Ryan Javier '26

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

A: There's no survival guide for Lehigh, but there are people willing to help you every step of the way! From the many offices such as Student Access and Success to the tutors and TA's across campus, there are so many resources on campus for students to utilize. It's just a matter of finding the right ones for you. If you can, join programs such as LUSSI (Lehigh University Student Scholar Institute) that help show you what resources are right for you and how you can utilize them. Sometimes, it's just a matter of sending an email or making a phone call. Never be afraid to ask for help (especially when Lehigh is literally being paid to help you). Utilize your connections as much as possible and share resources with one another.

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

A: The one thing that Lehigh emphasizes is real-world experience—it's always worked into the classes and programs offered. I think that the professors do an amazing job at providing assignments and labs that push you toward the thinking required in whatever career you’re heading toward. It may feel challenging (especially challenging if you have to take chem 30 your first semester like I did), but in the end, you feel as if you’ve learned something. Lehigh is a school that teaches by doing, not just saying. I learned to problem solve and think as a person in my future career and gain hard skills that I feel will truly set me up for success.

Q: How does the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences (IDEAS) program help you to learn to solve problems across disciplines?

A: The IDEAS program is such a unique program and I will admit, it was one of the strongest pulls for me as a high schooler. It is NOT just an interdisciplinary program. As an IDEAS student, we have a seminar where we discuss the ethics of technology. Beyond just crossing disciplines, we discuss our responsibility as engineers, scientists, artists and the next generation of innovators. We get to explore all aspects of our interests, but what makes us different is our commitment to "making a change in our corner of the world" as Professor Bill Best, director of the IDEAS program puts it.

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

A: To be completely honest, I don't know how. I'm someone who can't sit still because there's just so much to do here! Google Calendar, clear deadlines, and having people hold me accountable are my methods for balancing everything. It also makes life easier if you enjoy what you do, which is why I am involved in so many things because I enjoy the people in my clubs and the work I do in my internships. It is about being intentional with the people you choose to work with and if they are reliable. As long as I have a central place where I can check my deadlines and know what I need to do, everything is fine. 

Q: What is a classroom or extracurricular activity at Lehigh that helped you determine (or solidified) what you want to pursue in the future?

A: I was fortunate enough to be able to intern at the Lehigh University/United Nations Partnership this semester where I am more than eager to learn more about the UN and expand our campus on the global scale. Being able to visit the UN on multiple occasions and getting to hear from speakers such as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, EU Ambassador to the UN Olof Skoog, and others. This has inspired my passion to pursue diplomacy and international relations in some capacity. It also pushed me to travel more to learn more about this world we live in and the multitude of cultures and peoples that inhabit it, in hopes that I can take these perspectives and put it towards a career where I can make a difference in the world.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?

A: As someone interested in global and immersive learning, I was drawn to Lehigh because of the amount of international opportunities the university offers. I have met Lehigh students who have traveled to every continent, even Antarctica! Whether it be for an internship, research, or just learning more about a culture and place, Lehigh has a multitude of programs such as the Iacocca internship, Impact Fellowships, Martindale Center, and many more where you can travel, essentially for free! I love that I get the opportunity to travel, learn, and meet new people, costing me little to nothing.

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

A: I'm gonna gatekeep my top spot but my second favorite spot has to be Mountaintop. Especially on a rainy Sunday morning, Mountaintop is completely empty and you have an entire building to yourself. You can blast music, get work done on the computer labs, and do some art too if you're in the AAD (Art, Architecture, Design) programs.