Prepare for the unexpected

First person: Zhang Xing

Zhang Xing was twice selected by the Dean of New York University's international graduate school to deliver a speech to welcome newcomers from overseas and help them acclimatize to their new surroundings.

At the end of June, I was set to take a flight from China back to New York to start a new job when I received an unexpected message, "The offer you received has been rescinded." It really was as short, and simple as that.