The “Lehigh Launch'' series highlights first-semester students' experiences learning about the literature, earth and environment, and peoples of Wyoming and New Mexico in Fall 2021. Simone Cox ’25, currently enrolled in the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, shares their experience.
Hometown: Newark, DE
What drew you to Lehigh Launch?: One of the main aspects that drew me to this program was the fact that I would have an opportunity to really connect with nature. In urban/suburban areas, that's really hard to do. I also wanted to see if environmental engineering was a possible career path for me.
What did you like most about Lehigh Launch?: I liked gaining a closer relationship with all of my fellow peers while also learning how to independently hike in nature at the same time.
What was the best thing you learned?: I learned that for me, to be able to be my own leader, it begins with myself. Learning how to become more independent at The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) has really helped me figure out how to have better leadership skills out in the real world.
What is a fun fact from the trip?: Fourwing saltbush in New Mexico can change from male to female or vice versa based on environmental cues.
What is something you wish you knew before you packed your bags?: I wish I knew beforehand to be decisive about what I did or didn’t chose to pack.