Htoo Ray Wah

Htoo Ray Wah BA '23

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’23

Hometown

Portland, Oregon

Major

Asian Studies

Minor

Chinese

Extracurriculars

Great Expectations mentor, cochair for Southeast Asia (International Fair)

Overseas study

South Korea

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

Beautiful, Liberal, Calm

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

I don’t have a favorite class. I think all of the classes I’ve taken so far expanded my knowledge as a student. I have taken a lot of Chinese classes with Instructor Liu Meiru. She is a very knowledgeable and cheerful person. She makes learning Chinese fun.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I chose Lewis & Clark because it has small class sizes, is close to home, and offered me a generous financial aid package. I have the option of living on campus and learning to be independent, as well as having the opportunity to go home on weekends.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

Learning a little bit of everything. You can explore and discover your interests before declaring a major at a liberal arts college.

Where do you find community on campus?

I find community in the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement. Participating in the Great Expectations mentorship program makes me feel like I’m not alone on campus and that I belong here. The GEM retreat was the best memory as a first-year student.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I’ve lived in Akin and Stewart. Those halls have a reputation for being calm and quiet. The best part about living on campus is being able to participate in weekend events and being able to live with other students.

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?

Next fall, I will be studying in South Korea. I chose this program because visiting South Korea has always been a dream of mine. This will also fulfill my study abroad requirement and help me broaden my learning as an Asian studies major.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the little forest between Frank Manor House and the ravine bridge. I sometimes take this path to go to my classes because, for a short time, it makes me feel connected to nature. The best time of year to go is in fall when the path is covered with colorful leaves.

Why did you choose to do the Xplore program? What was the best thing about the Xplore program?

I chose to take part in the Xplore program because I wanted to get a preview of STEM classes in college. The best thing about the program is that it assists students, particularly first-generation students, in making a smooth transition from high school to college. It also informed me about resources available to students and where I can go for help. Through the Xplore program, I was able to form strong bonds with students who have similar backgrounds as me.