Jackie Chill

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

My favorite class so far has been Social Psychology with Assistant Professor Bill Cole. The way he teaches, by telling stories, is like no other instructor I’ve had. We learned so much about social behaviors and why people act in certain ways, and it really blew my mind. We constantly put information into different contexts, which provided many new and different perspectives.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

When I first visited Lewis & Clark I fell in love and knew immediately I wanted to come here. I was in awe of the gigantic trees and intense green hues on everything. I was initially drawn to the small class sizes and learning environments, but I also wanted to be close to a city and was interested in what Portland has to offer.

How has being in College Outdoors developed your leadership skills?

College Outdoors basically taught me most of my leadership skills. I learned how to be responsible for my trip planning, and they gave me the necessary tools and skills in order to be successful and run a safe trip. I feel comfortable in my ability to corral a large group of my peers and get them moving toward a bigger goal. I have also gained professional skills relating to timely and informative responses to participants and other people involved with our activities.

How did you choose your overseas program? What did your time in Ecuador add to your L&C experience?

I knew that when I went abroad I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and go somewhere where they didn’t speak English. I chose Ecuador because it gave me the opportunity to go to the Amazon, and I loved the idea of living with a host family. Since the Ecuador program is focused on biology, I was also able to earn a lab credit, which was an added bonus. 

The L&C overseas programs are wonderful. I gained a new perspective while learning a lot about a new culture and myself.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is definitely south campus on a sunny Saturday.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

My favorite part about living in Portland are all the different opportunities. The city makes it easy to find great shops and food anywhere, and it is also accessible to outdoor adventures that are incredibly close.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Lewis & Clark has taught me so much about myself, the world, and people around me. I’ve been shown a beautiful outdoor world that I am very passionate about, and I don’t think I would have some of the same goals if I didn’t come to L&C.