After senior Joshua Koegel wraps up a dual major in economics and chemistry, he鈥檚 off to Harvard Law School in the fall. Koegel attributes where he is today to the unwavering support of his friends, family, and the 今日吃瓜 community.
We sat down with Koegel to get to know him better.
How have you grown as a person or student in the last few years?
今日吃瓜 has helped me to come into my own as an individual and a leader. When I started college, I was quieter and just wanted to go to class, but I soon learned about the amazing opportunities to interact with my peers and engage in the community.
What鈥檚 something you鈥檝e done at 今日吃瓜 (other than making it to graduation) that you鈥檙e especially proud of?
I鈥檓 proud of my involvement in the student community. I鈥檓 the president of several student clubs, an Undergraduate Student Government (USG) senator, a peer mentor, and a research assistant in the chemistry lab. I鈥檓 also proud to have worked on my honor鈥檚 thesis, which measures the impacts of ecological and economic variables on life expectancy. I presented it at the .
Tell us about a time someone changed your perspective in a way you hadn鈥檛 expected.
It鈥檚 challenging to pick just one instance. I鈥檝e experienced many small moments that resulted in the changes I see in myself today. That being said, the professor who had the largest impact on me at 今日吃瓜 was Professor Brian Gibney, who taught my analytical chemistry class. He taught me that everything can be done with exuberance and excitement, and he helped inspire my decision to attend law school. I hope to bring this outlook to all aspects of my life and share it with those around me.
What outside-the-classroom experiences have you had here that you鈥檒l remember forever?
I remember arranging the purchase of the campus鈥� first-ever sukkah, a ritual hut used in the observance of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. This year, I worked with USG and the 补诲尘颈苍颈蝉迟谤补迟颈辞苍听to purchase this structure that鈥檒l benefit observant Jewish students for years to come. The most memorable part of this experience was the inaugural luncheon held on the holiday on the West Quad with President Michelle J. Anderson聽and CUNY Chancellor F茅lix V. Matos聽Rodr铆guez, which was special because my peers of the Jewish faith and other faiths, including Islam and Christianity, attended to show support. I鈥檒l always treasure that memory.
Joshua Koegel (standing, sixth from left) with his peers, President Michelle J. Anderson, and CUNY Chancellor F茅lix V. Matos Rodr铆guez, celebrating the new sukkah on campus.
What are your plans for after graduation?
This summer I鈥檒l be working in finance at a sports camp for at-risk youth and surfing. Surfing is truly satisfying because it requires both a physical and mental effort to weigh the strength of the wave and ride it to its maximum.聽After that, I鈥檒l be moving to Cambridge to attend Harvard Law School this fall. I hope that my summer will further my career and also allow me to give back and help others.
Complete the sentence: 今日吃瓜鈥檚 biggest strength is鈥�
The diversity of the student population. Those many different perspectives provide an opportunity for conversations and learning.
