Lucas Koranda '26

Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?

A: From your first day at Lehigh, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our campus community, ready to support you throughout your college journey. I vividly recall the blend of excitement and nervousness I felt during my college search process, feelings that many prospective students share when searching for a college that feels right for them. The extraordinary network of Lehigh students, faculty, staff, and alumni played a crucial role in integrating me into the community, so much so that I found my initial worries dissolved in a matter of the first week on campus. Approaching college with a disposition to foster connections will go a long way in understanding the character of the campus and the people who embody it. No matter how you define success, you will find that the people of Lehigh offer steadfast support for you to achieve your academic and personal endeavors.

Q: How has Lehigh prepared you to take on tomorrow’s challenges?

A: Lehigh's interdisciplinary curriculum has equipped me with core skills and values essential for navigating complex situations in our ever-changing world. The classroom environment, while challenging, strikes a balance between ensuring the material is engaging without overburdening students. It serves not only as a space for introducing academic content but also for discussing values and ethical real-world behavior. The Integrated Business and Engineering program, in particular, has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and prepare for leadership roles across disciplines. Through active participation and constructive feedback, IBE classes foster initiative, adaptability, confidence, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills. I believe that at Lehigh, I am building a solid foundation of interpersonal competencies, knowledge, and principles that will serve as valuable assets in my future employment, regardless of what industry or position I may find myself in. 

Q: You’re extremely involved on campus, how would you describe your work with the campus community? What motivates you to work so closely with different offices across campus?

A: Throughout my time at Lehigh, I’ve discovered a multitude of experiences I’m eager to be a part of, fueling my passion for serving our students and prospective families. My campus involvement is significantly shaped by some of the first organizations I encountered during my visit to Lehigh as a prospective student. The warm welcome and inclusivity I experienced during my campus tour led by the Office of Admissions and the orientation hosted by the Office of First Year Experience motivated me to join these organizations and aim to create a similar impact for other students. In roles within these offices, I have gained confidence, deepened my knowledge of campus life, and honed my leadership skills. Embracing my roles in these organizations has developed my purpose at Lehigh as a campus representative and resource for current and prospective students. Leading by example and actively serving our campus community are the avenues through which I strive to make a positive and profound difference.

Q: What classroom or extracurricular activity at Lehigh helped you determine what you want to pursue in the future?

A: Following my first year at Lehigh, I dedicated ten weeks to the Mountaintop Summer Experience hosted by the Office of Creative Inquiry. In this program, I worked alongside undergraduate and PhD students to advance research regarding Self Driving Cars in Urban Environments with Traffic. We aimed to leverage machine learning to develop a decision-making model for autonomous vehicles navigating situations of uncertainty. My participation in MTSE exposed me to the world of academia and allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in a dynamic and adaptable setting. Leading various aspects of the research team, including the construction of vehicles and testbeds, provided hands-on experience in teamwork and innovation. This program also featured guest speakers from diverse industries, offering valuable insights into shaping my academic journey for real-world preparedness. My participation in MTSE fortified my aspirations to be a leader and innovator in my future career. The experience not only broadened my understanding of autonomous vehicles but also cultivated leadership skills and a commitment to using technology for a positive impact.

Q: How do you balance academics and all of your impressive extracurriculars?

A: Balancing academics and extracurriculars is an ongoing learning process throughout my journey at Lehigh. Prioritizing academic excellence has been a consistent focus for me, especially during the challenges of my first fall semester, where I had to adapt to higher academic expectations and live independently. In that first semester, I joined two low-commitment clubs to begin building my community on campus. It served as a foundation for establishing connections that I could later leverage when seeking more involvement. Over subsequent semesters, I have progressively acclimated to the college lifestyle and refined my time management skills by maintaining a comprehensive calendar and embracing transparent communication in my responsibilities. This growth has allowed me to take on leadership positions and prioritize various obligations while maintaining academic excellence.

Q: What makes Lehigh special?

A: The extensive range of opportunities available at Lehigh is truly what makes it special. The campus size is not a limitation; rather, it enhances the ease with which one can get involved. Numerous academic departments, institutes, and offices offer distinctive personal and professional development experiences, ranging from spending a summer abroad conducting research to serving as a youth representative at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Discovering these opportunities is convenient as well, many of which are communicated through email to all students. I’ve approached my college experience with the mindset of making the most out of my time as a Lehigh student. It’s both exceptional and rewarding that Lehigh offers a variety of ways to get involved, provided you invest interest, energy, and time into your pursuits.

Q: Where is your favorite study spot or place to relax on campus?

A: You will often find me studying in the breakout rooms located in the Business Innovation Building. The comfortable booths on the ground floor contain ample lighting for a warm and mellow study ambiance. With the high foot traffic in and out of the building, the breakout rooms are a wonderful place to spot friends and acquaintances between studies.