Ashtyn Aponte

Lewis & Clark is the perfect school for me as it was so close to home and has an amazing political science department.

Ashtyn Aponte BA '26

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’26

Hometown

Milwaukie, Oregon

Major

Political Science

Extracurriculars

Secretary of the Pre-Law Club (we meet on Mondays if anyone is interested in joining us!); children’s golf coach during summer breaks

What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?

My favorite class has been Constitutional Law with Professor Todd Lochner! This course is primarily lead by students briefing Supreme Court cases and then discussing opinions based on the constitutional law used. This course has expanded my knowledge by further looking into and understanding how Supreme Court decisions are made, and what the constitution does and does not protect.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

Since I was little, I’ve dreamt of attending Lewis & Clark. Growing up just across town, we would often drive by and I’d imagine walking the campus. Despite being raised in a single-parent household, I was undeterred by suggestions to pursue more “realistic” options like community college. When I decided on a career in law and a major in political science, Lewis & Clark was potentially the perfect fit not only because it’s close to home but because of the outstanding political science department. Getting my acceptance letter was the proudest day of my life, knowing that my dream could become a reality.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

The financial aid offered by Lewis & Clark made the decision-making process incredibly easy. In fact, it may have altered the trajectory of my entire life. Despite being valedictorian and maintaining near perfect attendance throughout high school, the acceptance into my dream college would have been meaningless if I couldn’t afford to attend. At one point, I even considered abandoning my dream and attending trade school. However, the scholarship from Lewis & Clark changed everything and set me on a new path.

Political Science