Sweat dripped off my face, and my body trembled in excitement. Playing along with some of the top high school players in the nation, I yearned to belong. However, as I sat on the flight back to Taiwan after camp, I realized that my mind and heart were in the right place but life is cruel. I did not win the genetic lottery. I had flown over the Pacific to fulfill a dream, but instead I was left wondering if this might be the end of my passion for basketball.

As a 5’7 Asian with a little bounce in my feet, I have always had a profound love for sports. But last summer at a basketball camp in the U.S. was the rude awakening experience that forced me to realize that I would probably never become the professional athlete I had hoped to be. I had no choice but to embark on another path in life. Fortunately, when I learned of the Sports Management program at NYU, I was ecstatic because I discovered another path into the world I love.

By garnering knowledge about the sports and entertainment industry, I can continue to pursue the passion that I have long possessed and immerse myself in one of the most exciting industries. Through the Sports Management program at Tisch Institute, I foresee unbelievable experiences as I learn and develop in one of the greatest sports meccas, NYC. Through internships at multiple organizations, such as Madison Square Garden and lecture series with professionals in the field, I can explore every opportunity and lay down the foundation I need to thrive in the world of professional sports.

This past summer, working next to my dad, who runs a large shoe manufacturer for Adidas and Under Armor, strengthened my interest in the Sports Management program at NYU. If I could develop in interest in a business that is so remotely related to my passion, I could only imagine the zest and fervor that I will have for actually being in the world of sports.

For a year, I believed that my dream was eviscerated. Luckily, when one door closed, NYU opened another door for me. Becoming a professional athlete is no longer viable, but the exciting world of sports awaits me, and NYU is my gateway to the world of my dreams.