Leading Through Inquiry
I've met so many students doing so many interesting things I never even imagined were possible in college because Lehigh gives us the means to accomplish everything we can think of.
College:
College of Business
Academics:
Major:
Finance
Minor:
Sociology and Anthropology
Hometown:
Franklin, TN
Activities:
ROTC, Founder & President of Ars Sapientiae (Lehigh's literary and debating society), Community Coordinator of the Classical Education House theme community, RUF ministry team member, Lehigh Quiz Bowl member
Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: I think a lot of prospective college students don't understand that their college experience will be entirely what they make of it. People place too much weight on the specifics when deciding on a college, but the thing that matters most is the resources a college has to offer. Lehigh has a whole universe of resources and opportunities available to students. Anything you can dream, you can do at Lehigh. I've met so many students doing so many interesting things I never even imagined were possible in college because Lehigh gives us the means to accomplish everything we can think of.
Q: What tools or resources have you discovered at Lehigh that will enable you to make an impact?
A: The theme community program has made a huge impact on my time at Lehigh. I think the Classical Education House will be one of my most successful projects while at Lehigh.
Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to strike a balance between excelling academically and getting involved in the Lehigh community?
A: Working ahead in academics really frees up time for extracurriculars. On the macro level, "working ahead" by taking AP or IB classes in high school can make your semesterly workload a lot lighter. Once you're at Lehigh, staying a few days ahead of your classwork can also free up time and make it a lot easier to say "yes" to an event you hear about last-minute.
Q: You’re bridging the data-driven world of Finance with the human-centric study of Sociology and Anthropology. How do these two disciplines overlap for you, and is there a specific global challenge at that intersection you're passionate about contributing to solving?
A: I think asset management is the most interesting area of finance. Asset management is all about correcting securities market inefficiencies to make a profit. A market is really just a measure of large-scale human psychology, which is where my minor in sociology & anthropology comes in. To be the winner in a market, you have to stay two steps ahead of crowd psychology. I hope that understanding markets, especially in their capacity as a proxy for public opinion, will make me an adept public servant later in life.
Q: Between leading Lehigh’s literary and debating society (Ars Sapientiae) and serving in ROTC, you spend a lot of time exploring how we communicate and lead. Why was it important for you to revive a space for formal debate on campus, and how has the Classical Education House helped shape the way you approach problem-solving in your other activities?
A: As a leader, you don't want to be the smartest person in the room, but you do want to be the best decision-maker in the room. The club and the house are essentially think tanks. When you surround yourself with other smart people, you will inevitably gain valuable knowledge; it's a recipe for success. Beyond just the technical knowledge I've learned from my housemates, I've learned a lot about leadership from solving the collective action issues that arise when 24 college students live together.
Q: Where have you found support and mentorship at Lehigh? How has it shaped your experience so far?
A: By far the most supportive community I've found at Lehigh is Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). As a Christian, it was important for me to find a community of fellow believers on campus. RUF has social and ministerial events almost daily, so I can always find time for fellowship. Everyone in the fellowship has been entirely supportive of my ambitions and chiefly concerned with my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: It sounds corny, but my favorite thing about Lehigh is the people. At Lehigh, I have met the most extraordinary and friendly people. Everyone is so talented and impressive. Everyone has a story to tell or wisdom to share. I am surrounded by countless friends who inspire me daily.
Q: Where is your study spot of choice on campus?
A: I like to study in the common areas of the Classical Education House. When the weather is nice, I like to do my reading on the Clayton UC lawn.
Q: What is your favorite food spot, either on campus or in SouthSide Bethlehem?
A: The Füd Truk has the most delicious food item on campus, the Brown and White. It's a roast beef sandwich on a brioche bun with garlic aioli and caramelized onions.