Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement

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 2023. 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: 2nd Year
Major: Computer Science & Mathematics, Japanese Minor
Hometown: Jombang, Indonesia

Involved With On/Off Campus: I like to play volleyball and go out skateboarding. I am interested in anything food related (finding new restaurants or learning new recipes). I like to listen to a variety of music genre, but mostly Kpop, Rap, & Hip-Hop. I am super interested in Fashion (especially sneakers). In my downtime, I like to watch anime and play computer games (like League of Legends). Languages are things that I’ve picked up from living in different countries, and I am currently learning Japanese. I like travelling and going to places that tourists tend to not go to. I love watching movies and analysing the various meanings behind the cinematic decisions, plot line, and investing myself in the world building of the story.

Advice for Incoming Students: It will take time to find your comfortable group of friends; some people find it quicker than other. Just stay true to yourself and be patient. Eventually, the people who appreciate you for who you are will gravitate towards you :)

 

 

    Eduardo Beltran*

Pronouns: He/Him
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Sociology/Anthropology, minor in Ethnic Studies
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Involved With On/Off Campus: Advocacy, Music (Rap, R&B, Indie), Eating new foods

Advice for Incoming Students: 1. You’re here because you put in the time, work, and effort and don’t forget that! 2. Meeting new people in a new environment can seem scary, but just remember that everyone was once in your shoes! 3. Don’t be too self-critical. College comes with new experiences, people, and challenges. It can take some time to acclimate, and that’s perfectly fine. 4. Imposter syndrome is a real experience, especially for POC, that can take a toll on you. Be sure to take time to remind yourself that you deserve self-care and are more than worth it!

 

  

    Huitzil Sol Bennett Perez

Pronouns: She/Her
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Rhetoric & Media Studies, Latin American Studies, and Dance
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Involved With On/Off Campus: Dance, Flamenco, Theater, All performing arts, writings, Indigenous Politics/Movements, Thrift Shopping

Advice for Incoming Students: Take advantage of all the resources that L&C provides! Going to a small liberal arts school has its perks and let them take care of you! While creating a community at L&C is important, I have recently discovered the benefits of creating a community and planting roots in Portland. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it (IME and GE mentors are here for that)! Don’t forget about your laundry (someone will take it out), take advantage of free food (IME events!), and stick to your roots and traditions. It’ll all work out.

 

 

    Alexa Cid Carrera*

Pronouns: She/ Her
Year: 3rd Year
Major: International Affairs
Hometown: Oregon City, Oregon

Involved With On/Off Campus: Travel, crafting, baking, indoor cycling, spending time with my dog, exploring Oregon’s trails and hot springs, working as a Spanish interpreter, visiting Portland’s street festivals/markets & finding new places to eat around Portland

Advice for Incoming Students: -Make sure to get out and explore the PNW! -Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class and make sure to go to your professor’s office hours even if it’s just to say hi

 

 

    Monai Chanon

Pronouns: He/Him
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Environmental Studies
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand & Santa Clarita, CA

Involved With On/Off Campus: I love riding things with wheels so a lot of my free time is spent on a skateboard or a bike with my friends. If it is raining, I am inside (with an iced dirty chai latte) doing one of three things —zoning out to a podcast, up-cycling my own clothes, or ordering another chai latte for my assignment due at 11:59. Additionally, I listen to a spectrum of different music but I often find myself listening to lots of rap/R&B.

Advice for Incoming Students: Transitioning into college is super intimidating. Try your best to relax and not be too afraid. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to make new friends. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be yourself! Keep being your amazing self and you’ll meet awesome people, discover exciting opportunities, and learn so much about yourself. I know it’s a lot easier said than done, but you got this!

 

 

    Sanaa Green*

Pronouns: She/Her
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Rhetoric & Media Studies
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Involved With On/Off Campus: I love quality time with my friends and family, no matter what activity we’re doing I just love their presence. I also love listening to music, dancing and singing so often I play music to dance and sing along. I like meeting new people and trying new things as well. When with friends and family I often like making jokes and making other people laugh.

Advice for Incoming Students: Some advice and tips I have for incoming students is to always stay positive and remember the reason why you were expected into Lewis and Clark. A lot of people here at Lewis and Clark are different and come from different backgrounds however we all got excepted into this space for a reason. Staying positive is the biggest advice because people often feel discouraged and put down by others, however, staying strong is the key to success. I also suggest not to procrastinate on things that need to be done because, in the end, it will all be stressful trust me. Save yourself from stress by getting things done as soon as possible.

 

 

    Katarina Guillot

Pronouns: She/Her
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Psychology & Hispanic Studies
Hometown: Sacramento, CA & Guatemala

Involved With On/Off Campus: I love to dance all kinds of dance especially bachata and salsa! I enjoy playing soccer and doing cheerleading. I like eating tacos and watching rom-coms. I like going thrift shopping and having good days with my best friends. I play the violin and am learning the guitar. Lastly, I like to bake (deserts only) while listening to Reggaeton.

Advice for Incoming Students: Advance #1: Take advantage of the college guidance center. They will help you make a plan ahead of time on how you are going to try out your possible majors while getting your General Ed credits done. Advice #2: Don’t freak out if you don’t make friends right off the bat. Most of my best friendships were made my second semester and looking back I could have found these relationships if I didn’t try so hard to fit in versus just finding friendships naturally. Advice #3 Try out a few clubs your first weeks here. You don’t have to commit to anything and it is a great way to see what you like/don’t like and it is a great way to meet new ppl who share common interests like you.

 

 

   Juan (Martin) Lopez Melendez*

Pronouns: He/ Him
Year: 2nd Year
Major: World Languages, Dance Minor
Hometown: Mexico, California, & New Mexico

Involved With On/Off Campus: Dance. Socials. Coffee shops hang out. Outside activities.

Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t stress out too much, you’ll be fine. Make as much friends as you can. Enjoy orientation. Don’t let the Tusa kill you.

 

 

 

 

 

    Diana Pacheco*

Pronouns: She/ Her
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Sociology & Anthropology
Hometown: Oakland, CA 

Involved With On/Off Campus: I like doing outdoor activities and going on adventures. I like listening to podcasts about science and crime theory! I also like baking with friends when I have time. I like learning new languages. I occasionally like to play sports like soccer and volleyball. I love watching movies and shows in the horror genre and in comedy!

Advice for Incoming Students: Try everything! You never know what you might end up liking

 

 

    Htoo Ray Wah*

Pronouns: She/ Her
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Portland, OR

Involved With On/Off Campus: I love volunteering and connecting with people. I love hiking and chasing waterfalls, and FLOWER. I like photography and watching Thai or Korean drama.

Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t be afraid to join clubs and explore Oregon with the college outdoor.

 

 

 

    Jenn Sosa Ramirez*

Pronouns: She/ Her
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Hispanic Studies & Mathematics
Hometown: Richmond, California, & Mexico

Involved With On/Off Campus: GLU, NSU, interested in starting a folkloric dance group, I love getting involved with the international fair, etc.

Advice for Incoming Students: Your identity is fluid. Don’t hold yourself accountable to what people want you to be; identity is meant to change and grow so don’t be afraid to let go of ideas that people have about you that you feel aren’t true.

 

 

    Natalie Zoz

Pronouns: She/Her
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Computer Science, Chinese Minor 
Hometown: Lincoln, NE 

Involved With On/Off Campus: I enjoy photography, video games, skateboarding, tennis, running, all kinds of music, and eating food. I’m part of the Skate Collective, Adoptee Club, ASU, Chinese Club, and Pio Log at LC. I’m a big fan of movies and trying new things. I also really enjoy driving but tragically do not have a car on campus.

Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and introduce yourself to new people. Your professors are your friends. :) Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.