Luka is proud of the growth he has experienced so far at WPI. He credits ROTC professor Lt. Col. Adam Heppe as having an impact on him. “He encourages me to constantly improve and better myself,” he says. “Coming into WPI was challenging for me, as I had to acclimate to the accelerated pace of the classes. However, once I got over a few bumps in the road, I felt like I was doing better. Once I received the email that I was on the Dean's List, I finally felt like I could keep up with the standards and thrive here at WPI.” 

His dedication to fitness and athletics is also something that defines Luka. He notes how his athletic ability has improved since coming to WPI. “Although I played football in high school, I was still quite slow,” he says. “However, since getting here and working with ROTC I feel like I have improved my athletic abilities.” 

A favorite part of WPI for Luka is the professors. “One of the best things about WPI is how personal and amiable the professors are," he says. "At least in my experience, the professors have been really good at conveying the information needed and helping students learn in a productive and safe environment.”

WPI’s project-based learning (PBL) has helped develop Luka’s leadership skills and allowed him to feel closer to his work. He says, “PBL has impacted me by helping me learn how to work with others and to try to become a better leader for when I commission into the Army. With projects, the content that I produce feels a lot more personal than taking a test or doing a homework assignment.”

Luka’s experience has shown him the benefits of studying at WPI. He says, “The thing that sets WPI graduates apart from their peers is that since we have a more project-based learning style, students from WPI know how to work well with others. The terms (half semester classes) also allow students here to get their master’s degree faster than other schools. I really like the unique course system.” 

After graduation, Luka plans to commission into the Army to be on active duty.