At first glance, the email seems to be a 2000-ish words lyrical tirade praising the awesomeness of NYU while reminding students of the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities offered by the school. Among other things, Sexton heavily insists on the international character of the University, which has campuses in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and London, and plans to open two new ones in Australia and Washington D.C. by the end of the year.

In case the true value of NYU’s international character escapes you, this quote from Albert Cotungo, chair of the Student Senator Council, should help open your eyes:

“I‘ve been to six countries since coming to NYU.  To really understand and know things about the world, I think it’s important to explore and learn about it from varying perspectives.  You can read all you want about world poverty and privilege, for instance, but you won’t understand it – feel it - until you drive by a neighborhood consisting solely of cardboard-box homes.”

Thankfully, NYU is here to open your eyes. How exactly remains a mystery, but it will. I can imagine that after spending a semester abroad in Abu Dhabi, anyone would come to realize that their parents’ three-bedrooms is in fact a “cardboard box” of sorts. Don’t you feel your tolerance levels rising already?

Oh, and they are going to need an extra $1,000 a year from you.