Yash Bisht

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

My favorite classes at L&C are acting classes. I can be myself because all students leave their inhibitions at the door. I am taking Theatre 213 (Acting 2) with Professor Štĕpán Šimek this semester. As he says, “The theatre is a safe space and a brave space.” Štĕpán is really passionate about theatre and pushes us to do our best. The collaborative nature has made me more open and communicative. I love the theory and the history of theatre, and now I appreciate the performance aspects as well.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

I really look up to Professor Pauls Toutonghi. He is an English professor and my faculty advisor. I took his fiction writing classes and my writing really improved. Pauls is open-minded and considerate, and he often absolves me of self-doubt. I leave his office with newfound courage to face my problems. He is a successful author and an inspiration for me. He’s really helped me feel confident about pursuing writing as a career.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

The beautiful campus and the financial aid I received.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience so far?

I’ve applied to the Australia Regional Study Program for spring 2020. I was attracted to the program because of the Aboriginal Studies class. I have an empathetic interest in the stories of ethnic groups whose histories have been largely erased by colonization. Also, the biology class offered will fulfill my general education lab requirement. Furthermore, this might be the last time that I get to see the Great Barrier Reef before its imminent demise.

How do you feel supported as an international student at Lewis & Clark?

The International Students and Scholars office! Brian, Bridget, Paola, and everyone who works in that office provide an amazing support system for international students. The international students at L&C are a strong and tightly knit community.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

It depends on the weather. The green room in Fir Acres Theatre is perfect for napping, studying, and finding friends. On the rare occasion that it’s sunny outside, I like sitting on the SOA lawn (the lawn between Stewart, Odell, and Akin residence halls) with a book.

Where do you find community on campus?

I’ve made friends by doing theatre. College Outdoors trips are great bonding experiences. The United World College (UWC) scholars have their own community. There is the Queer Student Union (QSU), Feminist Student Union (FSU), ISLC (International Students of Lewis & Clark), etc. There are also many art, poetry, and play journals. They have regular meetings. Eventually, you will find your people and your people will find you.