CBI Class of 2021 ● Lehigh University Class of 2025 ● Mechanical Engineering student, Engineering World Health intern
Throughout my high school journey, I had a great relationship with my director of college counseling (DCC), Gina Jones. She provided me with multiple opportunities to transition into college successfully and introduced me to a program called The Opportunity Network which was pivotal in my success as a student. This program took me on a three-day college trip where I discovered Lehigh University, which I currently attend. Ms. Jones guided me through the college process and gave the necessary advice on choosing my best-fit college.
Moving away for college has provided me with the chance to interact with and learn about people from different backgrounds…It’s important to widen our horizons and experience environments that we are not used to – it provides a different perspective on issues we encounter in our lives.
I am now a rising sophomore attending Lehigh University, where I am pursuing a mechanical engineering degree. I chose Lehigh because it is a small school, and not very far from home. Visiting Lehigh beforehand played a key role in my decision to attend. I was able to experience what being on campus felt like. I think students should try to visit as many colleges as possible. It will help answer any questions and envision where they might be spending the next four years. Choosing the right college that suits your needs is crucial in having an incredible time in school.
I am also currently participating in a virtual research program for Engineering World Health. The program involves working with a team to create low-resource designs for healthcare in an international setting. I am interested in learning how engineering skills can be used to better the lives of the less fortunate and through this experience, I’m learning about the process it takes to design and evolve products that are suitable for low-resource environments. My team is specifically researching the different ways we can reduce the energy consumption of autoclaves.
Although I have yet to reap all the benefits of pursuing higher education, I believe education will grant me access to opportunities that will create a comfortable life for my adult self. Education has given me knowledge of different cultures. Moving away for college has provided me with the chance to interact with and learn about people from different backgrounds. I think it is important to widen our horizons and experience environments that we are not used to; this provides a different perspective on issues we encounter in our lives.