NORA KIRBY Hometown: Alexandria, VA College: College of Arts and Sciences Major: Journalism/Science Writing Describe one of your proudest accomplishments. Last fall, I was given the opportunity to write an article for The Brown & White on standards reforms within the Bethlehem Police Department. Not only was I proud of the piece as an academic work, but I also value the experience it gave me. I was able to actively participate on Lehigh’s campus by sharing my research on a topic that impacts students, but additionally I became more acquainted with the Bethlehem community as a whole. I am appreciative that I was able to familiarize myself with the community from a civic perspective. I am proud of the academic output that I produced but overall also in the fact that it allowed me to become a more engaged citizen in a new community that I now call home. Lehigh’s strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, is built upon the notion that “The way forward is not yet defined. The future is ours for the making.” How do you intend to make your mark on campus and beyond? I intend to make my mark on Lehigh’s campus and beyond through environmental activism. I was particularly inspired to get involved when working with my U.S. Environmental Policy and Law professor, Breena Holland, who has synthesized research on air pollution in Bethlehem and the environmental injustices associated with such an issue. Seeing such active involvement within my own community motivates me to engage with environmental issues in the same fashion by researching problems and investigating solutions. I specifically aspire to get involved with divestment campaigns for fossil fuels. Recently, through Lehigh’s Student Political Action Coalition, I was able to attend the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City. A message from Nora: I would like to begin by saying thank you and expressing my appreciation. From day one of my college search, Lehigh was the only school that I wanted to go to. It is unique in the fact that it has a Science and Environmental Writing program, which is my dream course of study, as well as being my mom’s alma mater. Hearing about how much my mom loved the school only made me want to attend Lehigh more, putting it at the very top of my list. Initially, we were unsure if that would be possible financially, but because of financial aid and scholarships, I am now studying my passions in a program catered to my academic aspirations and have become a part of the Lehigh community that is now my home. Fun Fact: I’m passionate about music and experiencing live music. I have gone to 23 concerts!
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