Stepping beyond your comfort zone
Ryan Singh’s journey has taken him from India to ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ
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Published
Deciding to become an international ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ can be daunting, to say the least.
As you set foot in a new country, you’re not only faced with the challenge of navigating unfamiliar cultures and customs but also with the nerve-wracking task of building new friendships in an environment that can feel vastly different from home. This transition often requires stepping well outside your comfort zone, adapting to new social norms and everyday routines, whether that’s understanding public transportation or finding local restaurants.
Ryan Singh, a ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ enrolled in Miami’s combined bachelor’s and master’s program in Business Analytics, emphasized the importance of this personal growth. For Singh, pushing beyond what felt familiar was not just a means to acclimate to a new community; it was pivotal for shaping his identity and achieving his goals.
Hailing from New Delhi, India, Singh chose to attend ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ not for its picturesque campus, but because of an endorsement from his high school guidance counselor.
“People often ask if I visited Miami before deciding, and the truth is no, I didn’t,” he explained. “My counselor, who had come here, insisted, ‘Trust me, this is a great school. You’re going to love it — great professors, great atmosphere, great everything.’ And she was right.”
Shortly after, he arrived in Oxford with just two suitcases, ready for the journey ahead.
“At the Farmer School, our professors challenge us to think critically without complete information. For example, I led a discussion on AI ethics, addressing how large language models trained on public data might breach copyright law,” Singh said. “It’s crucial for technology companies to confront these challenges, with C-suite executives striving to address them at the highest level. In class, we discuss current events and their potential outcomes, collaborating to navigate any problems.”
Such an intense level of training is characteristic of the Farmer School, renowned for its dedication to excellence in undergraduate education. At the heart of this is the Business Analytics program, which features world-class faculty who integrate the latest methodologies, empowering ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs like Singh to emerge as trailblazers in the dynamic digital economy.
“Someone once told me, ‘You are the sum of the people around you,’” he said. “And that is absolutely true because I’ve been able to connect with the most driven and passionate people who are always there to help me.”
Singh’s involvement in leadership roles and various organizations has played a crucial part in strengthening his social ties. Among these experiences, his participation in the Business Student Advisory Council and Alpha Kappa Psi, a prestigious business fraternity, stands out. Being part of Alpha Kappa Psi has not only transformed his experience but also fostered deep connections, giving him a strong sense of belonging.
“I remember when I first came to campus; it was so beautiful that it felt like I entered a separate world,” Singh said. “At first, all the trees, buildings, and walkways made it feel like a maze. Now, it feels like home. I know every nook and cranny of Miami and Oxford. It's amazing how quickly that turnaround is, going from a place where you know nothing to one that becomes your home away from home.”
Finding a university where Singh feels as much at home as he does in New Delhi has been an incredible journey. Oxford has become more than just a familiar place: it’s a setting where genuine connections have blossomed into lifelong friendships. Whether they’re engaging in spontaneous snowball fights, enjoying late-night walks along the trails, or heading to Miami’s sports venues to support the hockey and football teams, Singh and his friends transformed every Miami moment into an unforgettable adventure.
“One of the things I've learned is that leadership can be taught,” he said. “It’s all about intentionally placing yourself in situations where you develop skills and learn to work with others. And Miami excels at that.”
To continue developing his leadership skills, he secured an internship at a prominent consulting firm in South Bend, Indiana, this summer. There, he will have the chance to engage with diverse functions and collaborate across various industries. After graduating from Miami, he is eager to immerse himself in a fast-paced environment that challenges him while aligning with his commitment to social impact. As Singh knows firsthand, pushing out of your comfort zone is essential for realizing your leadership potential.
“You need to learn to navigate environments where you may not have all the information, which can be stressful. But these are the skills employers are looking for: how you work in challenging situations, how you communicate, and how you perform when things are falling apart,” Singh said. “In leadership roles, you cannot always turn to someone else for answers; it's your responsibility to manage everything. Miami provides plenty of those opportunities.”
“Miami offers a very different culture, and I’ve truly loved my experience here. It’s been an amazing three years. I’ve met incredible people, and honestly, I was undersold on the experience,” Singh said. “Everything this place has offered has far exceeded my expectations.”
As you set foot in a new country, you’re not only faced with the challenge of navigating unfamiliar cultures and customs but also with the nerve-wracking task of building new friendships in an environment that can feel vastly different from home. This transition often requires stepping well outside your comfort zone, adapting to new social norms and everyday routines, whether that’s understanding public transportation or finding local restaurants.
Ryan Singh, a ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ enrolled in Miami’s combined bachelor’s and master’s program in Business Analytics, emphasized the importance of this personal growth. For Singh, pushing beyond what felt familiar was not just a means to acclimate to a new community; it was pivotal for shaping his identity and achieving his goals.
Hailing from New Delhi, India, Singh chose to attend ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ not for its picturesque campus, but because of an endorsement from his high school guidance counselor.
“People often ask if I visited Miami before deciding, and the truth is no, I didn’t,” he explained. “My counselor, who had come here, insisted, ‘Trust me, this is a great school. You’re going to love it — great professors, great atmosphere, great everything.’ And she was right.”
Shortly after, he arrived in Oxford with just two suitcases, ready for the journey ahead.
Becoming a Data Master
In Miami's 3+1 program at the Farmer School of Business, Singh is on an ambitious path to earn both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Analytics in just four years. Through a rigorous curriculum, he’s working to master problem-solving techniques, data management strategies, and the art of implementing effective solutions, positioning himself as a leader in the field.“At the Farmer School, our professors challenge us to think critically without complete information. For example, I led a discussion on AI ethics, addressing how large language models trained on public data might breach copyright law,” Singh said. “It’s crucial for technology companies to confront these challenges, with C-suite executives striving to address them at the highest level. In class, we discuss current events and their potential outcomes, collaborating to navigate any problems.”
Such an intense level of training is characteristic of the Farmer School, renowned for its dedication to excellence in undergraduate education. At the heart of this is the Business Analytics program, which features world-class faculty who integrate the latest methodologies, empowering ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs like Singh to emerge as trailblazers in the dynamic digital economy.
Finding Community
The importance of people in a ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ’s college journey, both inside and outside the classroom, cannot be overstated, especially at Miami. For Singh, finding a sense of community was initially challenging due to the lack of fellow Indian ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs. Determined to overcome this barrier, he stepped outside his comfort zone by actively seeking out new cultures, which ultimately enriched his college experience and expanded his social network.“Someone once told me, ‘You are the sum of the people around you,’” he said. “And that is absolutely true because I’ve been able to connect with the most driven and passionate people who are always there to help me.”
Singh’s involvement in leadership roles and various organizations has played a crucial part in strengthening his social ties. Among these experiences, his participation in the Business Student Advisory Council and Alpha Kappa Psi, a prestigious business fraternity, stands out. Being part of Alpha Kappa Psi has not only transformed his experience but also fostered deep connections, giving him a strong sense of belonging.
Home Away from Home
To help integrate international ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs into Miami, International Student and Scholar Services offers continuous support that empowers ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs to adapt and excel throughout their academic journeys. Yet, Miami’s culture transcends personal achievement; it thrives on mutual support, where peers encourage one another and collaborate on diverse projects, fostering a sense of camaraderie among each other. For Singh, this truth deepened with each passing year.“I remember when I first came to campus; it was so beautiful that it felt like I entered a separate world,” Singh said. “At first, all the trees, buildings, and walkways made it feel like a maze. Now, it feels like home. I know every nook and cranny of Miami and Oxford. It's amazing how quickly that turnaround is, going from a place where you know nothing to one that becomes your home away from home.”
Finding a university where Singh feels as much at home as he does in New Delhi has been an incredible journey. Oxford has become more than just a familiar place: it’s a setting where genuine connections have blossomed into lifelong friendships. Whether they’re engaging in spontaneous snowball fights, enjoying late-night walks along the trails, or heading to Miami’s sports venues to support the hockey and football teams, Singh and his friends transformed every Miami moment into an unforgettable adventure.
Leading with Vision for Tomorrow
With over 600 clubs available, each featuring six to eight dedicated executive members, Miami ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs have plenty of opportunities to step into a leadership role and serve on an executive board of an organization. Singh currently serves as the president of the Business Student Advisory Council, which has been a motivating factor for him. He is driven by a strong desire to give back and ensure that the council is a valuable resource for his peers.“One of the things I've learned is that leadership can be taught,” he said. “It’s all about intentionally placing yourself in situations where you develop skills and learn to work with others. And Miami excels at that.”
To continue developing his leadership skills, he secured an internship at a prominent consulting firm in South Bend, Indiana, this summer. There, he will have the chance to engage with diverse functions and collaborate across various industries. After graduating from Miami, he is eager to immerse himself in a fast-paced environment that challenges him while aligning with his commitment to social impact. As Singh knows firsthand, pushing out of your comfort zone is essential for realizing your leadership potential.
“You need to learn to navigate environments where you may not have all the information, which can be stressful. But these are the skills employers are looking for: how you work in challenging situations, how you communicate, and how you perform when things are falling apart,” Singh said. “In leadership roles, you cannot always turn to someone else for answers; it's your responsibility to manage everything. Miami provides plenty of those opportunities.”
Reflecting on the Journey
When it comes to embracing the challenges of studying abroad, Singh emphasized that welcoming the unknown can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, forging lasting friendships, and broadening one’s worldview. Often, the experiences that initially seem daunting become the most enriching adventures. For international ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs considering Miami, Singh encourages them to seize every opportunity during their early years by engaging in a wide array of activities and experiences. Don’t shy away from pushing your limits — there’s a wealth of discovery waiting for you.“Miami offers a very different culture, and I’ve truly loved my experience here. It’s been an amazing three years. I’ve met incredible people, and honestly, I was undersold on the experience,” Singh said. “Everything this place has offered has far exceeded my expectations.”
Established in 1809, ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Farmer School of Business? Visit the website for more information.