Welcome, New Students!
Incoming first-year and transfer students share why they chose L&C.
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and each one of them helps make our community unique. As the school year is about to begin, we asked five incoming students to tell us their stories and why they chose Lewis & Clark.
Calvin Cajayon (he/him)
Academic Interests: Economics, Data Science, International Affairs
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Welcoming, Outdoorsy, Different
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I chose Lewis & Clark because it was an opportunity to explore my academic interests and identity in a supportive environment where it’s okay to make mistakes. Coming from a smaller school, I knew that I would better thrive and learn in a smaller classroom environment where I could create meaningful connections with my professors and classmates.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
Lewis & Clark is different from most schools because of its commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students. Learning about the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement and L&C’s various platforms to voice student opinions has shown me that L&C has the ability to create leaders and critical thinkers.
Ava Hall (she/her)
Academic Interests: I have a burning passion for history (specifically European history!), and I am beyond excited to take the unique history courses offered at L&C.
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Innovative, Vibrant, Welcoming
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
The wide variety of courses and clubs offered at Lewis & Clark is one of the countless reasons why it was my top choice for college! From classes that focus solely on the cross-cultural examination of the history of food, to clubs dedicated to Samoan fire spinning, you can’t get more unique than Lewis & Clark. In addition to this, class sizes are relatively small, meaning one can develop personal relationships with their peers and professors with ease. An environment with a tight-knit community is essential when it comes to hands-on learning and success!
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
Lewis & Clark’s atmosphere is unparalleled to any other college—it’s where the bustling city of Portland meets the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Mount Hood can be seen right on campus! Not to mention, the College Outdoors program allows students to get a better glimpse of what the surrounding areas have to offer. I am currently looking forward to one of many trips with this program, including doing marmot research in Olympic National Park!
Grace Harrington (she/her)
Academic Interests: Psychology, Dance
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Community, Opportunity, (a) New Beginning
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I chose Lewis & Clark because it always felt like home. As my parents, sister, and several friends have attended L&C, I have gotten to visit campus numerous times. Each time I left, I always felt myself being pulled back. From the beautiful campus grounds to the academic rigor, Lewis & Clark always felt like a place I could be challenged but also feel comfortable and more like myself. I know Lewis & Clark is where I’m supposed to be, and I’m so grateful I get to transfer this fall.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
What sets Lewis & Clark apart most is the community. Coming from a larger university, it is clear that the Lewis & Clark faculty and staff are truly devoted to ensuring the success of their students both in and outside the classroom. To feel valued and appreciated by a school can be rare, but whether taking a tour or simply walking around the beautiful L&C campus, I always feel a sense of belonging.
Mya Oyler (she/they)
Academic interests: Literature, Economics, Gender Studies
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Supportive, Community-Based, Inclusive
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I made the decision to come to Lewis & Clark because I was looking for a liberal arts education that supports my needs as a learner. I wanted to be in a place where individuality is valued and inclusivity is supported. Not to mention the absolutely gorgeous campus!
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
L&C’s small student body population has created an intimate environment where students are treated as nuanced individuals rather than numbers. Each faculty and staff member I’ve spoken with has made me feel valued and like I will be supported here.
Tallulah Sickels (she/her)
Academic Interests: History, Spanish
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Everything I Wanted
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I chose Lewis & Clark because I wanted to pursue collegiate athletics in softball while also having an opportunity to be able to focus on my academic goals and maybe study abroad. Also, while I was visiting L&C—which was when I was still deciding where I wanted to go to college and where I wanted to play softball—the current members of the team talked to me and came with me on the tour. They were so kind to me and inviting that it made me want to be a part of the community.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
I think what sets L&C apart from other schools is the secluded campus. The campus is legitimately in a forest, and it feels like a tight-knit community. But if you want to get out, Portland is just right there for you. I come from a small town, so I wanted to have that sense of community while still having the opportunity to experience a big city.
