The Botstiber Scholars
Ana Iulia Alexandrescu, Romania, '10
Another year has gone by…a year in which I got to do more than I have ever dreamed of.
As a Lehigh student, I have the opportunity to participate in some of the most challenging business and engineering programs, such as the Honors program in Integrated Business and Engineering or the Information and Systems Engineering program. I am involved in a lot of exciting projects, ranging from modeling the growth cycle of business, to simulating the operations of a real plant and bringing a revolutionary hemoglobin measuring device to the market. This summer I have the opportunity to go to Turkey to work on a field research paper that will be published next year. I have grown to be a different, better person thanks to all I have experienced at Lehigh and I know nothing would have been possible without Mr. Botstiber’s generation donation.
Bayasaa Enkhbayasgalan Gantsog, Mongolia, '11
Mongolia had a difficult transition from socialism to a market economy after its democratic revolution in 1990. It saw a huge poverty increase and the collapse of agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Yet as others in my generation, I am proud of the rich history and culture, am optimistic about Mongolia’s future and have aspirations to develop the country. Since technology and engineering are integral to any country’s development, I believe my education in engineering is the most important step towards my goal. Thanks to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Scholarship, I am able to study at Lehigh University with its superb professors, cutting-edge facilities and flexible academic programs. Lehigh is not only a journey of academics,it is a journey of personal growth. Through volunteering and extracurricular activities, I feel I have enhanced my attitude towards leadership, the society as a whole, my ethics and personality.
Deniz Cetin, Turkey, '12
I remember the first day I arrived at Lehigh University. It was about 1 a.m. when my new school was welcoming me. I was in a totally different place which I have never been but always dreamed of it. While writing those lines I revive those times again and smile. I smile because what I had imagined was just the same that I experienced this year. At Lehigh, I have chosen to be involved in IDEAS (Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences). In this program my intended majors are Chemical Engineering and Molecular Biology. Last fall I began to run a research project in the Chemistry Department. I am also involved in activities of the American Chemical Society, the Association of International Students and the Student Medical Society. I am grateful to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Scholarship for providing such a unique opportunity to grow into a strong and well-rounded person. I feel each moment is devoted to challenge, to learn, to share a laugh, to encourage one another and to be a human.
Eric Aguilar Milian, Guatemala, '11
My experience at Lehigh University, thanks to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Scholarship, has been inspiring and challenging at the same time, providing me with the opportunities and resources to develop all my potential. Working side by side with a world-class faculty and having access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment has given me a different insight into the world of science and how technology really works. The Botstiber program has also taken into account my personal growth through seminars that focus on qualities such as leadership and education in ethics. As I continue my studies in Mechanical Engineering, I see the concepts and ideas I learned increased my knowledge in a very valuable way. All of this helped me achieve dean’s list status for fall of 2008.
Nicole Villacorta, Philippines, '10
One of the things that I appreciate the most about my Lehigh education is the activities that I do beyond the classroom. I have been privileged to work with the Lehigh Chapter of Engineers Without Borders. As I became more immersed into our project of developing a water system to provide safe drinking water to a community in Honduras, I realized the significant role engineers have to make a difference in the world. My involvement in this project helped me recognize the responsibility and privilege that I have, in helping improve the quality of life of every member of society. As a part of the construction and water distribution team, I do technical research, read Spanish documents, translate our research into Spanish and make diagrams using software. We are also constructing generator housing, determining alternate sources of energy and writing a maintenance manual (in both English and Spanish). It has truly been a fun-filled and rewarding experience.
Ivan Stoev, Macedonia, ‘09
As a high school senior, my biggest dream was to study Computer Science at a prestigious university in the US. The Dietrich W. Botstiber Scholarship has made this dream possible for me, and I am very happy with the education that I've received at Lehigh University. The professors at Lehigh are very knowledgeable and approachable, and opportunities here abound. As a sophomore and a junior, I participated in the Engineering Co-op and obtained eight months of hands-on experience in developing software for the newspaper industry. As a senior, I also worked with a professor on a new innovative technology in the field of computer networking. The quality of academics at Lehigh is great, and because of this I plan to continue my studies at Lehigh for a graduate degree through Lehigh's Presidential Scholar program.
However, college is not just about studying. I owe much of my personal development to the myriad of extracurricular activities that I've been involved in. Peer mentoring, community service, and promotion of diversity are just a few examples of the many projects and student clubs that have helped me improve as a future leader. It is the academic opportunities, coupled with the diverse international student body that I interact with on a daily basis, that make Lehigh a truly enriching and well-rounded experience that I would recommend to anyone.
Nyimyathkine Linn, Myanmar, '12
Around this time last year, I was struggling in my home country of Myanmar, dreaming about coming to the United States to further my education. Now, I still cannot believe I am right here realizing all the dreams I have had since childhood, thanks to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation. Studying at Lehigh not only fulfills my highest academic goals but also lets me explore all the things one can only imagine in a lifetime. I am pursuing a double major in Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. I am working in the chemistry lab together with talented PhD students on a hands-on research project called Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas, known for its emerging applications in biomedical, optical and electronic fields. My perspectives are growing significantly through Botstiber-sponsored programs, including trips to historic places in the U.S., dinners with fellow students, seminars on American presidential elections, globalization & nationalism, international human trafficking, etc.
Sai Lu Mon Aung, Myanmar, '10
In spite of problems at home, including a disastrous cyclone that took thousands of lives from Myanmar, I managed to maintain the highest academic standards and to stay active on campus. I served as President of the Trembley Park House Council and as International Admissions Ambassador. I was also a member of the Association of International Students and the Asian Culture Society. I am an active member of the Rossin Junior Fellows serving as a peer mentor, a college ambassador and an understudy for the chair of peer mentoring committee. Thanks to the flexibility and support provided by Lehigh University and the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation, I was able to participate in a cooperative program for a financial service company in Philadelphia which has given me hands-on experience related to my career interests.
Sherwood Benavides, Ecuador, '12
Lehigh University has given me a broad spectrum of activities and classes. I will complete my first year at Lehigh in May and I feel that coming here was the only right choice. I am looking forward to getting a major in Engineering and a minor in Business. Thus, I have gotten involved in some activities that I consider important and which led me to those goals. As an under-graduate student, I was able to join the VezenovResearch group which has given me hands on experience working on one of their projects. I am involved in research with a graduate student who works as a TA in Chemistry. The project is mainly related to chemistry though it uses physics and other sciences.
Virginia Nyikadzino, Zimbabwe, '11
My first-year experience at Lehigh University totally surpassed my expectations. I remember the first weeks. I was fresh from high school. It was my first time in the United States, and Lehigh seemed to be a complete maze. Yet surprisingly, in less than a month I had been elected to the Student Senate and I was teaching my fellow students traditional Zimbabwean games at the ‘International Week’ events! The best description of my Lehigh experience comes from who I have become–my “evo-revo-lution.” From freshness to orientation leader, naive to savvy. Somebody taught me that science is organized knowledge, but the ability to apply that knowledge is wisdom, and wisdom is organized life. This rings true each day at Lehigh. I hear it in my Civil Engineering lectures, I see it in my Economics classes and I love to live it as a member of the Global Union,Vice President and a fellow in the Society of Women Engineers. I am truly thankful to be at Lehigh.
Maria Cecilia Ballesteros Gonzales, Bolivia, ‘13
I feel really grateful to have the opportunity to fulfill my dream of studying in the United States. I’m happy to be part of the community at Lehigh University and the Botstiber Foundation, and I’m sure that I will get a high level of knowledge in the field of Electrical Engineering, and therefore get the tools to contribute to Bolivia’s development. At Lehigh, I realize that I’m not only growing as a professional, but also as a person. I’m doing things that I have never done before like washing my clothes, cooking, cleaning and commuting from home to classes all by myself. It has been difficult to adjust to my new life here: living with roommates, effectively managing my time and involving myself in new activities like the fencing club. But these are only the rewards of this wonderful process that is college. For me, this is the beginning of a new stage in my life, full of new responsibilities, and I will give my best to make this work.
Wintana Stefanos, Ethiopia, ‘13
Being at Lehigh is one of the most inspiring and exhilarating experiences of my life. Coming from Ethiopia I had one goal in mind—returning back and making a difference in my country. I believe an education in any field of medicine would definitely help me achieve this goal. Besides my love for science, my desire to be part of the medical change Ethiopia desperately needs is why I am planning to pursue pre-medicine as an undergraduate student here at Lehigh. The numerous extra-curricular activities are also what make Lehigh a great university. I am currently enrolled in two clubs—Students Medical Society and Schools for schools (a program whereby American schools aid Ugandan children to get a basic eduction). I know the strong extra-curricular activities in combination with the rigorous and challenging academics will enable me to fulfill my goals.