Li Bingyin is studying finance at the Stern School of Business at New York University.

    The first week

    Dear readers,

    I hope school has been treating you well.

    Last week, I arrived on campus with mixed emotions. As I stepped outside the quiet, air-conditioned cab and onto the streets of one of the busiest cities in America, it hit me: I had arrived — not at my final destination, but at the starting point of my sophomore year.

    Looking around, I saw people standing on the curbs of sidewalks, holding a cup of cold coffee in one hand and hailing a cab desperately with the other. Further along, I saw people gathered in a semicircle around an artist strumming his guitar effortlessly. I also saw other students like me, who were excited, curious and a little nervous about the new semester.

    I had a feeling that life as a sophomore wasn’t going to be as laid-back as it had been last year, and sadly, my hunch was right.

    For the past week, I have devoted nearly 80 percent of my time to books. With four business classes, homework and reading assignments are quickly piling up, and it is never a good idea to wait until the last minute to study.

    In my leisure time, I get to explore delicacies in New York. So far, my friends and I have gotten a taste of Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Italian cuisines, spanning from downtown to central Manhattan. Sometimes, we even get the opportunity to eat with distinguished alumni and chat with them over dinner.

    As the second week of school comes along, I’m sure even more activities will be added to my agenda. As I get used to being back in school, I am filled with even more excitement and anticipation, and I cannot wait to share all the details with you, so stay tuned!

    Sincerely,

    Bingyin