Why NYU Emma Riley

One of my first dissections was a cat brain. As my lab group carefully cut down the longitudinal fissure, we discovered tiny parasitic worms on the superior colliculi. While I’ve had the opportunity to dissect tapeworms, cow eyes, and rats, the cat brain was one of my favorites. Looking back, I feel it reflected what I love most about science— it follows an organized methodology, but also allows for spontaneous discovery. When my group and I discovered these roundworms, we decided to dissect those as well. We were left wondering if these worms contributed to the cat’s demise.

I imagine an education at NYU would be a lot like that dissection. I don’t mean full of parasitic worms (of course), but I do mean surprising. NYU is able to seamlessly combine areas of study to provide experiences that are instrumental in helping students chart their paths. Combining my passions of science, politics, and the arts would be a tremendous opportunity—a uniquely NYU opportunity.

Take the NYU Creative Arts Therapy program. I love how it combines the arts and science, with the goal of helping others reach their full potential. The program focuses on music and art, not just as a way of expression but also as a way to help patients in a...