Tyler Short
Lewis & Clark taught me the importance of giving myself the opportunity and time to explore new things. I left college a more realized person.
Pronouns
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Current City
Major
Minor
Extracurriculars
Overseas study
Job Title, Organization
Internship
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
Coming from a high school with 4,000 students, I wanted a more personal experience from college. After visiting Lewis & Clark, it felt like the right place for me. The school had an accepting atmosphere, which made it easy to envision myself going there.
What have you been doing since graduation?
Since graduation, I have gotten involved with my local arts community through internships and jobs. I’m at a place in life where I am trying to determine what career I want to pursue in the long run, so I’ve been taking time to learn about as many opportunities in my field as possible.
How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?
Both my courses and extracurriculars at L&C gave me experience that has helped me succeed in my current job. The art history department helped me develop a foundation of knowledge that I apply everyday at the museum, as well as strong writing and speaking skills. My job as an editor for the Mossy Log (L&C’s student-run newspaper) also gave me a keen eye for details and an ability to adapt to new situations.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?
I learned the importance of giving myself the opportunity and time to explore new things. When I arrived at L&C, I was very unsure about who I was and what I wanted to accomplish. However, as I put myself into different situations (through clubs, classes, communities, etc.), I began to discover new things about myself. Overall, I left college as a more realized person.
Why did you major in art history?
Going off of my answer to the previous question, I actually went to L&C with the intention of majoring in psychology. While the classes were interesting, I didn’t feel like my heart was in it. On a whim, I decided to take Associate Professor Ben David’s Intro to Art History course. Not to be dramatic, but after a few weeks in the class, I found myself becoming obsessed with studying art. I switched my major at the end of the semester and the rest is kind of history.
How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?
Unfortunately, I graduated at the height of COVID-19, so I haven’t been able to stay as connected as I would like. However, I plan on visiting the Portland area soon and reconnecting with my professors. I also have some very close friends from L&C that I stay in contact with.
What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?
One of my favorite aspects of receiving a liberal arts education was being encouraged to take courses outside of my academic focus. My favorite class was Intro to Electronic Music with Jeffery Leonard. This class welcomes people of all levels of experience. I personally had no formal music training, but I was still able to make songs that I am proud of.
Where did you find your community on campus?
I found my community through the student newspaper. If you are a new student at L&C, I highly recommend signing up for extracurriculars! I found some of my closest friends that way.
Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
All three of my art history professors were my mentors: Matthew Johnston, Ben David, and Dawn Odell. The three of them have an infectious passion about their work. As a student, it just rubs off on you. They also exhibited a sincere concern for my development as a student, art history professional, and person. I would not be who I am today without them. One thing you will often hear at L&C is that the professors are amazing and I absolutely agree. My experience would not have been the same without them.
