December graduates reflect on their Lehigh experience

While most Lehigh students graduate in May, following the spring semester, every year a group of seniors graduate early in December. 

Students vary in their reasoning for graduating early. Krina Goel, ‘21, a senior who is graduating this coming December, is taking a gap semester before attending law school in the fall of 2022. 

“I was just thinking about how I’m going to be in school for three more years after undergrad,” Goel said. “I was really burnt out, especially from Zoom school and going to school during COVID, so I just knew I needed a break.”  

Christopher Amaral, ‘21, said he would use the weeks after his early graduation to relax and apply to jobs. Following the conclusion of what would have been his winter break, Amaral plans to begin his job. 

“When I was in high school, I also graduated early and it allowed me time to get a job and get experience for my resume,” Amaral said. “There is also less competition to get a job, whereas when you graduate in May, you have everybody else graduating as well and they are all trying to get a job with you as well.”  

Amaral urged students to cherish every moment of their Lehigh education and experience as it goes by quickly.

Rachel Zale, ‘21, is completing her undergraduate education early, but plans to return to Lehigh to complete her master’s in bioengineering. Zale entered Lehigh with several Advanced Placement credits from high school, which she was able to apply towards her degree.

When reflecting on her Lehigh experience, Zale said she urges others to ask for help and make use of the campus resources. 

“Going out of your way to do extra, in the long run, is helpful and I learned a lot from going out of my way to meet professors and TA’s,” Zale said. 

Goel said her time at Lehigh gave her the opportunity to emerge from her comfort zone as she exposed herself to new experiences. She said younger Lehigh students should say “yes” to everything and try different clubs to engage in a variety of activities.

Aside from lessons she has learned, Goel said the 2019 Le-Laf game during her sophomore year is the fondest memory she has from her time at Lehigh. 

She said she remembers the high energy of the rivalry game as well as the feeling of fun that filled the air.

“Now as a senior, my friends (and I) talk about that day so much and we are so excited for this year’s Le-Laf to hopefully make it similar in a sense, but I don’t think anything is going to live up to that day,” Goel said.