The five-day field trip to New York City from May 14th through May 19th created experiences that I will always remember. Through Professor Farhang Morady, this academic trip evolved into both personal development and cultural exploration, creating enduring memories.
The group members displayed clear excitement while standing at Heathrow Terminal 5. I enjoyed a chicken pesto sandwich with a latte before taking my seat for the flight to JFK. The airport security procedures in the United States proved to be more efficient than my expectations had predicted. The TSA officer verified our educational mission before letting us pass through. When I arrived at New York City it immediately drew me in. The city shared London’s dynamic nature yet delivered an entirely new thrilling encounter.
Our first night in New York brought us to Joe’s Pizza which is considered a classic New York eatery. The rave reviews were accurate because I became sure at the second slice that Joe’s Pizza provided the best pizza experience in the entire city. We passed by Madison Square Garden that night and I experienced a strange feeling because we were standing in the epicenter of a globally famous metropolis.
The day started with a guided tour that led us through the early development of the city. Scott our guide explained how Dutch settlers established New Amsterdam which became the foundation of the city. My knowledge about the development process of urban spaces grew stronger through this experience. The ferry ride allowed us to observe the Statue of Liberty as the sun set while we spent time in Chelsea before boarding the vessel. The peacefulness of the sunset combined with the soft wind and tranquil atmosphere produced one of the most tranquil and inspiring moments during the entire journey.
The journey reached its peak on Friday when we visited the United Nations Headquarters. I chose to wear a suit during the day which led our professor to tease me about looking like a bride. We saw the Security Council Chamber and General Assembly Hall which served as the venues for world-transforming decisions inside the United Nations building. Passing through the halls I felt the heavy significance of diplomacy and I could picture myself leading as both a delegate and Prime Minister of Italy.
The cultural highlights included walking through Central Park which exceeded my expectations in every way. A visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art created the same impact on me. The galleries containing ancient Egyptian Greek and Roman artifacts rendered me speechless. Observing how human innovation and technology developed throughout history served as a powerful reminder that we share a common cultural heritage with all nations.
Our group shared a farewell dinner at an Italian restaurant during the evening. Dr Morady received a heartfelt letter together with a gift from us as symbols of our gratitude for his guiding vision and dedicated leadership throughout the entire journey.
On my last day I accomplished a personal objective by visiting Harlem which marks the birthplace of my musical hero Tupac Shakur. The West Village proved to be my favorite part of the city because we enjoyed our last meal there before departing to the airport. The flight back to the airport took less time than expected because my heart felt grateful and my mind was full of new knowledge.
The field trip exceeded my expected boundaries. Through this experience, I gained fresh insights about the world while strengthening my friendships and gaining self-awareness. The world appeared smaller while my dreams grew bigger after this experience. My time in New York left me feeling inspired and grateful while transforming me in ways that will last forever.
Abdullahi Mahi