From New York to NYU Tulsa: A Student’s Quest to Understand Identity in America

Chok grew up in a Tibetan monastery in Nepal. There, they learned the value of community and collective care from a young age. Outside the monastery, the bustling city of Kathmandu was a second home, and something Chok missed after relocating to a quieter town in Connecticut. For college, Chok was drawn to NYU and the chance to again be surrounded by people, cultures, and food from around the world.

At NYU, Chok joined Gallatin, collaborating with an adviser to craft a personalized course of study that has ranged from Tibetan Buddhism and the power of dance to the improvisation of sound. “I learned a lot about myself, which I think is the whole point of college,” Chok says. “I found my voice through music, storytelling, and art, exploring my identity as a Tibetan American. My work is driven by a desire to reclaim diasporic narratives and blend history, spirituality, and creative expression. Whether through writing, movement, or sound, I aim to create spaces for healing and connection.”

Studying at NYU Tulsa has been a chance for Chok to learn about themselves in an entirely new place. Away from the distractions of New York and all the people they know there, being in Tulsa has allowed Chok to think about their goals after college. And with so much division across the country, Chok also sought to learn about and experience other parts of America. “You can’t run from a problem. You have to face it,” Chok says. “As a citizen I want to understand what’s going on. I want to understand the mentality of Americans. Tulsa is at the epicenter, the heart of America.”

While Chok was unsure what to expect, Tulsa has felt welcoming on and off campus. It’s also had unexpected perks, like living in an apartment that’s massive by New York standards and scoring affordable new clothes and jewelry. “The thrifting game is fire in Tulsa,” Chok reports.

Place-based learning is central to NYU Tulsa.

“If you really care about politics and society, and you actually want to do things that matter, this is the place,” says Chok. “It’s a developing city, and there’s so much need for different types of people and strengths to build this community.”

Chok is also the NYU Tulsa Global Ambassador. In this role they’ve formed close relationships with classmates, professors, and staff. Additionally, they’ve worked closely with the assistant director for student life to plan student events. Activities have ranged from laid-back movie nights to a group trip to Bentonville, Arkansas, to see an art exhibition and go mountain biking—a new experience for most. “Mountain biking was really scary, but I did it! I was so proud of myself,” Chok says. “You have to push hard up the hills, but if you take your chances and you take risks, it pays off. That was a great life lesson. You really can do anything.”