<p><span class="p-body">For Angelo Diaz, a proud Bronx native, life is about creation and connection. His “relationships with loved ones and creating a safe space” are intertwined with a passion for expression through creation, “whether that’s digital art, painting, writing, or watering the plants.” His artistic spirit is balanced by a dedication to physical well-being, as Diaz is “also heavily into exercising. I enjoy running, playing basketball, and doing workouts.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Diaz's decision to pursue higher education at NYU was rooted in a profound respect for the institution's standing. NYU is “the ideal school for a person like me, molded by NYC with a campus that spans city blocks. NYU signifies hope. It’s a cornerstone of intellectual and creative genius.&quot; His journey here was not a straight path, however. After graduating from high school early, Diaz&nbsp;made a selfless decision to &quot;help my family stay afloat. At that time, four extra years of school wasn’t an option, so I went to trade school and became an electrician.&quot; A few years later, &quot;I felt unfulfilled, as if I was aimlessly wandering so I made the decision to push myself and challenge the person I believed myself to be.&quot; Motivated by a desire to live out his academic potential, “I wanted a retry. And so I began to apply to universities around me.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Diaz&nbsp;highlights the thoughtful structure of the first semester in helping him transition back to academia. As a Career Pathways Bridge Student, &quot;the first semester the classes we took were short form. We were basically wrapping our heads around what a college class room was like, and we were transitioning into college rather than jumping off the deep end,&quot; he explains. This gradual reintroduction to academia was particularly beneficial to Diaz&nbsp;because “I was out of school for four years, and getting back into the groove of learning in a controlled environment was seamless because of this.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Diaz's overall student experience at NYU has exceeded his expectations. &quot;I don't think I could’ve imagined a better experience,&quot; he enthuses. &quot;Whether making new friends in Palladium playing basketball, or absolutely abusing my meal plan, my college experience has been straight out of a movie. From parties, to school rivalries, to college culture, this is what I knew I was missing out on.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Diaz's paid internship with <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies.html">NYU SPS’s Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies</a> has been another highlight. The work, “at the DAUS office has propelled my understanding of work life balance and networking,&quot; in a way that is quite different from his previous, more solitary work as an electrician: &quot;As an electrician, I’d wake up at 4 am, work until 8 am, and not speak to anyone. But at DAUS, I’ve been able to be myself and foster meaningful relationships with people who have the tools and connections to help me become the student and man I want to be when all is said and done.&quot;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Looking forward, Diaz&nbsp;is eager to participate in an upcoming Global Field Intensive to Jamaica this summer. As a “native to the Caribbean, I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the Jamaican culture, understanding the identity of the Jamaican people, and obviously enjoying that perfect Caribbean weather.&quot;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">After graduation, Diaz&nbsp;aspires to “land a role at a good firm and use my position and influence to help those in need.&quot; He also wants to “show other people in similar positions as myself that you're only as big as the pond you're in. If you give yourself space to grow, and put the effort in to grow, then you will.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">His advice for helping incoming Bridge students maximize their college experience, just as he has include:</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">1. Don’t slack, the world will be there when you finish your work. Push yourself, complacency is a black dog in the night that will bite you when you least expect it. </span></p> <p><span class="p-body">2. Be yourself. The reason you’ve gotten this far is because you’re the best at being you, so don’t mess up the formula.</span></p>