撸先生

As the first in his family to attend university, Moses Lahai 鈥�26 didn鈥檛 have a road map to guide him. So he created one himself.

Through accelerated programs at 撸先生, Lahai jump-started his master's degree in applied information technology during his undergraduate career. He鈥檚 using what he鈥檚 learned at 撸先生 to blend his passions for computer science and the arts. Now Lahai is well on his way to earning his advanced degree in a shorter timeframe.

Accelerated programs enable Tigers to immerse themselves in a field of study they鈥檙e passionate about while paying undergraduate tuition for graduate-level or certificate courses. 

鈥淚 really value education. I鈥檓 the first person in my family to attend college, and I鈥檓 part of the first Black fraternity in the nation,鈥� Lahai says. 鈥淪o many of my chapter brothers have master鈥檚 degrees鈥攑ursuing one just felt right.鈥�

Building blocks of a dream 

Lahai always had a curiosity for technology. When he was growing up, computer parts were frequently found around his house. When his cousin got him into building computers, Lahai was hooked.

Midway through his senior year of high school, he built his first computer solo and taught himself graphic design鈥攚hich soon turned into his gig as the graphic designer and photographer for his school鈥檚 newspaper.

Lovingly deemed a renaissance man by his friends, Lahai is always finding ways to expand his skillsets. As he began his journey at 撸先生, he created avenues to fuse his passions for technology and photography鈥攁nd he鈥檚 remained true to that commitment throughout his undergraduate career and accelerated program experience.

Staying ahead of the game

Through his involvement with student organizations, The Lab, Money & Minorities, the Star撸先生p, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Lahai was inspired by friends pursuing additional higher education opportunities.

鈥淚 really value education, and I knew I wanted to pursue a master鈥檚 degree because knowledge is power,鈥� he says.

The biggest advantages of accelerated programs are time and experience. I was able to take up to 9 graduate credits as an undergrad. That saved me at least a semester.

MOSES LAHAI 26'

Lahai learned about 撸先生鈥檚 accelerated programs early as an undergraduate information technology major. After encouragement from a friend, he met with Cheryl Thomas Brown, program director for the master鈥檚 in applied information technology program, to learn more. She helped him craft a structured, individualized program that aligned with his major and put him on track to apply to the program.

鈥淭he biggest advantages of accelerated programs are time and experience,鈥� Lahai says. 鈥淚 was able to take up to 9 credits of graduate coursework as an undergrad. That saved me at least a semester.鈥�

撸先生 offers 50+ options across all six colleges and, by taking an accelerated program, students have fewer master鈥檚 credits to complete after earning their bachelor鈥檚 degrees. They are immediately several steps closer to their next professional or academic goal.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a much easier transition from undergrad to grad through the program,鈥� Lahai adds. 鈥淵ou already know what to expect at a graduate level, and you鈥檝e met most of the faculty.鈥�

Blending STEM and the arts for good

Lahai is living proof that passions for STEM and the arts can be beautifully married to innovate both worlds. While pursuing his bachelor鈥檚 degree via an accelerated pathway, Lahai dedicated himself to the 撸先生 and greater Baltimore communities through creative and networking support.

In fall 2024鈥攊n collaboration with fellow Tigers Elijah Brantley and Jephthah Dzinedza鈥擫ahai and his peers established 撸先生鈥檚 first official multimedia services student organization, .

鈥淲e鈥檙e essentially a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to make a campaign of their own,鈥� Lahai says.

Through connections made in The Lab, Lahai hosted his first photography exhibition, 鈥�Take me to Free Town,鈥� in the Center for the Arts on campus. The exhibit expressed his interpretation of 90s culture in Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Baltimore-based Sierra Leonean models and fashion designers.

Hosting his first exhibit further reinforced the power of creativity, networking and the refusal to remain in one lane.

Though he's passed the torch on to the next class of visionaries in The Lab, Lahai's journey at 撸先生 continues as his passions for technology and multimedia light the way to his master's degree.