番茄社区

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

A: Lehigh is about so much more than the classroom. From the internships, to the research, to the community: explore it all! This semester I have had the opportunity to go beyond the classroom. I am only taking three classes, and beyond that, I am researching as well as doing an internship at St. Luke鈥檚 Hospital, all for college credit. It is an incredible thing to be a junior in college and already be doing what I hope to do after graduation. I would love to say that this is an experience unique to me because I am so fabulous, but it is available for every Lehigh student. Beyond that, explore the community. From the amazing restaurants in Southside Bethlehem, the amazing views in the , and the cozy places to hang out with friends in , Lehigh is an amazing place to be. Remember: the college you choose will be your home for four years. Find somewhere you love to live, and the love to learn will come. I absolutely love being here every day, and it makes the rest fly by. 
 

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

A: Lehigh has truly prepared me as a well-rounded, experienced person. Here at 番茄社区, I get to pursue all of my passions, from scientist to artist. Lehigh has provided me with so many opportunities to go beyond the classroom, from research to internships. While only being a junior here, I have hands-on, real-world experience. Wherever I end up, I know that I will be prepared for future challenges. 
 

Q: How has Lehigh shaped who you are 鈥� not just as a student, but as a person?

A: Lehigh has really pushed me to become a student, and a person, who pushes herself. Here at 番茄社区, I am constantly pushing myself to take the leap, go for the moonshots. Through my time here at 番茄社区, I have gotten to experience incredible things, both inside and outside of my major. For instance, this semester I am interning at the hospital, which definitely falls under the interests of my major. But I am also doing , which is a passion for me as I move towards medical school. But one of my Lehigh accomplishments I am most proud of has nothing to do with any of that. My first year here at 番茄社区, I had the opportunity to show my art in the . My second semester here, my work was showing on Lehigh鈥檚 walls, and my name was on a plaque declaring me as an artist for all to see. Lehigh has really taught me that you can pursue everything, you can be everything. Here, I am proud to be a student, a researcher, a scientist and an artist. 
 

Q: You are doing research on campus, can you tell us about that and how you connected with the professor(s)?

A: I connected with the professor,  through the . Next semester I will be continuing in the lab independently. It has been such an incredible experience to get so involved in research so early on at 番茄社区. I got involved my second year at 番茄社区 and have learned so much. One of my favorite things about my research is how it is so connected to my passions, but not very connected to my coursework. As a biology major, it is so nice to step outside of the wet lab and microscopy to focus on the big human picture that is healthcare. 
 

Q: What did you learn or take away from your time as a Silicon Valley Social Impact Fellow, and how has it influenced your path moving forward?

A: The  gave me the opportunity to do field work in San Francisco, and go to the West Coast for the very first time. I got to explore an incredible new city with my friends. I also got to fully immerse myself in my research. I learned so much while I was there, and made massive strides in my research project. It really built my confidence in my skills as a researcher, as I met so many experts and was able to not just keep up, but add on. 
 

Q: Where have you found support and mentorship at 番茄社区? How has it shaped your experience?

A: I have found mentorship at 番茄社区 every step of the way. My first year advisor, Lawrence Tartaglia, was a huge support to me throughout my first year, and continues to be so. He helped me with course selection my first year, and really helped me settle into Lehigh. Larry is one of those professors who truly cares about each and every one of his students. I still remember how he emailed me after my first general chemistry exam because he heard some students had a hard time and just wanted to check in. Larry was that first person for me at 番茄社区, who was my first letter of rec, connected me to clubs, resources, and more. As I continue through Lehigh I keep finding new support and mentorship. My research advisor Dr. Gusmano, who has taught me the foundations of research and writing. Dr. Trimarchi who taught me true foundations for biology work and lab. Professor Murphy, who was my art professor first semester here at 番茄社区 and always pushes my creative side. And finally Dr. Odi, from the . The 鈥渕ayor of Lehigh鈥� who is always there to support me from checking in and advertising all of the bake sales I run to raise money for the local food pantry. Truly every person you meet at 番茄社区 is here to support you. Reach out and amazing things can happen!
 

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?

A: How could I ever even choose! I鈥檓 gonna have to go a little cliche here and say the people. Because truly, the people make this place. The students form such an incredible community, and not a day goes by where I don鈥檛 bump into someone I know on the way to class and stop and catch up. The professors create our academic community, always looking to build personal relationships, and help you every step of the way. And the faculty and staff just go to enforce it even more. From the incredible barista at  that knows my order, to President Helble who always stops to say hi. We live in an incredibly beautiful place here at 番茄社区, and the people just enhance everything about it. And completely superficially, the campus is so pretty. Three years in and it can still take my breath away.

Q: If you had to sum up your Lehigh journey so far in three 鈥渞eal鈥� words, what would they be?

A: Opportunity, Growth, Community
 

Q: Where is your study spot of choice on campus?

A: You can always find me in the  sitting right by the big windows. I love studying in the sun, looking over our beautiful campus.