Aidan Bennett

Congratulations on being accepted into the Peace Corps! Tell us about your experience.

I arrived in Cambodia as part of the first cohort of volunteers to serve there since the COVID-19 pandemic began. My main job is to work with Cambodian counterparts to teach English to teacher trainees and primary school students. I’ve also had so many other great experiences, such as working with a counterpart to organize methodology workshops for primary school teachers, supporting students engaged in the Volunteer for My Community program, and helping out at a Cambodian-run nonprofit school. The most meaningful experience of all for me has been bonding with my host family and participating in daily activities, family events, and holiday celebrations with them.

How did Lewis & Clark set you up for success during the Peace Corps application process and your time in Cambodia?

The homestay and language-learning experiences I had during my overseas study in East Africa made me a stronger applicant to the Peace Corps. Lewis & Clark offers plenty of opportunities to gain intercultural experience, learn foreign languages, take on leadership roles, and volunteer in the greater Portland community. All of these are things that can contribute to a strong Peace Corps application. While I didn’t personally seek guidance from L&C’s Diplomat in Residence Niels Marquart BA ’75, he’s a fantastic resource, and students should take advantage of his expertise.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I was drawn to Lewis & Clark’s reputation for good study abroad programs and a global outlook. When I visited campus, I found it to be beautiful and relaxing, and the atmosphere among the students felt more collegial than competitive.

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

I use the critical thinking and writing skills I developed at Lewis & Clark almost every day.

What did you like or find most interesting about your major, history?

I loved diving into history and learning about how people used to live, think, and see the world. Historical research can feel like solving a puzzle, and I found it exhilarating trying to put all the pieces together.

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

Mostly through the friends I made there. I met many of my best friends today at Lewis & Clark and I keep in close touch with them. I also recently reconnected with Professor David Campion about including my senior thesis research in an exhibition at Watzek Library, which was super cool.

Where did you find your community on campus?

I made some great connections with people on my New Student Trip. Once we settled in on campus, we introduced each other to people we met. My community grew from there.

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 so far?

I chose to study abroad in East Africa because it was an opportunity to visit a part of the world I didn’t think I’d otherwise be able to travel to any time soon. The trip added a new dimension and depth of experience to my time at Lewis & Clark that benefited the rest of my studies, even though it didn’t directly relate to them.

History