74 | LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN | CLASS NOTES that encourages her to visit three different countries, she was excited by the idea of such an inclusive and unique experience. Natalie said she is most excited about traveling to all the different cities as each one has new culture in which to immerse herself. She looks forward to the inevitable new experiences alongside exploring a variety of topics within the classes. When she returns to Lehigh, she said she is excited to compare the health systems and definitions of health she learned about through the experiences. Best of luck to you, Natalie! I can’t wait to see all the amazing pictures and hear about your experiences. Max Denbow will be taking a 21-hour flight to study in Nepal. After speaking with his study abroad advisor, Max found the School for International Training abroad, which focuses on experiential learning. He knew that this once-in-a-lifetime experience was something he couldn’t pass up. Max said he is interested in spirituality, and he wanted to go to a place where he could explore those ideals. While abroad Max will be staying with a homestay in Kathmandu, where he will spend six weeks learning about their culture and lifestyle, while also learning Tibetan through his classes. He said while he looks forward to the whole trip, he’s most excited for his independent study, where he will be staying with a tribe in the Himalayas, doing an observational study on their spiritual practices and psychological well-being. They’ll take multiple treks through the Himalayan mountains, visiting Tibetan tribes and learning from them. I know I can’t wait to hear all about your experience, Max! And last but not least for this column, Asher Barnes will be spending his study abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Asher will be taking a class on Australia’s marine environment to learn more about the surrounding ecosystems and the impact humans have on them. Originally from Los Angeles, Asher said he looks forward to being in a coastal city and surfing in Australia, as he grew up surfing in L.A. We hope you catch some waves, Asher! That’s all for now, Mountain Hawks. Wishing the Class of 2026 safe travels abroad, and a memorable experience. As always, email me at abr226@ lehigh.edu for a chance to be featured in my next column. For now, peace out Hawks! ’27 Ava Koslowsky, ask227@lehigh. edu and Sydney Floch, sff227@lehigh.edu The 2024 fall semester has undoubtedly been a transformative time for the Class of 2027. As we’ve found our footing on campus, between deciding our desired study spots and discovering more of Southside, sophomores have been incredibly busy. Jadin Nelson, Sophie Ritzler and Kylie Hogan in particular have been outstanding members of our class! Donning #54 on the field, Jadin Nelson from Houston, Texas, has been an integral part of Lehigh football’s success this season. After the team defeated Richmond in the FCS playoffs 20-16 on November 30, I was able to sit down with Jadin and discuss the role Lehigh has played in his life so far. He’s learned so far that life’s not all about being a defensive tackle—Jadin feels as though Lehigh has given him the ability to evolve off the field as well. He initially chose Lehigh as it was one of his top five offers, but Coaches Brim, Cahill and Nagy called to check in on him almost every day during the recruitment process. Jadin was also the only defensive line recruited by Coach Cahill as of late. He’s looking to pursue a major in either finance or journalism and a minor in real estate. Jadin is an aspiring real estate agent and hopes to further advance his career by becoming a broker or work in commercial real estate. However, he feels he would be unable to do so without the friends he’s made thus far. “I used to stay with people who were like me, athletes, and then I met Eliza Taub,” Jadin explained. Prior to his arrival in Bethlehem, Jadin considered himself more reserved, but to his peers, he’s known as one of the friendliest people on campus and can be spotted in a recent video posted by Lehigh Athletics showing his congeniality. “She (Eliza) taught me that I could be myself and genuinely who I am. There are so many different parts to different people, and I love learning about that.” Sophie Ritzler from Riverside, Ill., feels similarly, as she is also heavily involved in campus life. She is a population health major and a marketing minor, who currently serves as vice president of Kappa Delta sorority and is a global social impact fellow in the Office of Creative Inquiry. Upon arriving on campus in fall of 2023, she found herself pleasantly surprised by the supportive academic environment, which prompted her to apply for the fellowship with which she will travel to Sierra Leone this summer. Mothers of Sierra Leone, the project Sophie is now a super fellow in, is one of five projects through Lehigh that traveled to Sierra Leone. The team consists of six students and two faculty members; five new students were added as of early December. Sophie has decided to stay on the project, which aims to produce five to seven short documentary-style films on health-seeking behaviors and maternal-related topics that solely feature voices of Sierra Leoneans. Mothers, fathers and health care workers are the only ones interviewed, as the project aims to eliminate a Western focus. “It’s so much more real and trustworthy to see someone you know or someone you’ve heard of on that screen than a person you’ve never met,” she explained. Kylie Hogan has exemplified what it means to lead, connect and inspire during her time on campus. From leadership roles in organizations like Women in Business, where she serves as VP of marketing, to her involvement in Colleges Against Cancer and Best Buddies, Kylie’s commitment to making a difference is undeniable. She also holds the position of vice president of health, wellness and accountability for Alpha Phi sorority, demonstrating her dedication to fostering a supportive and thriving community. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie shared that her involvement in these organizations has been one of her proudest accomplishments at Lehigh. “I take pride in knowing that my involvement has not only allowed me to grow personally but has also influenced our campus community,” she explained. As a mentor in the Lehigh University Mentor Collective, Kylie has found joy in guiding her peers, leaving a lasting impact on the community she cherishes. Community plays a pivotal role in Kylie’s “why Lehigh.” She stated that the community has been a constant source of support and an inspiration. Kylie said, “Since the moment I stepped on campus, I have been welcomed and supported by professors and peers who encourage me to always put my best foot forward and pursue my passions. It is an extraordinary place to learn and grow, and I am grateful to be a part of it.” ’28 Laura Preston, lap328@lehigh. edu
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