As far as extracurriculars go, yearbook editor or debate team president seemed to lack that certain something for College sophomore Josh Corn.
Instead, Corn went for a hobby that was a little more magical.
Corn is a full-fledged illusionist who performed a variety of tricks throughout high-school. But his skills extend beyond entertainment - he's developed into a formidable teacher in his own right.
This summer, Corn and his mentor, professional magician Elia Chesnoff set up Camp Cigma, the only summer day camp that teaches magic in central Florida.
Corn's talents as an illusionist have also landed him in a recent issue of Magic Magazine - the largest magic publication in the world - as one of 16 outstanding young magicians from across the country.
Boasting a repertoire of illusions from simple card tricks to more complicated routines reminiscent of Houdini's legendary escapes, Corn has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
He was first mesmerized by the world of magic at the age of 12, when Chesnoff performed at his family's dinner party.
Corn videotaped Chesnoff's performance and replayed it countless times, trying to crack the secrets behind the tricks. After researching through numerous magic books, he was able to get a grasp on some of the basics.
From then on, he said, "I was just hooked."
Spending on average 12 hours a week practicing - and much more when preparing for a show - doing magic tricks is no easy feat. Still, for Corn, it's worth it.
"The main reason why I do [magic] is to entertain people. I love to see people laugh and really just have a good time, and magic is a way for me to do that," Corn said.
It's that attitude that drove Corn to create Camp Cigma, which runs for a total of 10 weeks, broken down into three three-week sessions and a final wrap-up week. Its goal is to teach campers, aged seven to 13, how to perform.
The participants not only learn magic tricks but also other types of performing arts, such as juggling and mime.
"We teach them how to perform magic instead of just knowing the secrets behind the tricks," Corn said.
He also tries to teach self-confidence at the same time.
Many campers "were extremely shy when they first came in. We sort of broke them out of their shells so that they were able to go on stage and perform in front of close to a 100 people," he said.
At Penn, Corn hasn't had much opportunity to display his skills - there currently isn't a magic group on campus - but the lucky few who have seen his tricks seem highly impressed.
"I think he's very good," said Wharton sophomore Mike Luddy, who was Corn's roommate last year. "He's the best I've seen."
"He's a very talented magician, and by that, I don't just mean as a performer - he has a unique mind for magic and has created some original illusions," Chesnoff said. "I would rate him as top notch."
How does he do his illusions?
A magician never reveals his secrets.
