GE Mentors are sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Lewis & Clark College who are here to assist and serve the incoming students in the Class of 2025. With particular focus on first generation and students of color, GE mentors are a resource for first year students who can authentically speak from their own perspectives as students on campus.
Mentors are paired with incoming students based on academic and social interests, and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for students. Mentors will attend the Great Expectations Retreat with mentees, and then continue building relationships through the entire academic year.
The * next to a mentor’s name means they are proudly the first in their family to attend college.
Altaf Barelvi
Pronouns: He/Him Year: 3rd Year Major: Computer Science & Mathematics Minor: Japanese & Data Science Hometown: Jombang, Indonesia
Social Interests: Super interested in fashion (big sneakerhead), volleyball, making music (currently learning the guitar), and video games (Valorant anyone?). On campus I’m involved in the Asian Student Union & Muslim Student Union. I also love cooking and learning new dishes from all different parts of the world!
Advice for Incoming Students: The first steps of college is an unpredictable wave. If you have a bad day, know that a good one is just around the corner! Go try new things, join new clubs, and say hi to your neighbors!
Sheyla Dorantes*
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Year: 4th Year Major: English Minor: Ethnic Studies Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Social Interests: I love music! I’m constantly listening to music of all kinds and in all languages (I’m always open to new recs). I am also on the poetry track in the English major so I love writing and reading poetry, especially by LGBTQ or BIPOC poets. I really like watching anime and murder mysteries. My guilty pleasure, however, is Project Runway.
Advice for Incoming Students: There’s a quote that says “Do the scary thing first, get scared later,” so go ahead and dive right in! Try new things and take chances to find out what you like and who you are. Enjoy the moment you’re in and make the most of the opportunities that will come to you. Be kind to yourself and take it easy.
Sanaa Green*
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 3rd Year Major: Psychology Minor: Rhetoric & Media Studies & Theatre Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Social Interests: I love doing pretty much anything as long as I’m around family and friends. I enjoy quality time. Hanging out with family and friends is something I also enjoy on a typical day. In my free time, I often like watching YouTube, relaxing, listening to music, and doing anything that involves beauty. Hair, makeup, and nails are my passion.
Advice for Incoming Students: Stay on top of things, get connected to resources, get involved on campus, make friends that are healthy for you, it’s okay to relax sometimes, it’s okay to take mental breaks, mental health is very important.
Natalie Kirunda*
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 2nd Year Major: Sociology & Anthropology Hometown: Kenya, California, Arizona, & Brasil
Social Interests: I have many interests including: bachata dance club, BSU, race monologues on campus. Outside school affiliation I enjoy taking naps, and exploring downtown Portland and its cuisines.
Advice for Incoming Students: Be unapologetic about putting yourself first, take naps and breaks, it’s okay to ask for extensions and help, and definitely have fun!
Azucena Morales Santos*
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 2nd Year Major: Hispanic Studies, Sociology, & Cultural Anthropology Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon
Social Interests: Hello! I enjoy watching K-dramas and anime. I love reading too but lately I’ve been reading fictional novels with themes of romance, identity, and in general characters who are POC. In my Spotify playlist there are Korean, Spanish, English, and some Japanese songs! In my free time I enjoy working on Jigsaw puzzles and going on walks. Super random but I am also vegetarian.
Advice for Incoming Students: Do not be afraid to get out there! It is intimidating, however, you will learn so much about yourself when you do. It may be intimidating to talk to your professors, however, I challenge you to do so. They are here to support you. Always remind yourself that what you are doing is revolutionary. Being a first-generation college student attending a 4 year private institution is intimidating, and here you are doing it!
Social Interests: I am passionate about Bolivian folk dancing and I like reading novels, drawing—especially watercolor, hanging out with friends, blasting music and singing, running, going on walks, watching Tik Tok, exploring new places, and cooking!
Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t let any of your social identities constrain you on a personal level! You don’t have to fit into a box—try new things, people, and places! Also, imposter’s syndrome is so real but know that you are not alone, people are struggling (sometimes in different ways) even if it does not show! Be proud of yourself on any and all levels—not just academic!
Leanne Robinson
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 3rd Year Major: Sociology & Anthropology Minor: English & Gender Studies Hometown: Redwood City, California
Social Interests: Talk to me about healing, advocacy, R&B, volleyball, dancing, drag, makeup, movies, cooking and comedy :).
Advice for Incoming Students: You’re right on time, procrastinating, laughing with friends, crying a lil, stress, it’s all part of the process. Try and remember that the process and the intention you put behind your work is what matters, you can’t always control the outcome but you can honor the work you’ve put in. Have fun with it! Playful energy has saved me from some hard situations and it makes it a lot easier to move forward when you don’t take everything seriously. Write down all the things you’re grateful for and read that list when you feel weary and discouraged, remind yourself that the burnout won’t last forever, and celebrate every little success :).
Jordyn Vierra
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 3rd Year Major: Biology Minor: Music Hometown: Wailuku, Hawai’i
Social Interests: I am definitely a foodie and love to try new foods! I have a passion for music and enjoy spending time in the music room playing piano, guitar, singing, or writing songs. I also play softball (when I am not studying abroad) and I love the company of good friends!
Advice for Incoming Students: Growth comes when times are hard and there are barriers to break through.
Gillian Watts*
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 2nd Year Major: English Hometown: Kailua, Hawai’i
Social Interests: Hiking, watching movies, knitting/crocheting, going to the beach/swimming, shopping, eating all kinds of Asian foods, and listen to music.
Advice for Incoming Students: Manage your free time wisely prioritize your mental health ask for help from friends, teachers, etc…for school related and non school related topics go to office hours for help and to connect with your professors participate in class.
Natalie Zoz
Pronouns: She/Her Year: 3rd Year Major: Computer Science Minor: Chinese Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Social Interests: On campus I’m involved in Adoptee Club, Asian Student Union, Chinese Club and IME. I enjoy video games, skateboarding, photography and trying new foods. I also enjoy watching movies and listening to all types of music. During quarantine I also started teaching myself how to play the guitar, so hopefully I’ll be able to start a band soon.
Advice for Incoming Students: I think my best advice for incoming students would be to not be afraid of new experiences or meeting new people. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. I think it’s important to know that everyone has doubts and uncertainties, and that there is support for you if you need it.
Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement is located in room 324 of Templeton Campus Center on the Undergraduate Campus.
