Whitney Schilling

What’s your favorite class? Why?

I really enjoyed my words class “Critiquing Critical Race Theory” with J.M. Fritzman. It was a great opportunity to learn about the issues affecting many Americans, gain collegiate academic skills, think critically, and have fruitful discussions with an awesome professor and peers I wouldn’t usually get to learn with.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I grew up outside of Portland and knew I wanted to move into the city for years. Out of all the schools I toured, I felt like I belonged the most at L&C. I loved how beautiful and natural the campus was while still so close to downtown Portland.

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

One of my favorite aspects of political science is comparative politics. I’m fascinated about how other countries operate politically, how authoritarianism grows and maintains, and what’s going on around the world. I was very proud of my final essay in Intro to Comparative Politics where I examined the effects of oil revenue on democracy in Azerbaijan and Georgia. I went over the essay requirements because I was so curious!

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

When I started rhetoric and media studies, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to get, but I really enjoy it! It’s so interesting how words and facts can shape different ideas and change the viewpoints of others. It’s definitely a subject that changes how you navigate the world after learning about how rhetoric can manipulate.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus.

Joining the Great Expectations and First Generation mentorship programs by Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement helped me quickly meet with students and alumni that have similar experiences to me. Their hard work to make sure that under-served students feel appreciated, connected, and prepared has been major to my L&C experience (and the experiences of others!).

What advice do you have for incoming students?

The intangible aspects of a school are just as important as the statistics, the programs, and how it compares to other colleges. Even as I was “considering” other options, I knew in my heart that L&C is where I wanted to go. And I was right!

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

My financial aid package made me know that Lewis & Clark valued me as an academic, as a musician, and as a person. No other school I applied to was nearly as generous as L&C.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I didn’t know much about L&C before I started college-shopping. At the beginning, I only toured for fun. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the campus (both physically and culturally) the way I did. I was able to come to campus two other times before committing because I live so close.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

When studying many different subjects at the same time, they inevitably begin to intertwine as you expand your learning. You will realize how politics affect biology, how the arts influence culture, and how math is used in the social sciences. That will happen no matter where or how you learn. However, the liberal arts embraces the interweaving and encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and take classes you wouldn’t normally to make you a more well rounded student.

What do you remember most about your New Student Orientation?

One afternoon of my New Student Orientation was filled with group volunteer work. My group did garden work for a local organization, and that really helped everyone bond. It also showed me early on that L&C is a school that cares about helping others and engaging with the community, and that they are willing to take real steps to accomplish that.

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?

I live in Copeland, which is definitely over-hated. I love living in a large residence hall that’s always alive with a ton of interesting people, events, and stories. I’ve gotten to meet so many people that I wouldn’t have normally gotten to know through living in Copeland.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why?

I was fortunate enough to have Leah Gilbert for Intro to Comparative Politics. I found someone that was curious about the same things that I am! I asked her to become my political science advisor toward the end of the semester and I’m very proud to have someone so kind, passionate, and accomplished as my mentor.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

I love the Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) suite in Fowler Student Center. It’s such a great place to study or hang out with comfy seating, snacks, and fun events. They’ve been incredibly welcoming to me as a first generation student even before I stepped foot on campus. I love you, IME!

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

There’s always so much to do! I went to the free annual Cascade Festival of African Films almost every weekend while it was running. I love going into the city to show my friends my favorite shops and restaurants. Portland is such a vibrant place to live and explore.

How did you decide on your major?

My family visited Washington D.C. before the 2016 presidential election when I was 10 years old and I fell in love with politics and the capital city. I knew from there on that I wanted to study and work in political science. I want to make a positive change in the world, and politics is a great way to do that.

How did you decide on your minor?

So much power is expressed through words and media. It’s absolutely vital to functional democracy. I knew it would pair nicely with my political science major.

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

Living on your own for the first time is tricky no matter where you are. It took me a few months to adjust to living in a new place with new people, but I knew I’d rather experience that at L&C than anywhere else. I’m happy that I trusted the process, because your new life feels more normal over time!

What’s one of your best Lewis & Clark memories so far?

When my wonderful friends surprised me with a birthday cake they baked in the dorm kitchens. They mean a lot to me and it was such a great gesture!

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

“Adulting” for the first time has made me a more responsible person. New social and academic situations quickly teach you how to resolve conflicts and manage your time and money efficiently.

How are you involved in the arts at L&C?

There are so many creative, talented students at L&C- I get jealous sometimes! For my music scholarship I take private piano lessons and work with other musical students. Before then I primarily played solo, so I’ve gotten to explore so many new artistic opportunities, fight my stage fright, meet other musicians, and challenge myself artistically.

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 volunteered as a host for the annual International Affairs Symposium in 2024 and enjoyed dipping my toes in symposia work. I got to meet political thinkers and consider their ideas on issues I had never thought about before, forming professional connections and opening my eyes to potential career paths after I graduate. This brief, low-commitment role introduced the possibility of taking on bigger tasks for our wonderful symposia in the future.

Political Science Rhetoric and Media Studies