Sal Lavallo arrived at Gallatin having spent two years at the United World College in Montezuma, New Mexico. He is studying culturally sustainable development, exploring how nations can be competitive on a global scale while maintaining a strong cultural identity, and his courses include economics, history, anthropology and development. Last semester, Lavallo founded his own NGO and, with the help of Gallatin grants, completed his first project this summer in Tanzania. “I’ve been lucky enough to take two courses (one at Gallatin) with John Sexton, President of NYU,” says Lavallo. “He pushes his students not only academically but also personally. He loves every student and works hard to make the class a family that can be relied on. His courses have really changed my life.” In addition, he says, “I love how all of the students feel passionate about what they are learning. It is nice to feel as if there are dozens of people rooting for you and pushing you to get the most out of your education.”
