Global Student in the City that Never Sleeps and Beyond...

By: Rukhshona Isomova

My name is Rukhshona Isomova, and I am from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, a city with over 3,500 years of rich cultural heritage. I am currently pursuing a double major in Finance & Accounting and International Relations at Maryville College. When I first applied to colleges in the U.S., out of all the schools I considered, I felt a deep connection with Maryville College. The International House staff stayed in touch with me, answered my questions with care, and made me feel welcomed even before I set foot on campus. When I finally arrived in Tennessee, I was blown away by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the charm of towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. But more than anything, it was the hospitality of the people and the opportunities I received in academics, campus life, and beyond that made my experience extraordinary. Maryville has taught me to view the world through a wider lens, and it continues to shape my journey as a global citizen.

1-collage: Top one - Maryville College sign with international students, April 27, 2025// bottom-left - Near Covenant Stone, Feb 8, 2024 // Bottom right - Awards Ceremony in CCA with Ella Reyes, April 5, 2024

2-picture: Global Engagement Reception in PDR, April 22, 2025

3-picture: Homecoming at Maryville College with GCO Team, Oct 26, 2024

From a very young age, travel has been part of who I am. It is almost as if I was born with a suitcase in hand. Whenever there is time, I see it as an opportunity to go somewhere new. This summer, I followed that passion to one of the most iconic cities in the world, New York. I wanted to see what it means to be in "the city that never sleeps." I was lucky to share this experience with my aunt, who has always been my perfect travel partner. She shares the same adventurous spirit as me, which makes our journey even more exciting.

 

1-Picture: NYC Ferry to Wall St, May 10, 2025

2-Picture: Met Life Tower, May 7, 2025

3-Picture: Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge, July 4, 2025

When it comes to New York, people think of something too crowded or intimidating; but to me, it is an overflowing mix of experiences no matter what I am craving. The city always has something waiting for me with many surprises, stories, and experiences to grow in many ways. There are concerts, live shows, museum exhibitions, rooftop events always happening. I never struggled to find some unique way to spend my time. On the contrary, I struggled to select which activity to pursue because many amazing things are happening at once. One of my favorite daily activities was riding the ferry (either on the Hudson River passing by the Statue of Liberty or from the East River to Wall Street) or taking the tramway to Roosevelt Island which offers panoramic views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River below. I explored iconic sites like Central Park, Times Square, the breathtaking Empire State Building, Hudson Yards (which looks like a fairytale in winter), Shining Vessel, the One World Trade Center, Wall Street, Grand Central Terminal, Macy’s, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library - my favorite study spot. One of the most memorable moments of my summer was watching the Independence Day fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge. I will never forget that moment. Every day, I am thankful that I get to see some of the most stunning views of New York like an early morning sunrise and walking home with the city glowing around me at night. It never gets old.

1-Picture: Bryant Park, July 12, 2025

2-Picture: NYC Ferry to Roosevelt Island, July 10, 2025

3-Picture: Brooklyn Bridge, Jan 6, 2025

4-Picture: Manhattan Bridge (Brooklyn Bridge in the background), July 4, 2025

Beyond sightseeing, New York became a hub of academic and professional inspiration. I attended conferences at the United Nations, finance and AI meetups at Bloomberg, investment dinners, art exhibitions, and other networking events that opened doors for me in ways I never imagined. I volunteered at a Silk Road Travel and Fashion event, proudly showcasing the cultures of Central Asia. New York’s location also made it easy to turn weekends into mini-adventures to Cape May, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Boston, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Every single experience added something new to my life. This summer taught me that with the right mindset, strong passion, and will, it is absolutely possible to both study and travel. Sometimes, I can plan a spontaneous trip today and leave the very next morning...

1-Collage: Top-Left - Small Business Expo Event at Javits Convention Center, May 7, 2025 // Top-right and bottom-right - UN Fashion and Lifestyle Event at UNHQ NYC, May 19, 2025 // Bottom-Left - UN International Bazaar at UNHQ NYC, June 3, 2025

2-Picture: Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, July 19, 2025

3-Picture: Cape May, NJ, June 29, 2025

My biggest takeaway from this summer is that travel is so much more than just having fun. It is about growth, curiosity, connection, and learning how to be open to the unknown. It is a chance to step outside of comfort zone and realize how much the world has to offer. The world is wide and welcoming; step into it. And, of course, one funny lesson: if I do not know how to walk fast, I am not a real New Yorker. I’m proud to say, I have officially mastered this skill! I believe that after this blog, you will be inspired to experience New York City for yourself or follow your heart whatever destination it leads you to. Travel changes the way we see the world and ourselves. 

1-Picture: NYC (can’t remember where exactly), June 8, 2025

2-Picture: View of NYC from Waterside Plaza and East River, May 23, 2025

3-Picture: Next to Javits Convention Center, May 7, 2025