In this third and final part of our series on newly arriving students in 2015 (see parts one and two) we meet Jasmine Tang, Eric Goins and Noah Silver.

Qishi "Jasmine" Tang
School of Engineering
Taipei, Taiwan via the USA, China and Singapore

How did you become interested in studying engineering?
My dad majored in electrical engineering, and he always hoped that I would follow in his footsteps so we can have things to talk about in the future. At first, I wanted to do everything except engineering because I like rebelling against my parents. But when I wanted to pursue car engine design, I realized that engineering can be interesting. 

Why did you choose to attend The Cooper Union?
My AP European History teacher introduced me to Cooper Union after I described my financial situation and decision to pursue engineering. I never thought it would be a viable option because I thought I would never get in. But I decided to give it a shot! I visited Cooper Union after getting accepted and I loved the community. All of the professors and students were approachable and I felt like I wanted to be a part of this. I also got a chance to look around New York because I've never been on the east coast of America. I fell in love with the city. Not to mention, while I was there, the people I spoke to were all supportive of women persuing engineering. I ultimately chose Cooper Union because I believe that it can empower people like myself and then I, through engineering, can empower others. 

What are you most looking forward to during your time here?
I'm really interested in eating all the food around Cooper, and exploring New York City. I'm also looking forward to running cross-country, joining amazing clubs (not going to list any because only time can tell) and meeting awesome people! 

What have you been up to over the summer?
I have been running, reading, hanging out with friends, cafe hopping and studying/reviewing. I've also been traveling this summer, to Singapore and China. 

In Taipei I worked at a 24-hour restaurant during the "afternoon" shift from 5 to 11 p.m. almost every day. It pays the minimum wage, which is around $4 USD per hour. When your dad earns multiple times that number, you realize how important it is to constantly learn and continue on with education.  

I, along with a few other high school students, planned and successfully hosted two leadership conferences in July as part of Global Leadership Organization. And I have continued on and joined another planning team to bring this leadership conference to Columbia University at the end of September! 

Eric Goins
School of Art
Virginia Beach, VA via Baltimore, MD

How did you become interested in studying art?
Originally, at age 5, I just wanted to be able to draw the anime that I watched. Shortly after I started doing observational drawings, like flowers for Mothers Day, or the Statue of Liberty for class. I developed an interest in art before I could elucidate why I liked it. It was intrinsic. The reason I still do art is because it helps me communicate better than I can with my mouth.

Why did you choose to attend The Cooper Union?
In middle school, I heard Cooper Union's name in the rap song Art School by Das Racist, and proceeded to research the school. I was drawn to the idea of having small classes, interdisciplinary, applicable, challenging work, and living in New York. Most of all the belief of free education was something I believed needed to be upheld.

What are you most looking forward to during your time here?
I was horrible at 3-D work in high school so I'd like to have another chance at not being horrible at it, among other things. Also I couldn't take AP Art History in high school since not enough people signed up for it. This time it's mandatory so that's pretty dandy. 

What have you been up to over the summer?
I've been interested in book binding this year and crafts affiliated with it. I made probably five sketchbooks just this summer, sold three of them, learned how to make marbled paper, made vector designs to cut out of metal for bookmarks, and started collecting fabric with my friend. I'm almost finished with a portrait of two library patrons, commissioned by their daughter. In the mornings I go to the Virginia MOCA to do volunteer work in children's art classes. For a friend's graduation gift, two kindred spirits and I designed a guitar using the aforementioned marbled paper on the pick guard and de stijl patterns on the body.

Noah Silver
School of Architecture
Albuquerque, New Mexico

How did you become interested in studying architecture?
I have always enjoyed studying patterns and observing the world around me. This interest manifested itself in the study of cities. At first I was more interested in urban planning, but my creative and artistic side drew me toward architecture.

Why did you choose to attend The Cooper Union?
I've wanted to attend Cooper Union for as long as I've wanted to go to architecture school. The work of the alumni, faculty and students has always seemed to resonate with me. I believe the founding philosophies of The Cooper Union create a unique institution and community that greatly appeals to me.

What are you most looking forward to during your time here?
I'm looking forward to working with incredibly talented faculty and students while developing my own skills and sensibilities as an architect. I also want to explore the architecture and cultural outlets New York has to offer.

What have you been up to over the summer?
I took trips to San Antonio, Costa Rica and Florida. Between trips, I've been interning with a local architect, working on redeveloping an old mall in Albuquerque.