THOMAS CHAKIF Hometown: Allentown, PA College: College of Arts and Sciences Major: Computer Science Why did you choose Lehigh? I chose to attend Lehigh University for many reasons. First, the campus is just beautiful, and it caught my heart from the first day I visited. I also had many family members who attended Lehigh who spoke nothing but positive things about the school and its staff. Another major reason I chose to represent Brown and White was the plethora of undergraduate majors and pathways that are available. At the start of my first semester, I was unsure as to what to major in, so knowing there were so many options to choose from helped relieve my worries about not finding the right path to take. What is your favorite class or subject? My favorite subjects to learn about are definitely English and statistics. I enjoy English because I love to write, and through writing, I am able to express myself and my ideas in ways other subjects don’t allow. One professor that has made a big impact on me is [Melissa] Kowalski, who was able to present an English course in a unique and innovative way by incorporating the world and business of sports into the curriculum. I also really enjoy statistics because I love learning about the patterns of society, and because the concept of being able to predict the behavior of an entire population based on a small group is really interesting to me. Interests outside the classroom: Outside the classroom, I am passionate about many things, and I spend much of my free time involved in sports, exercising, volunteering, reading, and writing. Both sports and exercising help keep my physical health fit and can be a huge stress reliever. Volunteering allows me to help and give back to my community, which is always a positive thing. Reading and writing allow me to stay creative, and both make sure that I’m always getting better in the way I present my ideas. A message from Thomas: First, I want to extend a massive thank you. The fear of being burdened by debt is one of the largest deterrents for people hoping to pursue a college education today, and it is your kindness that allows students like me to gain the education we need to pursue our dreams. It is through such contributions that I am able to work toward an economics degree, and that my family will be able to see me walk across that stage in three years. Favorite Lehigh tradition My favorite Lehigh tradition is the Lehigh-Lafayette Rivalry. I was aware of the feud before coming to Lehigh, and the hype did not disappoint!
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