Student Name: Ryan Javier ’26
Major: Global studies and Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences (IDEAS) with concentrations in computer science and graphic design
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Objects: Double-decker bus souvenir from Hong Kong
Meaning Behind the Object:
Ryan Javier ’26 has had 13 impactful study abroad experiences as a Lehigh student that have allowed him to experience new cultures, grow his global perspective and gain valuable lessons that he plans to carry into his future. He’s collected special souvenirs from his travels, including a double-decker bus figurine from Hong Kong, which reminds him of scenic bus rides through the city as an Iacocca International Internship Program intern.
Having traveled to 13 countries as a Lehigh student, Ryan Javier ’26 is grateful for the many impactful global experiences that led him to pursue a degree in global studies in addition to an Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences (IDEAS) with concentrations in computer science and graphic design.
During his first year at Lehigh, Javier was one of just 12 students in the U.S. selected as a 2023 Frederick Douglass Global Fellow and traveled to South Africa and Ireland as part of a comparative study of social justice leadership. Drawn to experiencing new cultures and growing his global perspective, Javier went on to study abroad in Mexico, Hong Kong, Singapore and more.
He’s collected souvenirs from his travels that are special to him, including a figurine of a double-decker bus from Hong Kong. He said it reminds him of scenic bus rides through the city with fellow Iacocca International Internship Program (IIIP) interns and taking “time to slow down and really appreciate” his travel experiences. Through the IIIP, Javier interned at Hutchison Ports and said his time there served as an impactful professional and cultural experience.
“I speak Cantonese, the language that's spoken in Hong Kong,” Javier said. “So that's a culture that I very much resonate with. The goal for me was not just the professional experience but also the cultural experience for myself to get in touch with my roots, and so that's one part of why that means so much to me.”
President of the Asian Cultural Society, Posse Scholar, Future Maker Award recipient, Global Exchange Fellow, former programming intern for the LU/UN Partnership and a Ban-Ki Moon Foundation Emerging Policy Leader, Javier plans to take the skills and lessons he’s learned throughout his time at Lehigh into his next chapter that begins back home in San Francisco.
“The plan is to pursue a role at the intersection between tech and web design, and global studies, bringing those together to work in civil society or government and continue making change with all the international experiences that I've had,” Javier said.
The Class of 2026 reflects on the keepsakes, memories and milestones that shaped their Lehigh experience. Through personal stories and meaningful objects, these Future Makers share moments of growth, discovery and connection. Read the stories behind the keepsakes, or view the expanded photo essay.
