<p><span class="p-body">Growing up in the Bronx, Tyrik was inspired by his mother's strength, adopting her ability to &quot;find the beauty in the struggle. It was not always easy, but it was always real,&quot; shares Anderson. His roots also garnered an appreciation for &quot;drawing, music, acting, playing sports, having deep conversations, and helping others,&quot; and a desire to &quot;live with meaning.&quot; </span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">His journey to NYU was a deliberate one, marked by a four-year break after high school. &quot;Honestly, it was not hard to step away from school because I didn't really want to be in college at the time. I was unsure of what I wanted to do and what to major in,&quot; Anderson shares. This time away, including a powerful experience working as a mortician, provided the realization “that chasing money without peace is not the life I want. That time helped me grow, develop clarity, and return to school with a real sense of purpose.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">NYU represents more than just an academic institution to Anderson, “It feels like a space where every type of person could bring their story and grow from it.” Drawn to its diversity and real-world learning focus, he felt NYU SPS would recognize his potential and “be somewhere that saw who I am and pushed me to become who I am aiming to be.&quot; Anderson credits NYU SPS with “helping me become a better thinker and a more confident leader.” The program's emphasis extends beyond academics, focusing on practical skills, teaching learners “how to communicate, connect, and carry yourself in real-world settings. Every class and experience has helped me grow in how I speak, how I lead, and how I think about my purpose.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">A powerful moment in the NYU SPS Career Pathways Bridge Program was “an unplanned debate during our first-year seminar class. Everyone in the room opened up about their background and their goals,&quot; Anderson recalls. This spontaneous sharing fostered a sense of unity. &quot;We all came from different places and different struggles, but we all wanted better. That experience showed me how important it is to have spaces where people can speak their truth, be respected, and still show love to one another.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Another defining moment was getting his writing published in NYU’s editorial magazine. Initially hesitant, his professor's encouragement proved pivotal: &quot;What made that moment powerful was not the recognition—it was what it represented. I’m a young Native Black man that came from 183rd St in the Bronx, and that piece being published was a message. Not for validation, but for visibility. For every kid from the struggle who writes, speaks, and dreams but is never told that it matters. That publication felt like putting a voice out into a world that rarely hears us clearly. And I did that by being myself.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Looking forward to the GFI trip to Jamaica, Anderson anticipates a transformative hands-on learning experience. &quot;I already know it will be a powerful experience. This is not just about visiting a new country. It is about learning from the people, connecting with the culture, and understanding how global development works in real communities,&quot; he explains. He believes this opportunity “will help me grow, not only as a student but also as someone who wants to create change through respect, care, and action. I believe this hands-on experience will be a major step in shaping the kind of work I plan to do in the future.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Post-graduation, Anderson&nbsp;plans “to build something real… to start a movement that creates lasting support for young people, elders, and families who feel forgotten,&quot; he explains, outlining his vision for community centers offering comprehensive resources. His motivation is deeply personal, explaining that &quot;I have seen firsthand what happens when there is no guidance or support. I have lost friends to gun violence, drugs, and hopelessness. I want to step in before that happens and give people something real to hold onto.&quot; His commitment extends to elders as well, aiming to bridge generational gaps and ensure everyone feels valued.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Anderson's advice for incoming NYU SPS students is to &quot;Be yourself and do not be afraid to take up space.&nbsp;Your story, your truth, and your goals matter.&quot; He also urges students to “use your resources, speak to your professors, and do not be scared to ask for help. This place can shape you if you let it. Focus, stay grounded, and remember that you are here for a reason. Your background is not a weakness. It is your strength.&quot;</span></p>