Amy Natori

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted to go to a small liberal arts school on the West Coast. I wanted the opportunity to get to know my professors and my peers. I wanted a better chance at standing out and getting opportunities.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Working and traveling!

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your career?

LC gave me many opportunities to intern and gain experience in entrepreneurship. The school also allowed me to meet amazing mentors/connections/peers that would help me build my career.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

If the only thing holding you back from having new experiences is a little anxiety, try your best to take every opportunity to get past your discomfort. If you’ve always wanted to go backpacking, sign up for College Outdoors. If you’ve had an interest in entrepreneurship, try Winterim. Most of these opportunities have financial aid that can cover your out-of-pocket expenses.

Why did you major in Psychology?

I initially wanted to be a mental health counselor.

If applicable, why did you minor in RHMS?

I love analyzing popular culture.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I still call my best friend, who is an LC alum, every day. I reach out to other LC alumni via LinkedIn whenever something reminds me of them!

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I describe the liberal arts as a holistic education covering a range of interdisciplinary subjects that builds critical thinkers.

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

My favorite class was Gender and Sexuality in U.S. Society with Kimberly Brodkin. It really validated my experience as a queer woman and expanded my knowledge of gender and sexuality in the U.S. especially coming from Japan.

Where did you find your community on campus?

I found my community through International Students and Scholars, Japan Club, and my hall from freshman year.

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

My friend Jay was my mentor on campus. He is a fellow Japanese American student at LC who I met my freshman year. He showed me the ropes of how to navigate a predominantly white institution as a third-culture kid and Japanese American.

If you studied overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I chose the Germany program because I wanted to go to a progressive, diverse European city. It helped me meet my best friend and revitalized my love for contemporary art and EDM. It also introduced me to my two favorite professors!

What is one of your best memories from L&C?

My best memories from L&C were in Watzek Library with my best friends!

Psychology