<p><span class="p-body">For Natalia Bolaños, the question &quot;Where are you from?&quot; doesn't have a simple answer. With a background that spans Panamá, Puerto Rico, and countless other places due to her father's military career, Bolaños has lived a life on the move. &quot;I grew up as an Army Brat, moving every two to three years,&quot; she explains. Her birthplace is Oklahoma, but she's lived in South Korea, Germany, Hawaii, and Florida. This constant change has instilled in her a love for travel and a knack for adapting to new environments. &quot;It's given me a strong love for exploring new cultures and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds,&quot; she says.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Bolaños was drawn to NYU not only for its renowned real estate program but also for the opportunity to be in a city where she could truly be herself. After living in South Carolina, she sought a place that embraced diversity and offered the chance to grow both personally and professionally.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Moving to the city felt like the natural next step in her journey, offering countless opportunities to gain hands-on experience.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Bolaños' time at NYU SPS has been transformative so far. She's particularly grateful for the friendships she's formed, especially the bonds with other women in the real estate program. &quot;NYU has opened my eyes to new perspectives and shaped my personal and professional aspirations in ways I never expected,&quot; she reflects. Having a global mindset is nothing new for Natalia, but the travel opportunities provided by the program have been a significant part of her growth. She's studied in diverse locations, including Australia, the UAE, Israel, and Spain, which has broadened her worldview and allowed her to immerse herself in different cultures.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One of the standout experiences for Bolaños was her time in Tel Aviv, where she earned a scholarship to study at NYU's campus and intern at a real estate firm. &quot;It was one of the most unforgettable and life-changing experiences of my life,&quot; she recalls.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The courses Bolaños has taken through the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/schack-institute-of-real-estate.html" target="_blank">Schack Institute of Real Estate</a> have far exceeded her expectations, particularly in terms of practical, hands-on learning. Two classes stand out: her Real World class with Professor Shawn Amsler and her <i>Global Real Estate Markets</i> class with Professor Brian Schwagerl. In her Real World class, Bolaños and her classmates worked with Glen Falls House, a boutique hotel in upstate New York. Acting as consultants, they developed a pitch to improve the hotel's business operations, which involved visiting the property and meeting with the owners. &quot;This experience allowed me to think like a real estate consultant,&quot; she says, noting how valuable it was to apply her knowledge in a real-world setting.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her <i>Global Real Estate Markets</i> class took her even further afield, with a week-long trip to Sydney, Australia. There, Bolaños and her classmates explored the city's real estate industry, met with top development companies, and learned about the ESG aspects of real estate. &quot;It was fascinating to compare Sydney's market to Manhattan's,&quot; she shares, appreciating the unique insights that the experience provided.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">While Bolaños is still exploring her post-graduation options, she has some key goals in mind. Initially, she planned to stay in New York and work in real estate development, potentially pursuing further studies. However, studying abroad in the UAE opened her eyes to new possibilities. &quot;I've developed a strong connection to the region and the rapidly growing real estate industry there,&quot; she explains, considering a move to Dubai as a future possibility. No matter where she ends up, Bolaños' main goal is to define success on her own terms, focusing on growth, learning, and making her loved ones proud.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Bolaños, career inspiration and advice come from a variety of sources. She finds the perspectives of her friends and professors at NYU SPS invaluable. &quot;The tools and insights they've provided have pushed me beyond my goals,&quot; she says, crediting her professors for helping her navigate the competitive world of real estate.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Bolaños encourages new students to set high expectations because, as she puts it, &quot;at SPS, they will be exceeded.&quot; She advises them to embrace every moment, pursue what they love with passion, and make the most of the opportunities that come their way. &quot;NYC is full of opportunities, and NYU SPS will give you the tools and experiences to achieve your goals,&quot; she says.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Set yourself apart with global experiences when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-real-estate.html" target="_blank">BS in Real Estate</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>