Lehigh University:

Jeff Abel

For Jeff Abel '07, a sociology and anthropology major from Ellicott City, MD, getting involved in activities outside the classroom has taken him to places he never thought he would expect to go.

"From participating in the Lehigh Philharmonic Orchestra I have had the opportunity to go to Brazil," says Abel, "and this May we will be going to South Africa."

Abel, a bassoon player for the Lehigh Philharmonic Orchestra, says that being a part of activities has made him a more well-rounded person and a has helped him to develop the skills to be a leader.

"Being involved allows you to take control of your experience at college and make it your own," says Abel.  "You get out of college what you put into it, and that's true outside of the classroom."

Abel is also a Head Gryphon, president of the Lehigh Philharmonic, a member of the Residence Life Committee and Lehigh Wind Ensemble. 

Participating in activities that give back to the Lehigh and Bethlehem communities are also important to Abel.  "I feel like I'm not just a student at Lehigh," he says, "but an active member of the Lehigh and Bethlehem Community."

Abel volunteers at local elementary school music programs and is an America Reads volunteer.

"I think it's important to participate in activities that give back to the Lehigh and Bethlehem Community," says Abel.  "Being involved outside of the classroom provides opportunities to grow and are great learning experiences and that's important because being at college is about developing as a whole person, not just a student."