Annabelle Rousseau

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Yale Conservation Scholars program! Could you tell us more about what you will be doing?

As a 2022 Yale Conservation Scholar, I will be interning with the Meriden Natural Resources Inventory. I will work on increasing community engagement by updating online platforms about the city of Meriden’s natural resources. The program is for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in environmental institutions. As part of the Early Leadership Initiative, I have the opportunity to connect with current professionals in the environmental field and have networking opportunities. At the end of the summer, I will present my work at a capstone symposia, taking place at the Yale School of the Environment.

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

My favorite and most challenging class has been Emerging Topics in Environmental Law with Adjunct Professor Karen Russell. In this course, we dove into the history of environmental law in the U.S., and the landmark cases and pieces of legislation that inform the environmental field today. We also had guest lecturers who discussed ongoing cases that are trying to strengthen environmental protections.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted to come to L&C because the campus was so inviting when I visited. I love how green the campus is, and the small class sizes were really attractive as well.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

The liberal arts present numerous opportunities to grow as an individual, both academically and socially. You are engaged with many people outside of your academic focus, and are encouraged to take advantage of courses offered outside of your major.

Where do you find community on campus?

I find community by delving into student organizations that align with my passions or identity. I love dancing, so I’m a member of the Bachata Club and have participated in the Hawaii Club’s annual luau. I’m also one of the coleaders for the Native Student Union. I’m also on the varsity swim team.

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 have lived in Akin, Holmes, and Roberts. I lived in Akin my first year, and I really enjoyed the Multicultural Living-Learning Community that it offers. During my sophomore year, I lived in Holmes, which has an assortment of students from different majors. There’s always someone new to meet in the kitchens or the laundry room. Roberts is home to upper-division student apartments, and I’ve really enjoyed sitting on the outside patios and soaking up the sun while eating dinner that I made (in my own kitchen). The best thing about living on campus is that there is always some sort of event happening or club meeting to go to, so there’s a lot to do.

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

I chose to participate in the Xplore program my first year because it seemed like a great opportunity to connect with students of similar backgrounds to me.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

I’ve been a Race Monologues presenter twice, which is the concluding event of the annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies. It has been a nerve wracking but rewarding experience both times.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the Glade, because it’s a great lawn to lie down on and soak in the sun (when it is sunny)!

Why did you choose to swim at a DIII school? How do you balance athletics and academics?

I chose to swim at the Division III level because I wanted to continue the sport I’ve done for a lot of my life while also being able to devote plenty of time to my studies. I balance athletics and academics by openly communicating with my professors and my coaches about conflicts with my schedule. If I need to miss a practice to go to a study session, my coaches are very understanding, as my studies come first.