Many students choose extracurriculars tied to their majors, building skills for their resumes and post-graduation life. For others, these activities instead are a life away from the classroom.
We spoke to six students about what they’ve learned as extra-curricular leaders in the Lehigh community.
Sophia Merlino ’27
When choosing between colleges, Sophia Merlino ’27 knew she needed to go somewhere that would enable her to build a tight-knit community while also challenging her academically. Merlino is now enrolled in the 4+1 Accelerated Master's Program in the College of Education, majoring in history, with the goal to teach social studies to middle schoolers. In her free time, Merlino is a student coordinator for the Community Service Office (CSO), where she leads volunteers, facilitates larger CSO events, and fosters relationships with the South Bethlehem community.
Merlino says this role solidifies her commitment to making community, and she doesn’t stop there. She serves as the president of the History Club, treasurer of the College Democrats, treasurer of the Tumbao Latin Dance Club, and an orientation leader.
“Emerging into these roles and getting to learn from peers who have been in them before me has been one of the most transformative experiences,” Merlino says. “The people who are older than me really made sure that not only did I feel welcome in our space, but also [that I knew] how to come into my own leadership style.”
Matt Schafer ’27
The key to Matt Schafer ’27’s success is simple: “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Schafer says this mentality challenges him to pick up a new extracurricular every semester, which has allowed him to slowly adjust to a packed schedule.
Schafer has built a portfolio around integrating more Lehigh spirit into the community. As the director of traditions for the Association of Student Alumni (ASA), his top priority is to strengthen students’ relationships with the campus to prepare them to become involved alumni. The ASAs keep traditions alive for students, such as Bed Races and Founder’s Day, which Schafer says is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.
Schafer has also been an orientation leader for the past two years, which he says is the most fulfilling program he’s been a part of. He is also a Career Fellow in the CCPD, where he works with other students in coaching sessions to teach them how to write better job applications.
The balancing of these roles, Schafer said, has taught him the importance of grit. Creating a sustainable way to juggle academics and extracurriculars is what he has also strived to do, and now he’s put it into practice to get the most out of his Lehigh experience.
Asha Marwaha ’27
Asha Marwaha ’27 has been a part of EMS programs since high school. She reached out to Lehigh EMS’s faculty adviser before coming to Lehigh to learn more about the program. Marwaha has served as first lieutenant of Lehigh EMS and credits it as the primary reason for her time management and community of friends.
Marwaha is a pre-med student, with the goal to pursue continued patient-physician relationships. She is also a research assistant on campus, studying traumatic brain injury and a potential drug to treat concussions. This lab has turned out to be one of Marwaha’s best-fitting research opportunities, teaching her the importance of trying new things to find what you love.
She also served on the Student Senate as chair of the Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee in her sophomore year. As a Soaring Together scholar, she’s had the opportunity to shadow cardiologist Ross Biggs '11 and helped to write a case study that has been accepted for publication. Marwaha also received funding from Soaring Together for three weeks of fieldwork in India as a part of the Global Social Impact Fellowship.
Yandel Santos ’26
Throughout his time at Lehigh, Yandel Santos ’26 has been drawn to shaping other student leaders on campus. Being able to critically stimulate his mind was what led him to major in computer science, but he also recognizes how his extracurriculars shape this thinking too.
As the vice president of leadership for Student Senate, he oversees all student committee leaders. Santos previously served on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This role, Santos says, is how he’s been able to unleash others’ leadership potential. Santos is also the Student Senate’s program leader for the Great Pocono Escape, where he works to develop leadership qualities in his peers.
These two positions, coupled with his experience with Lehigh Launch during his first semester, expanded Santos’ worldview and opened his eyes to what he can do with his degree upon graduation. Santos plans to work as a software engineer and then attend graduate school, where he wants to continue developing artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Santos believes that without his time on Student Senate and the Great Pocono Escape, coupled with his friends from the Men of Color Alliance, he would never have been able to find places that make him think critically. These skills have altered the way he approaches post-graduation life.
Stephanie Luong ’27
When asked about what has shaped her Lehigh experience, Stephanie Luong ’27’s immediate response is the community she’s built herself during her time on campus. As a freshman, Luong pushed herself to get involved, even if she wasn’t sure what she wanted to major in. She said finding her work study job in the Community Service Office gave her the chance to grow and learn how she interacts with people and the community.
Now in her third year working for the CSO, Luong’s confidence in herself and her leadership skills has carried over into her other extracurriculars. An accounting major, Luong serves as the vice president of the Asian Business Community, committing to increasing the club’s membership and hosting more events. She also is a member of the Accounting Club and completed the Lehigh@NasdaqCenter Innovation Internship.
“As I've grown, and especially now as a junior, I realized there are some things you have to try out yourself.”
Kristen Gallagher ’27
Having been raised by a Lehigh alumna, Kristen Gallagher ’27 was always aware of the kind of friendships and community she could build at Lehigh. However, she didn’t know how many different fields she should pursue until she arrived. As a computer science major, Gallagher has had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona for a software development internship and has also interned for Johnson & Johnson. Gallagher is the president of CompSci in Bethlehem, a club that works with Broughal Middle School to expose younger students to technology.
Outside her major, Gallagher joined the Epitome staff her freshman year. She now serves as an editor in chief and says it’s the most gratifying way to cement memories for both active students and alumni.
Gallagher also became an orientation leader after her adviser recommended it, and she says the experience has fostered a strong community where she’s built lifelong friendships — just as her mother found at Lehigh.
