Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: One thing I didn't realize before coming to Lehigh was the power and dedication of the 85,000+ Lehigh Alumni. The connections I made through our alumni network provided me with valuable insight into my industry of interest, as well as access to potential job openings and opportunities. It has also been instrumental in helping me secure my first internship and eventually my full-time position. Through my classes, I've also had the opportunity to connect with successful Lehigh alumni who have been able to offer me guidance, advice, and support throughout my career journey.
Q: Where is your favorite off-campus activity?
A: Walking around North Side Bethlehem is one of my favorite off-campus activities. The area is packed with unique restaurants, boutique shops, coffee shops and live music venues. North Side Bethlehem is steeped in history, and it is fascinating to walk around and discover the many stories and landmarks that have shaped the city over the years. The fact that it's only a 10-minute walk from campus makes it an easy and accessible way to get out of the Lehigh bubble and engage with the local community.
Q: You studied abroad in London, how was that experience, were there any unexpected challenges that you had to overcome?
A: My study abroad experience in London was one of my most memorable semesters at Lehigh. This experience enabled me to meet students from all over the world and to get a taste for an international education. One of my favorite classes I took abroad was Islam in Britain. Throughout the semester, we visited five mosques and religious sites throughout the city. We had the opportunity to speak with prayer leaders and Islamic leaders to understand the historical context of the large Muslim populations throughout London. It was a super interesting and informative class!
Q: You transferred to Lehigh from the University of Pittsburgh early on in your college career, why Lehigh and how was the transition?
A: I made the decision to transfer from the University of Pittsburgh to Lehigh because I was looking for a smaller school that would provide me with better access to my professors and smaller class sizes. I found that at a larger university like Pitt, it was easy to feel lost in the crowd, and I often struggled to get the attention and support I needed from my professors. The smaller class sizes at Lehigh allowed for more individual attention and interaction with my professors, which helped me better understand the material and excel academically. Additionally, I found that the tight-knit community at Lehigh fostered a sense of belonging and connection that was difficult to achieve at a larger university. My transition to Lehigh was untraditional, to say the least. Following my first six weeks on campus, the University shut down in response to the pandemic. But even during the chaos, my Lehigh professors were extremely supportive and helped make my transition go smoothly.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: One of the things that I love most about Lehigh University is its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded and multidisciplinary education. At Lehigh, I have the freedom to explore a wide range of academic disciplines and study whatever I am passionate about, whether it be healthcare, music, or management. This approach has helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a broad base of knowledge that I can draw upon in my personal and professional life.
Q: Where is your favorite study spot or place to relax on campus?
A: Running on the South Bethlehem Greenway has become one of my favorite activities since coming to Lehigh. The 2.5-mile path is a great opportunity for me to be outside, breathe in the fresh air, and get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It's also home to a community garden with some really beautiful plants.