Taj-Jamaal “TJ” Muhammad
Lewis & Clark classes can bring about new interests you didn’t even realize you were interested in.
Pronouns
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Major
Minor
Extracurriculars
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What’s your favorite class? Why?
Contact Improvisation with Eric Nordstrom. This class challenged me in ways I couldn’t imagine. I’ve never been much of a dancer but this took dancing to a new level while learning how to become grounded within one’s body. My favorite part was creating our curriculum and doing a class final that included bringing other students who weren’t in the class and teaching them everything we’d learned.
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
At first, it was strictly basketball, but once I visited the campus over the summer and saw the school’s beauty and how peaceful it was I knew this was the place I wanted to call home for the next four years.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
I think it is the many different jobs and career opportunities you can pursue. I want to be a sports broadcaster, however, this is just one of many interests being a rhetoric and media major can bring out, from digital marketing to government and business.
What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?
I find the most interesting about my minors is they both came after taking a class at Lewis & Clark. I took Poetry 1 my second semester and fell back in love with poetry and I took Acting 1 my first semester and performed in a play my second semester and just knew I wanted this as my minor. For me, it just shows how Lewis & Clark classes can bring about new interests you didn’t even realize you were interested in.
Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus.
My basketball team has been the first family I’ve had here at Lewis & Clark and also my biggest support system. As a team, we always support each other whether by watching each other perform in a dance or play, providing advice on classes, and or helping get job positions. They have been my brothers and will always be until I graduate. The other department that has been a major support system for me is our training staff. Last year I suffered a torn meniscus in my left knee and this had been my first major injury in my entire life. Mentally I didn’t think I would ever be the same basketball player again, and also I didn’t know if I even wanted to play basketball anymore. The training staff at our school not only helped me out of this mental state but also helped me get back on my feet and be able to play the game I love again. I am grateful to have a hand such a wonderful staff around me I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
The advice I would give to a student is to explore everything you are interested in. Lewis & Clark have many options for clubs and a variety of classes that can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t just try and limit yourself to a desired major you had coming out of high school, or even if you are transferring in as well. By trying something you know you never know where that road will lead you.
How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?
It had a major impact on me coming to Lewis & Clark. The financial aid package I received was a true blessing and overall was one of the reasons why my parents and I decided Lewis & Clark was the best fit for me.
