Student Spotlight: Taisha Designs Her Dreams, One Opportunity At a Time

Moving to New York City to pursue a dream takes courage. For our latest Student Spotlight, we sat down with one of our inspiring students from Ecuador, who is balancing her Graphic Design degree from her home country while improving her English at NYC Global Center. From finding inspiration in Times Square billboards to contributing her own creative talents to our school community, Taisha's story is one of determination, ambition, and dreaming big. 

Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from, and what brought you to New York?

I’m Taisha, I’m a graphic design student from Ecuador, and I’m currently enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL). Right now, I’m in New York City studying English at NYC Global Center.

Ever since I was a child, I had many dreams, and one of the biggest was to come and live in New York City. Being here feels like I'm finally living a dream I had for so many years.

My native language is Spanish, but learning English has become an important part of my journey.

A vibrant collage capturing Taisha's NYC Global Center experience, from iconic cityscapes and sky-high adventures to everyday moments and personal style.

Why did you choose to study at NYC Global Center, and what has your experience been like so far?

When I was looking for an English school, I wanted a place I could trust. I was looking for a school with a good reputation, a convenient location, and, most importantly, an environment where I could really learn.

So far, my experience has been amazing. The classes are very dynamic, everyone is kind to each other, and you can tell the teachers are genuinely passionate about teaching.

My teacher, Maxime, has made a big difference. He's very approachable and easy to talk to, so I never feel nervous asking questions. It's also nice to share the classroom with people from different backgrounds.

What has been your biggest achievement or proudest moment since starting your English journey?

I'm proud of everything I've been able to accomplish because it has taken a lot of hard work and determination.

My entire family is still in Ecuador, but I've been fortunate to have people here in New York who have supported me along the way. They helped me understand how life works here when I first arrived and introduced me to new contacts and opportunities.

I'm also proud of my English. It's not perfect, but it's helped me communicate with people from all over the world, and that's something I'm really grateful for.

Taisha radiates confidence and style in a fashionable outfit.

How has studying at NYC Global Center helped you grow, both academically and personally?

Personally, I've become much more confident in myself and in my ideas.

As a designer, New York has completely changed my perspective. Ecuador gave me a strong foundation and inspired my passion for design, but living in a city like New York has exposed me to new ideas, cultures, and creative styles on a much larger scale.

I've found inspiration everywhere—from museums to the incredible advertisements in Times Square. Seeing so much creativity every day has made me a better designer and has encouraged me to think bigger.

Every student brings something unique to our community. How have you contributed to life at NYC Global Center?

Since I'm studying Graphic Design, I've had the opportunity to contribute creatively by sharing ideas and helping with visual content for the school.

It's been really rewarding to use my skills in a meaningful way and know that my work has helped bring some of the school's projects to life.

Outside of class, what's your favorite thing to do in New York City?

I love exploring the city.

I enjoy visiting museums, discovering new cafés, and, if I'm being honest, shopping! New York always feels exciting because every day there's something new to see.

I especially enjoy walking around SoHo and Chelsea. One of my favorite things about living here is discovering unique stores and local boutiques.

What are your goals for the future, and how is learning English helping you achieve them?

I still have about a year and a half left to complete my Graphic Design degree in Ecuador, so I'll return home to finish it before coming back to continue my career. My goal is to grow as a graphic designer and work with brands in New York, especially emerging and independent brands where I can contribute creatively and continue developing my skills.

In the long term, I'd love to build a career in the fashion industry, focusing on branding, visual identity, and marketing. I'm fascinated by how fashion brands create strong identities through design, storytelling, and creative campaigns. I've always admired Chanel for its timeless branding, elegant visual identity, and ability to stay relevant while honoring its heritage.

I hope to combine my passion for design and fashion by creating meaningful visual experiences for brands in the industry.

Taisha in front of Louis Vuitton flagship, a unique store designed to look like a luxury trunk. Taisha draws her creative inspiration from an array of such unique designs around NYC.

What advice would you give to someone who's thinking about studying at NYC Global Center?

Just go for it. There are so many opportunities waiting for you here, and learning English opens doors everywhere in the world. So, just go for it. 

Complete the sentence: "NYC Global Center is..."

NYC Global Center is where opportunities begin!

We wish Taisha success in her future endeavors and are lucky to host students like her who came to NYC Global Center with an F-1 student visa and big dreams!