During my first three years at Lehigh University I have had plenty of non-academic opportunities to hone my skills, particularly in music, but in physics as well.
On the one hand, the Music Department has arranged professional and student ensembles to rehearse, perform in public and record some of my compositions. Moreover, various established composers and performers have advised me, all thanks to the Music Department attracting these people to our university. I, lastly, had the chance to participate in concerts as a performer and as part of the supporting staff. These experiences were vital to my development as a musician and, especially, as a composer.
On the other hand, the Physics Department has supported me in my research in optics and provided me with funds to buy necessary equipment and, thus, revive the fibre optics laboratory, which had long been unused. I have been conducting research in this lab for nearly a year; quite important to me, since it is the first real research experience of my life.