糖心传媒

I chose Hofstra because I wanted to be close to New York City and have access to the internships, networking, and cultural experiences it offers.

I began as an undecided major with a passion for the environment and quickly found my home in the Sustainability Studies program. Its interdisciplinary approach allowed me to explore environmental science, geology, and GIS [geographic information systems].

Then, after serving on the executive board of Hofstra Concerts, I decided to add Music Business as a second major. From planning coffeehouse events to helping produce Spring Music Fest, I discovered a love for live music production and the powerful role it plays in bringing people together.

On the surface, it might seem that these majors are totally unrelated. However, my coursework, research, and leadership experiences at Hofstra helped me find a path to successfully combine and pursue both.

After being awarded a Hofstra Transformative Learning Grant and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State, I traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, where I studied the UK music industry. Now in my final semester at Hofstra, I鈥檓 completing work on a senior thesis on environmentally responsible strategies that can be integrated into the future of live entertainment.

Hofstra has challenged me academically, supported me personally, and encouraged me to think bigger than I ever imagined. If you鈥檙e searching for a university where your interests don鈥檛 fit into just one box 鈥� and where your goals are taken seriously from day one 鈥� Hofstra is a place where you can truly build your own path.

A major turning point came through her involvement with Hofstra Concerts, the University鈥檚 student-run concert organization. What began as participation evolved into leadership, with MeiLi serving on the executive board for three years, including roles as production chair and vice president. From coordinating logistics to overseeing large-scale campus events, she discovered not only a love for live event operations, but also the meaningful impact those shared experiences have on a community.

At the same time, her commitment to environmental stewardship continued to grow. She conducted invasive species research in Hofstra鈥檚 Bird Sanctuary, presented at Undergraduate Research Day, and later earned a competitive Climate Science Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position at Penn State. Each opportunity strengthened her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of sustainability challenges.

Her semester abroad at Edinburgh Napier University further broadened her perspective. Immersing herself in Scotland鈥檚 culture while studying international approaches to the music industry allowed her to see how global systems intersect with environmental responsibility. Supported by prestigious scholarships, the experience reinforced her confidence in navigating academic and professional spaces.