Morgan Bashore

Lewis & Clark has layered more and more lenses for me to look at the world through.

Morgan Bashore BA '22

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’22

Hometown

Cathlamet, Washington

Major

Chemistry

Minor

Mathematics

Extracurriculars

Leadership and Service

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Verdant, Homey, Hidden

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

I think it’s a tie between General Chemistry with Professors Julio de Paula and Casey Jones, and Calculus I and II, both with Professor Sweta Suryanarayan for favorite class and professors. However, I feel like my Chemistry classes really blew my mind with how complex the very foundation of our world is and it was a lot to wrap my head around. It’s awesome.

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

I think the closest person to a mentor I have is Professor Casey Jones because I met her first in Xplore and then she became my boss before becoming my actual professor. She was very kind in calming my fears and teaching me a lot before even being in a class with me.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted to be near my family on a small campus. I love the Pacific Northwest and Portland, so my search was narrowed from the get-go. I visited Lewis & Clark, Reed, and Linfield. Lewis & Clark just felt right, to be completely honest. It’s a beautiful campus and students talked about the amazing relationships you can build with staff and that’s super important to me. It also seemed like there were a million opportunities that made up for the limited class options.

Why did you choose to do the Xplore program?

I almost didn’t go because I have a lot of social anxieties and thought I would be the dumb one in a group of super smart people. My mom convinced me it would give me good familiarization with STEM resources that would save me from even more anxiety later on, and it was free. It was honestly amazing and the people were just regular students.

What was the best thing about the Xplore program?

I would say the best things for me from Xplore were the insights from professors, networking early with people (like Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership staff), and just having students I knew already once classes started.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

I would tell them they need to learn how to control their complaining if that’s an issue, learn how you study the best, take any help you can get, do not be afraid to ask for help (pride will get you academically destroyed), and talk to your professors. Communication is essential.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Everything behind Frank Manor House.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

Food. Hands down.

How did you decide on a major?

I’m a firm believer in doing what you’re passionate about, so I did exactly that. I want to know how the world works.

Have you had the opportunity to do research with a professor? If so, please describe the project and the experience.

Yes, and it is one of the best things I have ever done. I work with Professor Casey Jones in the chemistry department. The project involves organic chemistry and food processes.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced at Lewis & Clark?

All of my difficulties have just been related to my social life. Finding friends is hard for an introvert.

What’s your best Lewis & Clark memory so far?

I don’t know if this counts, but my roommate took me to my first real concert, and it was some of the most fun I have had in a while.

How do you manage stress?

I don’t know if I manage it well, but I do take breaks to do easy things I enjoy, like draw or do my makeup.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

It has layered more and more lenses for me to look at the world through and expanded the amount of knowledge I have on multiple subjects. Exploration and Discovery has been helpful in expanding my humanities knowledge, which I am endlessly grateful for since my majors are on quantitative work.