Farjad Madataly
Living in a community with an intensive academic program and an engaged student body community, I have learned a lot and have had a good amount of space to make mistakes and learn from them.
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What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What’s your favorite class? Why?
Computer Science I with Associate Professor Jeffrey Ely. It was my first computer science class and really started my journey as a computer science and mathematics major. The professor was passionate, good at communicating, and available to help during office hours, which set the tone for my expectations about the department and upcoming courses.
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I wanted to attend a smaller college that was on the West Coast. Although there were several options, I feel like the international community was stronger than many of my other choices, and I was interested in the liberal arts curriculum. Overall these features of L&C made me feel like it was a good fit for me.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
There is always more to learn. The knowledge acquired in computer science is applicable to several disciplines and creates impact through technological advancement and innovation. It is a difficult and competitive field, but it is one that can be used for creating positive change if applied in the right ways.
What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?
Entrepreneurial leadership and innovation is a fascinating minor with great faculty and courses. They organize events where students get to meet experienced entrepreneurs and leaders from whom we can learn practical lessons. The most interesting thing about the minor is Winterim, a weeklong event, in which students are placed in a group and go through intensive workshops and mentoring in order to pitch a product to a jury.
Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.
Being a United World College alumnus, I met a lot of my friends during the international student orientation at the beginning of my first year. Over time, I connected with more peers, mainly through classes, work, and clubs. There are several clubs that will have people who share at least one common interest, allowing them to bond over it.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
If I could give one advice to incoming students, it would be to engage with the community through events and activities when possible. This will allow you to make connections and learn more about the social dynamics that work best for you, whether you are an aspiring artist, athlete, scholar, or an entrepreneur.
How has Lewis & Clark changed you?
Lewis & Clark College has definitely allowed me to mature and grow into a person that is now able to make better academic and social decisions. Living in a community with an intensive academic program and an engaged student body community, I felt like I learned a lot from the people I interacted with and had a good amount of space to make mistakes and learn from them.
Computer Science and Mathematics Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
