Meishanka-Tyla
Moodley.
Major:
Public Accounting
Graduation
Year: 2015
Where are you originally from and
how did you decide to come to Fordham?
I am of
Indian heritage but was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. I am part of the third generation of Indians
that have been in South Africa. I
decided to come to Fordham firstly because it was in my dream city - New
York. I had already visited New York on
a high school trip the year before I headed out here for college and had fallen
in love with the city. I knew that that
I had to live here for a few years; I couldn’t get enough. I had heard great things about Fordham
University, but I specifically chose Fordham for its well-known Jesuit
foundation. I had grown up in a
Christian home and had gone to a Christian school my whole life so I knew that
I would feel comfortable in a place that instilled similar traditions and
values.
Tell us a little bit about the
international community and the orientation for international students.
There
is a larger international community in Fordham than I had originally
thought. That is one of the many things
I love about New York is that full of people from all over the world so there
is such a variety of culture. I think
the international community relates to each other here on a certain level
because we have all been through the culture change/assimilation and all face
the same difficulties of leaving home and everything we know for better
opportunities. My international orientation
as a freshman was pretty different since I came to Fordham mid-semester, but I
think the orientation process that Fordham has in place now for international
students is just getting better and better and has overall really benefited
the students here.
What are some extra circulars you
have become involved with?
Well
when I first got to Fordham, like most freshmen, I was involved with as many
clubs as I could be. By sophomore year,
I started to focus on the Fashion for Philanthropy Club, which was something
that I am really loved and enjoyed. I
eventually also joined Beta Alpha Psi, a finance and accounting chapter that
has benefitted me in my field of Accounting.
I have gained many connections through the club and as a result have
held some internship positions. Those
opportunities have really contributed to my education on the business life in New
York City that has helped me excel in my career. However, my most important, favorite, and
most time –consuming extracurricular activity is definitely my Resident Assistant
position at Fordham University. I have
been an RA for 2 years now and will continue to be one as I complete my fifth year (CPA). I applied to be an RA in my
junior year because I really wanted to me more involved on campus. I love the position; I get the chance to
positively influence and assist students on a daily basis. College involves the same ups and downs for
everyone. Some students are just further away from home than others, but we all
face similar challenges. Going through
those experiences myself being 8,000 miles away from my home, I knew I could
help other people that are going through that.
What is your favorite thing about
Fordham?
I
love the feel and culture of the campus; it’s just so beautiful. I also love that I get the best of both
worlds living on the Rose Hill Campus. I
experience the busy city life and the serenity of this amazing campus at the
same time. I really love the community
and the friendly culture that Fordham has built here. The culture is great and
allows me to meet new people everyday.
What is your favorite thing about
New York?
The
benefits of New York being such an attractive and major city of the world, is
that everyone from everywhere wants to come here. I’ve met people from all over the place and
learned something from each individual that I have encountered here. Everyone has a different story to tell; it’s
very exciting.
Anything else you would like to
share with international students who are considering Fordham?
I say
they should definitely go for it! Yes, it is difficult being away from your
home, your family, and everything you know, but I have to say that I have no
regrets. I would have never thought that
I would have learned or experienced this much in 4 years! It has been life
changing. Fordham University has played
an essential role in making me into the person I am today. I have been exposed to so many opportunities
and I am glad that I made the best of them.
Attending a school like this has been an honor.
