<p><span class="p-body">For BS in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management student Payten Slack, moving to New York to attend NYU was more than just leaving Orlando, Florida—it was a leap into a world of new experiences and opportunities. As the youngest of five siblings and the first in her family to attend college, Payten brought her passion for hospitality and tourism to the Big Apple, eager to learn and grow in a city that buzzes with constant change. Amidst this big life change, her love for discovering new places and her eagerness to broaden her perspective on the tourism industry kept her going.We recently caught up with Peyton to see how the program is going so far and what advice she has for incoming students.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Music, theater, and travel have always been part of Payten's life. She spent her high school years deeply involved in theater competitions and performances, developing a knack for organization and creativity that she now channels into her academic and extracurricular pursuits. In New York, her favorite pastimes include exploring new cafes, journaling, and attending concerts.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Despite a challenging start balancing an 18-credit course load and two jobs during her freshman year, Payten embraced every opportunity to engage with campus life at NYU. During her second year, she made it her mission to get even more involved, and it paid off in ways she hadn't anticipated. As she describes, &quot;It was the best decision that I ever made.&quot; From serving as the community service chair of the NYU SPS Undergraduate Student Council to becoming a Dean's Scholar and an Orientation Leader, she has immersed herself fully in the NYU experience.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Now, in her junior year, Payten's roles have expanded further. She proudly serves as a Senator for the Undergraduate Student Council and as an NYU Votes Ambassador for SPS. These experiences have shaped her, giving her a strong sense of community and the confidence to give back through meaningful events. She doesn't take any of these roles for granted, knowing how much they have transformed her college experience.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">When it comes to academics, Payten believes that the BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management at NYU SPS provides a comprehensive and impactful education. She appreciates the program's focus, which goes beyond just hotels and food operations to cover a broader scope of the industry. The ability to choose a concentration that aligns with her career aspirations has been a highlight of her studies. Her concentration, Travel and Tourism Development, offers real-life exposure to the industry, preparing her for future challenges and opportunities.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Payten credits the active involvement of her professors in the hospitality and tourism field as a key factor in her preparation for a successful career. The chance to ask questions and engage in industry-related conversations with her professors, along with access to networking events and job shadowing, has been invaluable</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Payten, one of the most impactful classes so far has been Interviewing Strategies, a course offered through Steinhardt. Though it focuses on communication and interview techniques, it has proven invaluable for her hospitality career. Each class involves practicing specific interview questions, which, though intimidating, has helped her build confidence. Payten values the emphasis on communication skills, recognizing their crucial role in guest interactions and professional success within the hospitality industry.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">While graduation is still two years away, Payten is already planning for her future. Ideally, she envisions staying in New York and working in the destination industry, whether in marketing or management. Her program has opened her eyes to the various career paths within the hospitality and tourism sector, providing her with both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Payten's advice to incoming SPS students is to take advantage of every opportunity. &quot;Get involved and just talk to people,&quot; she says. By engaging with the SPS community and attending events, students can build lasting connections and make the most of their time at NYU. She also encourages new students to explore and embrace the ambiguity of their path. &quot;Your journey is not a 'one size fits all,&quot; she adds, urging students to remain curious and open to learning about themselves as they navigate their academic and personal growth.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Take your passion for travel to the next level when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>