Dexter Tatsukawa

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

Any Japanese course with Instructor Satomi Newsom. In learning a new language, it often feels like you’re learning something novel with each lesson because so much is unfamiliar. The sense of discovery is very rewarding. I would also mention Intro to Cultural Anthropology with Assistant Professor with Term Kabir Heimsath. This course provided a very new experience that taught me to reexamine the way I study other cultures through lots of interesting readings.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I had an interest in environmental studies, and L&C seemed like a good place for it. The weather was also a draw; in Silicon Valley, there’s hardly any rain.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I don’t quite know, subjects based more in abstract theories?

Where do you find community on campus?

I mostly just keep to myself. I have a hard time making friends.

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 Stewart and Odell. I’d describe the personality of Stewart as patient and quiet and Odell’s as talkative. Compared to high school, because I live on campus, it feels like I have a much more familiar relationship with the physical and perhaps spiritual body of the school.

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?

Yes, I was an organizer for one of the annual ENVX Symposium. It was interesting to work with everyone. I’d never done planning for this type of event before then.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I came here during spring break of my junior year of high school. I distinctly remember how pretty the campus looked. Coming here and getting the tour, I also liked the smallness of the campus and how it seemed like there was a good community here.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Don’t overthink or stress too much about it. The school itself is certainly part of what makes the experience, but you are the main driver of that experience.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

During spring, it’s nice to walk along the main path that takes you from the Bon to the academic buildings, there are a lot of flowers everywhere.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

It’s nice to get rain. We hardly get any in California so it feels like a bit of a treat.

How did you decide on a major?

Growing up, I mostly just watched nature documentaries so I’ve always had an interest in nature. That sort of just lends itself naturally to the environmental studies major.

How would you describe sustainability at Lewis & Clark? What’s your involvement with any sustainability initiatives on campus?

The campus has made some moves toward sustainability. I know that a fair amount of the buildings on campus have LEED accreditation, and I know there have been other efforts and pledges to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus as well.

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

Meeting and talking to people. I’ve never been very good at that. It’s a bit lonelier here though.