Max Morrish

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

Indigenous Peoples of North America with Nancy Gallman. I took Colonial Latin American history last semester and this class is building off of it nicely. I have really valued learning about the overlooked historical events that happened in this country still shaping the social structures and inequalities that exist today. Recently, I wrote an essay focusing on Nations along the Columbia River and how the dams have jeopardized their relationship with salmon runs. I have never taken a class before that has impacted my perspective of the area in which I live so significantly.

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

I don’t have a mentor. I try and ask for advice from lots of different friends and faculty.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

My parents met here, but that’s not the reason I chose to come here. I was very drawn to the location, the College Outdoors program, the psychology department, and the student body. It seemed like a place that would push me to be an active part of the community.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

It’s a rollercoaster. I have taken so many classes that made me doubt my entire sense of direction. During my first year, it felt like I changed my major every fifteen minutes. But, that’s all part of the appeal. When you have the opportunity to take a wide variety of really engaging classes it makes you question your own values and interests.

Did you visit the campus before deciding to come to LC? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I did visit Lewis and Clark and still remember deciding that it was one of my top schools when I was passing the mailroom. Turns out you can learn a lot about a student body from the stickers that they put on their mailboxes.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Whatever spot has sun is my favorite!

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

The location. I love the city itself, but if I drive an hour in almost any direction I can end up in some of my favorite outdoor areas on the west coast.

How did you decide on a major?

I took a huge range of classes during my freshman year which, in some ways, helped me narrow down my options. In other ways, it just made deciding more difficult as I found something really appealing about each class. Eventually, I think it was my extracurricular interests that led me to declare psychology my major. I would really like to do research on how experiences in the outdoors can impact child and adolescent development.

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

I have grown up in the same small town my entire life. Most of my friends back home have known me since I was very young. Because of this, building a new community and putting down new roots in a different place was pretty intimidating. That said, the community of people that I have here feels like family now. I really couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I think, overall, the biggest challenge has been dealing with the constant change that comes as a by-product of growth.

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

That’s a super hard question. I think it was the New Student Trip to Mount Adams that I helped lead for College Outdoors last year. Being able to enable those types of long-lasting connections between incoming students over the course of a week-long backpacking trip was definitely one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences I can think of. I feel like that trip was a huge growing experience for both the participants and the leaders, and really helped me realize that psychology was the right major for me.

How do you manage stress?

Rain or shine, a hike through Tryon Creek Park can really work wonders. Also, the Circuit climbing gym in Johns Landing has been a spectacular outlet for blowing off steam.

Where do you find community on campus?

I find the community through my interests. Bonding with people over different types of outdoor endeavors, musical interests, and academic interests has given me a community with which I can pursue the things I care about most.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Since I came to Lewis and Clark, I began wearing strictly earth tones, got a nose piercing, fell in love, spent most of my money on climbing gear and started a Grateful Dead-inspired tie-dye shirt company. But, most importantly, I have also found a promising sense of direction at this school and a support network to help me pursue it.