Chloe Burton

What has been your favorite class so far? How did it expand your knowledge?

My favorite class at Lewis & Clark has to be Education in a Complex World with Professor Jennifer de Saxe. This class opened my eyes to the education system in the United States and gave me a basic understanding of different education systems and methods around the world. There was a service-learning component where we spent an hour a week observing and working with a classroom of students. This was my favorite part of the class because I was able to see the themes we had learned and connect it to real-life experiences with my students, myself, and the teacher I worked with. I loved my service-learning so much that I continued with it through the next semester. The activities and material were amazing, and Professor de Saxe was such an inspiration. She made me excited for class and for the future of education. She was incredibly supportive, and made an effort to connect lessons to things that were happening in our lives; it was fresh and new. This class helped me decide that I want to become an educator.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I decided to come to Lewis & Clark because of its proximity to a big city and the small, intimate, and discussion-based classes. I was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where I loved being in a large city, but I knew I wanted to be on a beautiful campus. Lewis & Clark has a small, green, and gorgeous environment but it is also incredibly close to downtown Portland. I also wanted to go to a college where I could get to know my professors and peers. I went to a small high school so not only was I used to small classes, but I work and learn at my best in them. I like hearing what others have to say and adding some of my own ideas. It’s inclusive and creative. The largest class I’ve been in at Lewis & Clark was around 30 students. My professor knew everyone’s name and I never felt forgotten or invisible.

How did you hear about Teacher Pathways? What drew you to the program, and how has it met your expectations?

I heard about Teacher Pathways while I was applying to colleges. I looked into the education programs and majors at each college I applied to and found that Teacher Pathways was very intriguing. I had a feeling that I wanted to major in education but I wasn’t 100 percent sure. Lewis & Clark doesn’t have an education major, but I did some research and the Teacher Pathways Program is a really great and open program. It isn’t limiting—I can choose whatever major I want, participate in service hours with a school, and take a few education courses to give me a taste of what the graduate program will be like. I also have the option to change my mind in case I find something I like more. I love the idea of receiving my teaching license and my master’s degree in one year, which means I can begin my career sooner. Teacher Pathways is not only inspiring me as a future educator, but it is preparing me for graduate school and the intensive year to come.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the huge lawn on the graduate campus. It is great to work there when the weather is warm, and it’s less crowded there so I feel like I can focus more.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

The easy public transportation and all of the delicious food.

How did you decide on a major?

I declared my major at the last minute. It took me a while to decide, but I like Rhetoric and Media Studies because it’s very broad and is incredibly relevant to the changes in our society. All of the books I’ve read are very interesting and I have had some great professors in the major.

What’s your best Lewis & Clark memory so far?

Beginning my sophomore year. I felt so at home and much happier and confident compared to my first year. I was living with close friends, I knew my way around, and I was excited by all my classes.

How do you manage stress?

To manage stress I usually go for a walk, listen to music, and then go to Maggie’s to get a snack or beverage. This can either be a reward for working hard or push me to get started.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Keep an open mind. If you don’t like something, give it some time. I thought of transferring my very first semester, but I gave it more time and I’m so glad I stayed. It takes a while to adjust to a new community, and being open to new experiences and people helped me feel more at home here.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

I’ve become a much more calm and confident person. Before, I would always worry about what other people thought of me or about the little mistakes I made. Now I’m more confident in my decisions and, as long as I love and believe in myself, that’s more than enough.