Learning Through Real-World Impact
Lehigh has prepared me to take on tomorrow’s challenges by immersing me in real-world experiences that confront the very issues people face in their everyday lives.
College:
College of Health
Academics:
Major:
Population Health
Hometown:
Livonia, Michigan
Activities:
Silicon Valley Social Impact Fellowship, Hall Eco-Representative Leadership Program, Gender, Leadership, & Empowerment Center, Office of Sustainability Swap Shop Intern, Mountain Hawk Birding, Lehigh Chronic Disease Association
Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: Something I would want prospective students to know about Lehigh is the sheer volume of opportunities that are available to you here. Lehigh has so many things to offer, especially in my particular field of interest as a Population Health major. Just some of the global options you have as a student here are to be a United Nations Youth Representative with the Lehigh University/United Nations Partnership (you get a badge to scan into the NYC UN Headquarters!), the Impact Fellowship Program through Creative Inquiry which has over 50 projects in different fields where you can travel to places like Sierre Leone or San Francisco (where I’ll be visiting this summer), or the Iacocca International Internship Program! The problem many Lehigh students face isn’t finding enough high-impact opportunities, but rather how many they can manage at once.
Q: How has Lehigh prepared you to take on tomorrow’s challenges?
A: Lehigh has prepared me to take on tomorrow’s challenges by immersing me in real-world experiences that confront the very issues people face in their everyday lives. Currently, with my Silicon Valley Impact Fellowship team, I am evaluating the effectiveness of the San Francisco healthcare safety net for vulnerable populations, specifically undocumented patients. This is not a hypothetical issue, but a real problem that millions of people currently face in the United States. By placing me in the center of contemporary challenges, whether it be trips to the UNICEF headquarters with the LU/UN Partnership, or visiting San Francisco and evaluating healthcare systems, I am confident that I have found my calling. I want to help people!
Q: As a first-year how have you learned to balance academics and all of your impressive extracurriculars?
A: I take classes that interest me, and therefore propel me into using my spare time to work on things that I am passionate about. It’s easy to handle a busy schedule when you have the support you need and you are doing the things you love.
Q: You’re already involved with different research opportunities on campus, can you tell us about that and how you connected with the professor(s)?
A: My biggest piece of advice to those wanting to get involved in research is to put yourself out there. More often than not, your professors will talk about the research they are conducting or other projects they know about. It is your responsibility to reach out to the prospective projects/researchers and ask to join, but I promise they’re more than willing to take you. I believe that professors here have a lot of confidence in Lehigh students. They know that you are here for a reason, because you are exceptional!
Q: What drew you to a major in population health? Can you tell us about your experience in the College of Health (COH) so far?
A: I actually applied to Lehigh as a psychology major through the College of Arts and Sciences, switched my intended major to environmental studies right before orientation week, and then switched into the College of Health for population health as soon as I could, which was right after my first semester here. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I applied to Lehigh, but I always knew that I was interested in the field of Public Health. I believe that Lehigh’s College of Health is exceptional in the way that it forces students to interact with the inequitable aspects of healthcare, and once I discovered that a lot of the work done within COH is based on this, I knew it was for me! I’ve enjoyed the advantages that come with belonging to a newer and smaller college. The COH may be new, but Lehigh is not, and there are many opportunities within the COH with established partnerships and organizations.
Q: How would you recommend first-year students get involved on or off campus?
A: I would recommend that those with work-study deals not pass up on the opportunities that could come with it! Many students brush off work-study as simply a way to earn money on campus, but I chose to work with the Office of Sustainability’s Swap Shop to gain real workforce experience (and earn money!). As the Events and Outreach Intern, I have made numerous connections with campus organizations that many first-year students elsewhere do not have the opportunity to do. I hold events where I can meet new people and create lasting connections that have already benefitted me in other aspects of my life, such as academically. I can’t tell you how beneficial it is to put “Event Management” and “Sustainable Development” on your resume!
But a tip also for those not able to participate in work-study: Be meaningful with the kinds of things you choose to participate in. Do not just take the first opportunity that comes your way if it genuinely does not interest you. That is a quick way to lose motivation! Choose to interact with programs that are worth your time and inspire you.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: My favorite thing about Lehigh is the size. I love how, anywhere you go, after enough time here, you are bound to see a familiar face. However, the school is just large enough, you won't have enough time to know everyone, and you can get that typical “large-ish” college feel.
Q: Where is your study spot of choice on campus?
A: When the weather is nice, I love taking my hammock to the many places on campus with hammock hooks or trees positioned just right for a good spot. Often, you can find me lying somewhere outside! There are some good hidden spots by my dorm, McClinitic-Marshall, where I tend to read. For studying, I’m often inside the beautifully made Health, Science & Technology (HST) Building. If you plan far enough ahead, you can rent out a private room to work in.