Cedric Jiang ‘26: Empowered by Generosity, Creating Global Impact

Coming from Yibin, Sichuan, a remote inland city in China, Cedric Jiang’s perspective expanded when he first heard the name NYU Shanghai on a podcast discussing global social issues. Inspired by the possibility of pursuing a liberal arts education without leaving his home country, he embarked on a journey to understand the admissions process and explore Sino-foreign joint programs in China. Since arriving at NYU Shanghai, his experiences have shaped him into a more compassionate, empathetic, and globally minded individual. As a member of the class of 2026 and a scholarship recipient, Cedric continues to embrace the opportunities that have broadened his worldview and deepened his understanding of the world around him.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. 

Tell us about your background and how did you get to know about NYU Shanghai?

My journey to NYU Shanghai feels like a series of unexpected coincidences. I come from Yibin, a small fourth-tier inland city in southwest China, where many people in Shanghai may not have heard of it. My family leads a fairly modest life. My parents work in traditional industries, and while we live comfortably in Yibin, studying abroad, especially for my undergraduate education was never a financial possibility. My first encounter with NYU Shanghai was entirely serendipitous. I stumbled upon a podcast featuring an NYU Shanghai professor discussing abortion rights in the United States when I was just entering my last year of high school. That was when I first discovered there was a university in China offering a U.S.-style education and accepting Chinese students through the National College Entrance Examination. Intrigued, I began researching the admission process, taught myself how to write college essays, and prepared diligently to apply.

What was your parents’ reaction when you told them you wanted to apply for NYU Shanghai?

My family has always supported my decisions, but the cost of attending NYU Shanghai was a significant consideration. They had expected me to attend a local university, so the idea of studying at NYU Shanghai felt far beyond what we had ever planned for. Through my research, I discovered that financial aid was available for Chinese students, but I was not sure if it would be enough to support me. When the financial aid decision was released, I saw the immense relief on my parents' faces. At that moment, I knew I had their full support to pursue my dreams at NYU Shanghai. More than just an acceptance letter,  It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that meant a great deal to both me and my family.

How do you think this scholarship has helped you?

Attending NYU Shanghai was only possible with a scholarship, so I held onto the hope that I might receive one. Receiving this scholarship was a pivotal moment, it lifted the financial burden and gave me the emotional security to focus fully on my education and future. More importantly, it made me feel seen. It showed me that people from a small town and ordinary backgrounds can be recognized, supported, and believed in. The scholarship not only gave me confidence but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility to pay it forward one day. Beyond financial aid, it has given me an education that has shaped my perspective, where I learned to be more empathetic, open to new experiences, and courageous in pursuing opportunities I never imagined back in high school.To this day, coming to NYU Shanghai remains the best choice I have ever made. Without this scholarship, my life would have taken a completely different path at a traditional Chinese university — a path where many of the opportunities, perspectives, and growth I treasure today might never have happened.

What was your impression when you first entered NYU Shanghai? 

During my first semester, I felt quite stressed, particularly about my English proficiency. Many Chinese students at NYU Shanghai come from major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where English education is often stronger than what I received in Yibin. It took me my freshman year to adapt to this change in environment. One of the best aspects of NYU Shanghai is that students don’t have to declare a major until the end of sophomore year. This flexibility allowed me to explore different fields and discover what I am truly passionate about. Initially, I considered computer science, but after taking a few courses, I realized it was a highly demanding and competitive field that didn’t align with my strengths. Before coming to NYU Shanghai, I had always imagined pursuing social sciences due to my deep passion for political and social issues. However, my experience here made me reflect on the practical aspects of choosing a major and helped me understand that personal interests don’t always have to dictate academic choices. After much consideration, I decided to major in Business and Finance while still taking courses in other areas. I appreciate NYU Shanghai’s flexible system, which allows me to study subjects out of pure interest while enriching my primary field of study. 

Another transformative aspect of my experience was being assigned a roommate from a different cultural background in my first year. This exposed me to diverse perspectives on culture and social issues, which I already had a passion for, and broadened my understanding. Looking back, I see that the people and experiences at NYU Shanghai have made me a more empathetic person. In high school, I was largely focused on myself, but since arriving here, I have become more open-minded and aware of different communities, including those that are often overlooked. This shift in perspective is one of the most significant personal changes I have undergone since leaving high school.

You are starting your senior year, what are your plans after graduation?

During my study abroad semester in New York, I asked a professor for advice on navigating college and the future. She shared two simple yet profound insights, the first is to find something you are naturally good at, and the second is to strive to make the world a better place. These words have stuck with me as I think about my next steps. I hope to become a product manager, not just to solve business problems but to design technologies that improve lives and create meaningful social impact. I have already begun exploring this path through internships, and over the summer holidays, I was interning in product management at Visa. Coming from a remote inland city in China, the opportunity to be seen, respected, and embraced at NYU Shanghai has felt like an incredible gift. I see myself as one small brick in a much larger path. Through my experiences and the products I help create, I hope to brighten even a small corner of someone else’s life, just as my professor advised, working toward a better world. That, to me, is a truly meaningful pursuit. Just as NYU Shanghai opened a door for me, I hope to open doors for others, especially those who have lacked access to similar resources.