now to see where this STEM degree can take you.</span></p>