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Shuailei Ma

For Shuailei Ma, a second-year chemical engineering doctoral student, the leadership, diversity and teamwork experiences she has learned at Lehigh are lessons that will help her in her future work.

“I strongly recommend students, especially international students, to get involved in social activities,” says Ma, who is from Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China.  “They’ll learn a lot beyond class; it’s a chance to improve their leadership and communications skills and to have a global vision.”

For a graduate student like Ma, Lehigh provided strong research opportunities along with a chance to study with internationally respected faculty.

“After my two years of study here,” she says, “I am even more confident with my choice.”

Besides academic strengths, says Ma, Lehigh also provides international students with opportunities to get involved in campus diversity where they can share their culture proudly with their friends from more than 50 countries.

As the 2005-2006 President of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), Ma worked diligently to make a contribution to the cultural diversity at Lehigh.  Events such as the Chinese Moon Festival, Spring Festival and the New Year’s Eve Cultural party allowed the CSSA to share the many facets of Chinese culture with the Lehigh community and to offer a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture.  The CSSA also participated in Lehigh’s 20th annual International Week and 19th International Bazaar.
 
“Through the activities organized by CSSA,” says Ma, “I get the chance to get to know more American and international friends.”

From these conversations with her new friends, Ma says, she is exposed to many interesting cultural stories, which gives her a wide perspective on the diversity of the world.

“Lehigh is really a multicultural home to students from countries all over the world,” says Ma.

As president of CSSA, Ma has also developed her leadership skills.  “People also have different opinions,” she says.  “As a leader, it’s my responsibility to respond to them quickly and make the best decision.”

If you want to be a success, says Ma, the development of leadership skills is crucial.

Essentially, says Ma, human beings are a social community. “So get involved,” says Ma.  “I love Lehigh, my life is pretty rich.”