Morgaine McGrath

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I was drawn to L&C because of the professor-student relationships that can be built.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

I love how moldable the environmental studies major is. You are given the tools and support to focus your studies on whatever you find most interesting.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

I feel incredibly grateful for the many opportunities to be a part of many different campus communities. I have found that if you have the courage to ask for help you will find there are countless people who are more than happy to support you. In particular, the Office of Student Accessibility has provided me with so much support academically and more.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

I would recommend new students attend on-campus activities, especially toward the beginning of the semester. I know it can be hard going to events in a new place, especially if you are going alone. I met one of my closest friends here because I heard live music and went to see what was going on, even though I didn’t have anyone to go with.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

I am currently involved in the ENVX: Environment Across Boundaries Symposium as a cochair. Working on the symposium has given me the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to the real world. This opportunity has also shown me the applications of skills I have learned, such as research and professional correspondence.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

For both my freshman and sophomore year I lived in Platt-Howard. My second year I lived on the backside of Howard looking over the bridge. It was the best living experience I could imagine. I could hear people laughing and chatting on their way to classes and I had an incredibly beautiful view of the bridge.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the EAR Forest art installation. I had the honor of creating one of the first pieces that was played there. Now I am always in awe of the pieces and listening to as many of them as possible.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced at Lewis & Clark?

The biggest challenge I have faced is being far from my family. I have often contemplated whether or not the distance and time apart from my family is worth it, but I always come to the conclusion that the deep friendships I have made and the lasting connections with my professors are worth being so far from my family for a few years.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Lewis & Clark has given me the space to become secure in who I am while also pushing me to expand on my identity. There are so many opportunities to learn new things outside of classes. I have become very confident in reaching out to coaches, professors, or staff in order to grow as a person, which would have been way out of my comfort zone in high school.

Environmental Studies ENVX Symposium