By Rivka Inger, Features Editor
Discover NYC was founded last year to give Beren and Wilf students the opportunity to explore NYC. Headed by presidents Sofia Rauh (SCW ‘26) and Donni Honig (YC ‘26), the club currently has over 530 members. This year, they have gone to locations such as the Rockefeller Ice Rink and apple picking.
What is your club’s mission statement?
Discover NYC’s mission statement is to create an environment where university students can explore New York City to the fullest: visiting famous landmarks, important cultural locations and creating memorable experiences unique to the city that never sleeps.
Why is this club important?
We’re in New York City, and as college students at Yeshiva University, it can be hard to afford memorable experiences while taking a dual curriculum. Discover NYC is important as it gives students the opportunity to explore the city, all while being budget friendly. This initiative also brings people together and has created a vibrant community within the university, which is vital for a fulfilling college experience.
What inspired you to get involved in and start the club?
Discover NYC began as a modest initiative led by the student council presidents, organizing trips to museums and NYC attractions on Sunday mornings. Unfortunately, these events struggled to attract large crowds. Recognizing its potential, my co-president, Donni, and I decided to innovate by creating a subsection called Discover NYC @ Night. Our goal was to host bi-weekly Thursday night events, allowing both in-town and out-of-town students to explore New York City at more convenient times. The response was incredible. Our inaugural event at Summit One Vanderbilt drew over 100 participants and garnered enthusiastic feedback. Building on this success, we eventually took charge of the entire initiative, renaming it Discover NYC. What began as a small effort has grown into a thriving club with over 500 members, showcasing the best of New York City for YU Students.
What are some plans you have for this semester and future semesters?
With winter approaching, New York City offers many unique seasonal activities such as ice-skating at Rockefeller Center. It’s always been a dream of mine, and many others, to experience skating on the ice in this famous location. Through Discover NYC, we fulfilled this dream by going ice skating at Rockefeller Center on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
What is your advice to someone looking to get involved on campus?
Come to the events, come to the club fair, talk to the club heads, socialize, find your passion and run with it. Yeshiva University has fostered an incredible community, everyone is so welcoming and willing to help. All you have to do is be true to who you are and put yourself out there. This vibrant community helps you express your passions, so don’t be afraid to start something new.
Photo Caption: Students ice skating at Rockefeller Center
Photo Credit: Sofia Rauh / Discover NYC