Jana Qasem

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class is Intermediate Spanish with Instructor Megan McDonald because she is AMAZING! I also took Beginning Spanish with her; her teaching style is the best. The class is fun and engaging, and we have fun activities and discussions. I have always been excited to attend this class; it is one of my favorites.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

While in high school, I was looking for a college with a great international affairs program, and Lewis & Clark has the best program in Oregon. It is also close to home and has a beautiful campus.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

I am interested in pursuing a career in international law, and my international affairs and world languages majors greatly complement that interest. When I started college, the primary major I was considering was international affairs. However, growing up, I loved learning languages, and in high school, I learned Spanish and French. I wanted this interest to become more than a hobby, so I incorporated it into my studies.

What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?

I was interested in including the Middle East and North African studies minor in my studies, and since I already speak Arabic, it was possible to pursue this minor along with my majors. I like how the MENA classes I am taking connect to my two majors.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

Lewis & Clark is a great community. I met many great friends and I am part of a few clubs/organizations on campus, including Arabic Club, MENA Student Union, and the Third Culture Kids (TCK) Club. The professors are very supportive as well.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Whatever your academic interests are, if you want to pursue a specific major(s)/minor(s), everything is possible through organization. Therefore, I recommend that you meet with your college advisor early and create a four-year plan that aligns with your interests. I also recommend you get involved in the community outside of classes by joining student clubs/organizations. And finally, if you are interested in studying abroad, I suggest you consider the Lewis & Clark’s programs. Study abroad programs here are great ways to enrich your academic experience.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

This year, I have helped organize the TCK Symposium as a board member and the MENA Symposium as a cochair. I enjoyed being part of the two. The TCK Symposium is not directly related to my academic experience. However, it was fun to introduce this concept to students around campus and to meet new TCKs through the event. For the MENA Symposium, I suggested this year’s theme of Language and Politics, which results from my interest in international affairs and world languages and their connections to my MENA minor. I was thrilled that the concept of multilingualism, a linguistic mosaic, and its relation to politics was incorporated into the symposium!

International Affairs World Languages Middle East and North African Studies