ISABELLA MONSTWILLO Hometown: Corvallis, OR College: Interdisciplinary Major: Computer Science & Business Describe one of your proudest accomplishments. I arrived at Lehigh wanting to be a dentist. During my first semester, after years of having my heart set on dentistry, I didn’t feel like that path was for me anymore. After a rough first semester, I struggled with motivation to study these subjects due to my lack of interest. In the second semester, I explored other interests in different subjects. I took a computer science class, knowing I enjoyed it when I took AP Computer Science Principles in high school. I enjoyed doing the homework for the course and actively engaging in the class. My biggest accomplishment was receiving my first 100% on one of the exams. Eventually, I applied to Lehigh’s Computer Science and Business Honors Program and got in. This allowed me to realize it’s okay to switch majors and that I can have fun and enjoy what I am learning. 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 have always wanted to be a leader and successful in my career. I’ve had opportunities to work on leadership skills in the past. Yet, after a year at Lehigh, I’ve noticed a significant increase in those opportunities. It’s not just from clubs and extracurricular activities but also from the courses I am taking and the academic support I receive due to the resources available on this campus. That will allow me to reach my goals here at Lehigh for my undergrad and professional career. A message from Isabella: I am very grateful for your help. Thank you. The scholarships and financial aid I receive help my family and I a lot. Without them, I could not pursue a degree at this school. Based on my major, the resources available on campus, and my determination to work hard, I will be able to reach my professional career goals, allowing me to have the future I’ve dreamed of. Fun Fact: I am in the belly dance club, and I love to knit.
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