Nicole Evelyn Schwartz, Alumni, Class of 2021

Currently: Bachelors of Science in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management at New York University (NYU), Concentration in Leadership and Management, Minor in French.
 

Reflecting on your time at Halcyon, what experiences stand out most, and how have they shaped you?

The people and the community were truly defining aspects of my time at Halcyon. The relationships I built with my teachers were incredibly meaningful–they were supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help. The IB was a challenging programme, but having the level of mentorship that Halcyon affords pushed me to be ambitious and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. The school environment nurtured my aspirations and encouraged me to take on challenges I once thought were beyond my reach.

Beyond the classroom, the residential trips were a standout experience. They provided a unique opportunity to build strong connections with both faculty and peers, fostering a sense of teamwork and belonging. Stepping out of my comfort zone during these trips shaped the mindset I live by today–embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. I have also embraced a guiding principle I call the “yes mentality” – a commitment to saying yes to opportunities, even when they may feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. This mindset has been my compass since arriving in London and beginning a new chapter at NYU. It encouraged me to dive into student clubs and shaped the professional experiences I chose to pursue.

What achievements at Halcyon are you most proud of?

One of my proudest achievements was founding and running the Dance Club at Halcyon. It allowed me to balance academics with a creative outlet and share my passion with others with a similar interest. It was an experience that helped solidify my passion and love for leadership – collaborating with faculty like Ms. Liao and organising events made me realise how much I love taking initiative, leadership and bringing people together.

Academically, the IB Diploma programme was intense, but I gave it everything I had. The extended essay was a particularly valuable experience, preparing me for university-level research. My Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course reshaped how I think about the world and perspectives, leading me to explore university courses in sociology and philosophy. Even one of my CAS projects–cooking–played a role in shaping my current interest in the hospitality industry. Halcyon and the IB Diploma Programme gave me the space to personalise my education and explore different passions in a meaningful way.

 

What are you currently studying at university, and why did you choose this field?

I'm studying Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management at New York University, with a concentration on Leadership and Management and a minor in French. My interest in hospitality started in Grade 11 after reading Setting the Table by Danny Meyer–it completely transformed my perspective on the industry. I realised hospitality was more than just hotels and restaurants; it was about creating experiences that make people happy.

Halcyon's University Fair also played a significant role in my decision. Seeing institutions like Les Roches present made me realise Hospitality could be a real path for me. Since then, I’ve done internships with Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), worked at a Fairmont Resort in Hawaii, and studied abroad and interned in Paris. New York University (NYU) was always a dream school, and the fact that it had a hospitality programme felt serendipitous–it was the perfect fit. 

 

What sparked your interest in Hotel and Tourism Management during your time at Halcyon?

The University Fair was certainly a turning point, but Ms. Al-Shammari was instrumental in shaping my path. She has an incredible ability to truly listen to students and understand their aspirations. She encouraged me to apply to NYU, even when I thought it may have been out of reach. Her guidance gave me the confidence to take that leap, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Her support extended beyond just applications—she helped me see the bigger picture and pushed me to think critically about my future. Looking back, having her in my corner was invaluable, and I know current students are incredibly lucky to have her guidance, insight and wisdom.

 

Did you have mentors, teachers, or peers at Halcyon who played a significant role in your journey?

My teachers were all mentors in some way, always creating opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. Ms. Liao in Biology, for instance, challenged us to push ourselves, often spending extra hours helping us grasp complex concepts. I am very appreciative of the amount of time and dedication teachers give.

My peers were also a huge source of support–especially in challenging courses like Economics. Halcyon's small class sizes allowed us to build close relationships throughout our Grade group, which made a significant difference and I continue to cherish those relationships.

Beyond academics, experiences like Model United Nations and the Ambassador Club pushed me into leadership roles and built my confidence. These experiences were stepping stones to what I do now, from working in mentorship roles at NYU such as being a Resident Assistant to leading NYU's Hospitality Business Society, organising conferences, job fairs, site tours, and creating opportunities for students to explore different career paths within the industry. 

 

Can you share some highlights from your university experience that you feel connect back to your time at Halcyon?

My role as a Resident Assistant at NYU feels like a natural continuation of my experience as a Student Ambassador at Halcyon. It has further fueled my passion for mentorship and leadership, allowing me to guide first-year students through their transition to university while fostering a strong sense of community through programming and building meaningful connections.

I also lead the Dance Club at NYU, called Dancers Choreographers Alliance, which has been an amazing way to stay connected to my creative side and build a community of like-minded people. Additionally, my four years of involvement with the Hospitality Business Society, where I’ve progressed through various roles (Student Engagement & Social Media Chair, Vice President, and now President), have enabled me to connect the NYU Hospitality Community with both the broader New York and global hospitality networks through the initiatives we organise. Event planning and networking—both skills I began developing at Halcyon—are now key aspects of what I do.

 

How did Halcyon’s learning environment or approach prepare you for university and beyond?

Halcyon taught me how to be an independent learner. The IB emphasised critical thinking and self-reflection, which have been essential skills in university. Halcyon’s small, intimate learning environment also allowed me to identify my personal learning style, making it easier to navigate a much larger university setting. Learning how to study efficiently, manage my time, and stay organised at Halcyon gave me a strong foundation that continues to serve me well.

 

What advice would you give to current Halcyon students who are considering a career in Hotel and Tourism Management?

Take advantage of the fact that London is your classroom. Immerse yourself in experiences in London–connect with professionals in the industry, explore the food and beverage industry, and seek out internships right on your doorstep. Hospitality is all about people, and developing emotional intelligence is something you can work on every day through interactions with others, and especially at Halcyon. Halcyon provides so many opportunities to build leadership and initiative–starting a club, working with teachers on a project, or organising events. Stepping outside your comfort zone is where the most growth happens.

 

How do you stay connected to Halcyon and its community, and what does that connection mean to you?

I stay connected through newsletters and keeping in touch with my peers and mentors, especially Ms. Al-Shammari. I’d love to attend alumni events in the future and reconnect with the community. That connection is so important. Halcyon played such a pivotal role in my journey, and staying involved reminds me of where it all started.

 

As Halcyon continues to build its alumni network, we celebrate the incredible journeys of our graduates and look forward to their future successes.