<p>When international student Divya Bansal enrolled in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-integrated-marketing.html">MS in Integrated Marketing</a> program at NYU SPS, she was fueled by her own dreams as well as those of her brother, who tragically passed away prior to earning his own master’s degree. Bansal left behind grieving parents in India who, despite their heartbreak, encouraged her to go. “It wasn’t just about getting a degree,” she shares. “It was about continuing what my brother had started. It was about carrying forward his legacy of hard work, kindness, his belief in building community, and helping those who often get left behind.”</p> <p>When Bansal left for New York, her parents reminded her of a lesson they’d always taught—that “your knowledge and skill are the only assets no one can take away from you. Be so good at what you do that you become irreplaceable.” Bansal’s mother nurtured her creativity throughout her upbringing—teaching her to dance, encouraging her to debate, and learning English. Her father, who rebuilt his life after losing everything in business, instilled resilience and discipline. As an international student navigating a new country, Bansal carries their lessons with her.</p> <p>“I chose to pursue a degree in marketing because I wanted to build on my previous experience of sales and marketing,” says Bansal, who had worked for seven years in tech for Salesforce and Gartner. “After speaking to advisors at NYU SPS, I realised that this program will put me in the field, challenge me with case studies, and allow me to work in diverse teams. This felt like a chance to become a holistic marketing leader. I saw opportunities like Global Field Intensives that would allow me to visit marketing hubs like Paris and Dubai and truly make my degree global.”</p>

<p>After her first semester, Bansal received the heartbreaking news that her mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. With both her father and her husband strengthening her resolve, Bansal returned for her second semester, determined to finish what she started. And now, she’s on track to graduate in May 2026.</p> <p>“None of this would have been possible without the warmth and support of the SPS community,” says Bansal. “When I shared my mother’s diagnosis with my professors and classmates, I was met with kindness and understanding that I will never forget. From helping me with my mental health to offering flexibility with assignments and attendance while I traveled home to care for her—the SPS community was my rock.”</p> <p>Today, Bansal gives back by serving as a student leader, creating spaces where others feel seen and supported. She wants every student to know they belong, just as NYU SPS made her feel. “Education is not only about degrees or credentials. It’s about transformation, about resilience, compassion, and the power of community. It’s about people who show up for each other the way my family and SPS showed up for me. And that, I believe, is the truest legacy my brother has passed on to me that I wish to carry ahead throughout my life.”</p>