Maya Kwok, a graduating student in the BS in Hotel and Tourism Management in the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and President of the Undergraduate Student Council, gives us some insight into some of her favorite parts of her NYU experience.
What has your favorite experience at NYU been?
Going abroad with the Tisch Center! I went many places in my time...have to seize opportunities, no?! I did Prague, Berlin, and Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi was my favorite as the experience really taught me a lot about culture and how to narrate cultural experiences, which got me interested in the intersection of culture, tourism, and events. I also met some of my closest friends!
Looking back on your time at NYU, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being so involved at SPS. The people I have met and connected with have inspired me to pay it forward and be a supportive SPS friend! Knowing that I have helped inspire people to get involved is touching. It doesn't take much to offer your time and just talk to people; be around - you won't regret it!
What was your favorite class, and why?
My favorite SPS class was Food Beverage & Catering Operations, because it expanded my understanding of not only the food industry, but the event industry! The logistics that go into catering and the coordination required to bring everything together was something I could see myself doing. I also really enjoyed writing the final paper for that course (I wrote about the history of cookbooks)... and that is rare!
What advice do you have to students entering into the program?
Make time to have real conversations with people you meet that interest you. This could be fellow students, professors, or industry leaders… truly anyone! If only for 15 minutes, asking about their story or something that struck you, I promise you, you will be inspired and it will open your mind (let alone your network!!).
Who is a professor that has been influential to you during your NYU experience?
Dr. K!!!! (Recep, "Richie Karaburun) In all honesty, I have taken every class he offers at SPS for undergraduates - abroad, in person, online, you name it! He is incredibly inspiring, has a ton of words to live by and is just an overall amazing energy to be around! Out of everything, his passion and drive are what I most love about him and the way he teaches! I hope to be the light he has been for me for someone else one day.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be working for LLG Events, a luxury wedding and special event planning company as an Event Coordinator! I have been working with them since 2019 in different capacities and I am really excited to grow with them and see where it takes me!