Annika Bateman

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

My favorite class at L&C has been African Politics with Assistant Professor of International Affairs Laura Vinson. This class taught me so much about Africa before, during, and following colonization, and about the continent’s contemporary political arena. I greatly appreciated taking this class because Laura is a wonderful professor, and I got the opportunity to write my favorite research paper since coming to L&C: an analysis of the efficacy of the United Nations peacekeeping mission to Sierra Leone. I’m also currently in her Global South class, which I absolutely love! The subject material and readings are fascinating, and I’ve been able to study a wide variety of countries and regions that other IA courses have not specifically touched on.

How did you decide on a major?

When I was first deciding on classes to take as a first-year student, one piece of advice that I received from the college was to take a class on a topic that I didn’t know much about. Because of this, I decided to take the introductory international affairs class, which was a field that I knew next to nothing about. In that class, I decided to become an IA major when I participated in and won my first college debate, which made me feel confident and excited to learn more about the major!

Why did you want to go to a liberal arts college? Did you consider other types of schools?

I did consider other types of schools when I was searching for colleges. However, Lewis & Clark’s liberal arts education interested me because I felt that it would allow me to explore different fields of study and find what I was passionate about.

What do you hope to do with your degree?

While I’m still deciding on the specifics, I am interested in working for an NGO or nonprofit organization in the future. I am also interested in attending Lewis & Clark Law School, perhaps studying international law there.

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

My mentor on campus is Professor Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences Cyrus Partovi. I consider him to be my mentor because he has always pushed me to be the best student I can be. I greatly respect his opinion and the advice he gives. Cyrus is truly one of the most interesting people I have ever met, and I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to build a wonderful relationship with him over the three years that I have been his student and advisee.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

Honestly, the first time I visited Lewis & Clark it felt like I was home. Not only did the natural beauty amaze me, but the environment and student life made me feel welcome the second I stepped foot onto the campus.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

A liberal arts education is extremely encompassing, and has provided me with a wealth of knowledge on a variety of subjects. Because of Lewis & Clark’s small class size, I have close relationships with many professors, and I can easily participate in class.

Where do you find community on campus?

I find community among my fellow international affairs majors!

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

Before my first year at Lewis & Clark, I went on the Wallowas Stand-Up Paddleboard New Student Trip. While I was sick for half of it, I still had a really great time and met a lot of great friends! As a new student, the trip helped me get over my homesickness and focus on being at Lewis & Clark!

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 am hoping to study abroad in Strasbourg, France, in fall 2021! I chose this program because I knew that I wanted to do a French language program, and Strasbourg has many opportunities for international affairs majors.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the picnic table area by the pool in the Estate Gardens! I love this spot because it is always very peaceful and it is exceptionally beautiful during spring to relax underneath the ancient grape vine.