My Background

Heyy. My name is Lusine, and I come from Armenia, a country located in the Caucasus region, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. I studied at Yerevan High School No. 29, named after Andranik Margaryan. Before that, I went to Yerevan Basic School No. 55 named after A. Chekhov. From the next semester, starting in August, I'll be attending New York University in Abu Dhabi.

Why I Chose to Study Abroad

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d one day study abroad. At first, I seriously considered staying in Armenia. I looked at local universities, especially those offering data science, since I was drawn to business analytics. But something didn’t feel right. I wasn’t excited about studying data for data’s sake—I cared about how it could be applied, how it could solve real problems, especially in the context of sustainability and impact.

As I got deeper into environmental work and started leading community workshops, I realized I needed more than just a general education. I needed a place that allowed me to study exactly what I was passionate about—where I could explore the intersection of economics, business, and sustainability in a hands-on, global context. That kind of education simply wasn’t available in Armenia.

So I made a difficult but exciting choice: to apply abroad. Not just to study a major, but to find a space where I could grow into the kind of change-maker I wanted to be

How I Chose My Major

I didn’t wake up one day knowing I wanted to study economics. At first, I thought I’d go into business. But something didn’t sit right. The more I got involved in community projects and ran environmental workshops for kids, the more I started to ask bigger questions: Why aren’t we taught how the economy affects the planet? Why does making money often mean harming the environment?

That curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of research—articles on sustainable development, videos about circular economies, conversations with people who were trying to build a better system. That’s when it clicked. I didn’t want to choose between the environment and the economy. I wanted to work at the place where they meet.

In Armenia, the idea of “sustainable economics” barely exists—but to me, that’s not discouraging. It’s an opportunity. I chose this path because I want to help shape a future where doing what’s right for the planet also makes sense economically. I want to show others that sustainability and success can go hand in hand.

Why NYU Abu Dhabi?

NYU Abu Dhabi offers a lot of flexibility and opportunities. You can mix classes from different majors, do a minor, or even a double major. Though I hadn’t initially planned on a double major, I liked that NYUAD gives you time to explore and work without being busy 24/7.

The J-Term program was another major draw. The idea of spending time studying or researching in a different country, experiencing new cultures, and gaining global perspectives truly excited me. That’s when I thought, “This is where I want to be.”

Initially, I had 14 universities on my list, a mix of dream schools and safeties. But once I got accepted to NYUAD, I knew that this was the place where I could grow both academically and personally. I withdrew my applications to other universities, confident that I had made the right choice.

Stats and Exams

I have the highest GPA in my school, which reflects my dedication to my academics and my ability to balance both my studies and extracurricular activities. For my English proficiency, I applied test-optional and submitted my Duolingo score, where I scored 135. I also submitted my national leaving exams results to NYU Abu Dhabi, where I scored 19 out of 20 in History. I plan to take another exam in June to further strengthen my application.

Essays: Personal Statement and Supplementals

I didn’t know where to begin. There was this one project—something I poured my heart into—but it didn’t fit anywhere on my activity list. So I wrote about it. Not just the what, but the why. How a simple idea turned into a mission, how late nights and small wins shaped it, and how I hope it will grow. My personal statement became a space to tell the story I couldn’t tell anywhere else.

Then came NYU’s supplemental question. What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder? I stared at that prompt for days. Weeks, actually. It wasn’t just about what I’d done—it was about how I connected with others in ways that mattered. Eventually, I chose to write about a project I co-led with South African students. It wasn’t perfect, and it didn’t save the world, but it brought two sides of the globe a little closer together

Extracurricular Activities

My activity list included achievements from different areas:

• Competitive Swimmer for 11+ Years. Represented my state at the Women’s Annual Aquatic Championship, earning 4 gold and 2 silver medals in backstroke and freestyle. Dedicated over a decade to competitive swimming, consistently training and competing at a high level.

• Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) Participant, United World Colleges (UWC) — Acceptance Rate < 10%. Chosen for SIC at UWC, where I played a key role in developing an innovative Android travel guide app. The project received approval from a distinguished jury, including representatives from Samsung, for its creativity and potential impact on enhancing travel experiences.

• Competitive College Club (CCC) Student (<8% Acceptance Rate), Mentoring Committee Member. Selected for the prestigious CCC program, I mentored over 55 students, supporting their peer learning and personal development. While studying, I collaborated with fellow CCC members on a research project examining emissions intensity in Armenia over the past 30 years. Our findings contributed to a deeper understanding of the country's environmental challenges. I also authored a blog addressing key environmental issues in Armenia, helping to raise awareness. Through participation in over 15 monthly seminars on U.S. higher education, I broadened my knowledge and provided insights to guide others through the application process, empowering them to make informed decisions.

• Squad Leader, PhysMath (Ranked Among the World’s Top 10 Schools). As a Squad Leader at PhysMath’s STEM camps (over 340 students), I mentored students, including refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, across grades 5–12. I facilitated transformative learning experiences that empowered diverse groups to excel in STEM subjects, while fostering resilience, collaboration, and personal growth in challenging environments.

• Captain of my school’s volleyball team for over 2 years, and currently a right-side hitter for BSU, one of Armenia’s top volleyball teams.

• Interned for over 3 months at the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises, one of Armenia’s most influential tech organizations, where I served as International Relations Coordinator. My performance led to becoming a Team Lead at DigiTec, the country’s largest and most high-profile technology and innovation expo, bringing together global companies, startups, and policymakers.

• Mentor, Red Cross Armenia (1.5+ Years). For over 1.5 years, I mentored more than 30 children on a weekly basis, providing guidance in Armenian, Russian, English, and Mathematics. Through consistent and individualized support, I facilitated their academic growth, helping them overcome challenges and achieve measurable success. My long-term dedication contributed to the academic and personal development of each student, fostering a positive and lasting impact.

What about awards? I tried to connect them with my interest in the sustainable economy.

• RISE Global Finalist (top 500/120,000 from all world).

• National Biology Olympiad Finalist.

• Semi-finalist in Oxford’s Climate Change Competition(in the Top 3% from all over the world)

• Global Youth Economics Olympiad Finalist.

• Finalist in the "Build with AI for Sustainable Growth" Hackathon by Google (<10% acceptance)

Financial Aid & Scholarship

NYU Abu Dhabi covered everything for my 4 year journey there —I received a full-ride scholarship plus a grant for personal expenses and travel. 

Plans for My Bachelor's

My time at university will be dedicated to advancing sustainable economics—not just through coursework, but through tangible actions that can create lasting change. One of my most ambitious goals is to connect NYU with Armenia, especially if COP17 is held there. I envision bringing NYU students, deeply passionate about sustainability, to Armenia, where they can not only attend the conference but collaborate with local youth and showcase groundbreaking, youth-led initiatives. This cross-cultural exchange will ignite global ideas and inspire transformative solutions.

But that’s just the beginning. I’m determined to push the boundaries of sustainability on campus. I want to create programs that get people thinking, acting, and feeling connected to the environment in new ways. My goal is to turn bold ideas into real-world impact, ensuring sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, but a movement that grows, inspires, and accelerates at NYU.

And What After Graduating?

In the future, I see myself as a leading expert in sustainability economics, working at the intersection of environmental policy, economic development, and corporate sustainability. I envision myself advising governments and organizations on eco-friendly economic policies that drive both growth and environmental responsibility.

I hope to take on leadership roles in international organizations. Whether through working with the UN, or innovative private-sector firms, I aim to develop large-scale solutions that promote green business practices and long-term economic sustainability.

Additionally, I see myself continuing my engagement in the educational sector, mentoring young leaders, and contributing to environmental initiatives. My long-term goal is to bridge the gap between economic growth and sustainability, ensuring that businesses and governments prioritize environmental responsibility while fostering economic prosperity.

Advice to International Applicants

Everyone says “be yourself,” but that’s only part of it. My main advice is: 

• Do YOUR research. Find out what each university values. If they prioritize academic excellence, highlight your achievements. If they’re looking for creativity, show that. Universities list the kind of students they want—so don’t reinvent the wheel. Follow what they say.

• Ask your friends to read your essays. They can offer objective opinions and help you improve your writing.

• Finally, don’t give up. You’ll get discouraged. I know it feels like the pressure is unbearable sometimes. I’ve been there—the late nights, the doubts, the moments when I wanted to quit. But through it all, I kept reminding myself: This journey is worth it. And no matter what happens, I’ll be proud of how hard I worked. Someone wise once told me, “If it’s meant to be, it will be.” So, trust that the effort you put in will pay off, even if the outcome isn’t exactly what you expected. That way, no matter what happens, you’ll know you did everything you could.