Tushig Bataa ‘26: The Art of Adaptability in Finding Purpose and Community

Hailing from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from a high school known for its academic excellence in sciences, Tushig Bataa always envisioned a liberal arts education that prioritized a holistic perspective over a strictly technical path. His journey to NYU Shanghai was a thoughtful one, inspired by his family's deep appreciation for Chinese culture and his own affinity for Shanghai's energy as a global hub. A dedicated scholar with an optimistic outlook, Tushig meets life's challenges with a smile, believing that a positive mindset is essential to shaping one's own reality. Now, as a member of the Class of 2026 and a scholarship recipient, Tushig reflects on his time at NYU Shanghai—from discovering the power of adaptability through his Interactive Media Business (IMB) major to his transformative study away experiences in Abu Dhabi and New York. These milestones have solidified his commitment to social entrepreneurship and his personal philosophy of service. His scholarship was a turning point, granting him the financial freedom to explore his passions and establishing the values he carries into his future.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. 

How did you get to know about NYU Shanghai?

My high school was renowned for sending many graduates to MIT, earning it the nickname "the MIT of Mongolia." When an NYU representative visited to promote the university, it opened my eyes to the liberal arts model offered in the United States. Later, while visiting my older brother during his studies in New York, I was captivated by the atmosphere of Washington Square Park. A family friend who attended NYU further strengthened our connection to the school. I deeply wanted that same experience, but New York was financially out of reach for our family. Because my parents work on a project basis, our income wasn't always stable, and we had to be very conscious of our finances while my brother was away. This taught me to be quite prudent with my spending. Seeking a similar international education closer to home, we discovered NYU Shanghai. My parents are very progressive and always encouraged us to experience different cultures and cuisines. They love Shanghai so much that they sent me there for a summer Chinese language program. Staying in the city for a month showed me just how vibrant and cosmopolitan it is. By my senior year, NYU Shanghai was my first choice. It offered the perfect blend: an American-style education in a world-class city that appealed to my entire family.

How did you feel when you received the scholarship?

I was thrilled to be admitted, and receiving the scholarship meant everything. It relieved the financial burden on my parents and gave me the freedom to pursue my studies without being held back by our financial situation. I was also excited by the "two-for-one" value of earning two degree certificates. Looking back, it felt like everything was meant to be. From my first visit to Shanghai in 2016 to the Chinese language course in 2017 and the NYU presentation at my school in 2019, the stars aligned. While I was confident in my academic record, my family's affinity for Chinese culture and my own connection to the city made NYU Shanghai the only choice for me.

What major did you choose and why did you choose it?

I chose Interactive Media Business (IMB) because I wanted to bridge the gap between business and the arts. Coming from a school where math and science were held in the highest regard, I knew I needed a more holistic path that allowed for creativity. This interest is rooted in my family: my father is a natural problem-solver who thrives in business, while my mother is a creative force in the media industry, writing songs and directing films. IMB felt like the perfect intersection of their worlds. While I explored accounting, I realized that I wanted to build my own path—one that combines creative expression with the stability of a business foundation. I am particularly drawn to social entrepreneurship and want to create work that has a positive social impact. Professor Emily Tsiang’s Designing Your Life course was a major inspiration in helping me realize that IMB was the right fit for these goals.

What skills do you think IMB has taught you?

IMB has primarily taught me adaptability, a skill I now apply to every part of my life. Because we start a brand-new project every semester, it forces you to be versatile and comfortable with fresh starts. I have realized that as a creative, comfort can be a trap; it leads to numbness and stifles new ideas. I actively try to put myself in unfamiliar situations to keep my creativity sharp. For example, I shave my head every year. Since hair often holds our identity and memories, changing my physical appearance forces me to adapt to a new version of myself and embrace change.

I often think of the quote from Timothée Chalamet, “Life is coming from you, not at you.” It reminds me that we are the masters of our own reality. I believe that maintaining an optimistic mindset is key to staying open to new experiences and keeping the creative juices flowing.

Where did you do your Study Away at and what interesting experiences did you have?

I studied away in Abu Dhabi and New York, both of which provided incredible experiences. Abu Dhabi, in particular, was a surprising and wonderful base for exploring the Middle East. I love traveling because it allows you to see firsthand how people live, what they eat, how they sing, and how they interact. Being exposed to Middle Eastern cultures helped me refine my own values. One highlight was being in Egypt during Ramadan. I was visiting King Tut’s tomb and had the privilege of witnessing locals breaking their fast. Seeing the community come together for prayer and the evening meal was a profound experience that wouldn't have been possible without the global opportunities NYU Shanghai provides.

What are your plans for the future?

A class on social impact consulting and social entrepreneurship deeply moved me and shaped my future plans. I want to build a career in social entrepreneurship. While financial stability is important, I am more motivated by a holistic approach to helping people and seeing them thrive. My family has always prioritized giving back; even when our own finances were tight, my parents encouraged us to be involved in humanitarian causes. I remember as a child, my parents helped me donate my collection of books to a school library on the outskirts of the city. Seeing the impact of that small action and receiving thank-you letters from the students really shaped my life philosophy: that helping others and building a supportive community is the most important thing we can do.