Hannah Rose Jay

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

Besides the great Classics program, when I toured, I noticed that students were laughing, smiling, and waving at each other when they walked to class. I hadn’t noticed such a positive vibe at any other college I visited.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I served with AmeriCorps’ College Possible program for a year before returning to Lewis & Clark to achieve my master’s in student affairs.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for grad school?

Lewis & Clark gave me the chance to explore many opportunities in and out of the classroom. I discovered the field of student affairs through my resident advisor job and gained significant experience in the field before I graduated. My classes also helped me build upon my writing and research skills, which have both helped me in this field.

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

I learned how to ask for help! Lewis & Clark helped me realize I couldn’t do everything alone. I found that there are countless people willing to support you, whether you need to discuss a paper topic, plan your finances, figure out your next steps, or get a moth out of your dorm room!

Why did you major in Classics?

I always loved history and mythology, and when I found that I could study ancient languages, Mediterranean history, and all the myths and legends I loved, I was hooked! The Classics department is small, allowing for close-knit classes, and my professors were incredibly encouraging and engaging.

Why did you minor in religious studies?

I took one religious studies class, History of Religion, my first semester. I found it incredibly eye-opening and signed up for more classes each semester!

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

Since I just finished my master’s on campus and worked in a student office as a graduate assistant, I was able to stay connected to all the people who made my college experience so enriching.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I would describe the liberal arts as the chance to “learn everything about something and something about everything.” Liberal arts allows you to learn about a wide variety of topics, build upon your writing, research, math, and foreign language skills, and hone in on a field of study you are passionate about.

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

My favorite class was Roman Women with Associate Professor With Term Gordon Kelly. The class analyzed Roman literature and archaeological evidence to understand the lives, gender roles, and class issues of women and sexuality in Roman times. A lot of history centers on men, so it was incredibly interesting to analyze the lives of historically marginalized groups. My favorite part of the class was when our professor assigned us a project to write a diary in the perspective of a Roman woman around the time of Julius Caesar. The project helped us relate to historical figures and understand the real impact of historical events on the people who lived through them.

Where did you find your community on campus?

I met my friend group during New Student Orientation and expanded my community through first-year courses, club meetings, and events. My student job also introduced me to a community of people who shared some of my identities. I still consider the people I met on campus my closest friends.

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

I consider two people my mentors: Gordon Kelly, my Classics advisor, and Jessica Carron, my supervisor as an RA. Professor Kelly taught two of my classes each semester and encouraged me to apply for a student-faculty research grant to travel to Italy for a summer archaeology program. He helped me discuss my research plans, classes, and figure out my future. Jessica Carron helped me along my student affairs journey and encouraged my personal and professional growth.

Classics Religious Studies