Tessa Forth

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class I’ve taken has been Environmental Geology with Liz Safran. We covered so much in one semester, but the content was genuinely fascinating and each new unit built on the last to show how interconnected earth systems are. I was riveted by the readings and fully engaged in our lectures and workshops, which were really entertaining and interactive. Plus, we had several lab excursions in Tryon Creek (including wading in the river in giant boots!) and two field trips to Mt. St. Helens and around the Columbia River Gorge. After taking that class, I keep finding myself (borderline insufferably) analyzing rocks and landscape formations I come across, and I want to learn more about geology!

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I always knew I preferred a smaller, close-knit, and interdisciplinary liberal arts environment. Lewis & Clark fits that perfectly, and along with its location (close to Portland, but without being overwhelmed by the city) and frankly, the gorgeous campus, I made the right choice to come here.

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

I always sound like a broken record when I reflect on my L&C education, since that buzzword “interdisciplinary” really sums it all up for me. The environmental studies (ENVS) program in particular hosts a huge range of interests, so I’ve met people interested in the sciences and others passionate about the humanities side—it never ends up feeling like I’m stuck in an enclaved “perspective bubble” in this department. As someone who’s not 100% set on my future path, it’s so liberating to know that I don’t have to constrain my interests just yet. Also, the ENVS community is really passionate about making change across scales! That mutual motivation is so invigorating.

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

I’m juggling three options at the moment, so in brief, here’s what attracts me to them. Earth systems science: pursuing the physical sciences side of my environmental focus and getting more opportunities for field and lab work. Computer science: gaining really useful technical and career skills that I can complement with other aptitudes (like GIS). Hispanic studies: getting workable proficiency in a second language and engaging with people from other cultures and places.

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

There’s a great social environment on campus with a mix of laid-back and outgoing scenes. This year it’s been fun to have many of my closest friends in the same residence hall, which totally fulfills that quintessential college experience of knocking at people’s doors and hanging out on a whim. I’m also really involved with our TCK club on campus, which helps to build a community of belonging across a multicultural group. Even though our backgrounds are all different, we share common experiences that help us to just “get” each other.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I couldn’t be more excited to study abroad next year in Granada, Spain. I’m passionate about learning Spanish and have taken several immersive courses on campus, so this feels like the perfect segue into advancing my fluency by throwing myself into an environment full of native speakers. This program will help me learn about the culture and explore a new setting, which will enhance my global mindedness and fulfill my love for travel.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Don’t hesitate to get involved and attend events on campus! Especially in that first month or so of college, everyone’s eager to explore what’s offered and meet people. Also, professors’ office hours are less daunting than they seem. It’s always helpful and rewarding to make bonds with faculty, and at L&C I’ve had so many positive experiences with educators that genuinely care about my progress. That’s definitely a perk of going to a smaller school—I feel personally recognized in every class.

What’s the experience like as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)?

I’ve gone my whole life warning people in advance of my whole rambling spiel when they ask me where I’m from, which can get a little tiring but is also always the perfect built-in icebreaker. I love talking about my international upbringing and where I call home (which honestly changes every minute depending on how I’m feeling, who I’m talking to, whichever way the wind’s blowing, etc) but prior to coming to L&C, I rarely used the term “Third Culture Kid” to describe myself. I’ve found that just having that terminology to explain my identity has really helped me to come to terms with my unique background, as well as to bond with others under the TCK umbrella. We have a great close-knit community on campus, and as the Intern to the TCK Club this semester, I’ve loved putting on international-themed events and getting to know everyone more deeply.

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

It’s pretty well known that liberal arts schools aren’t the cheapest, but I knew that what L&C had to offer in terms of education and experience was right up my alley. Having financial aid was crucial to validating that decision and taking some of the stress off of my future and family, and also served as a motivator to keep up my academic performance.

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

I actually had one unplanned, ten-minute scurry around campus in the fall of my senior year as a pit-stop on the way to visit my sister at her university in Salem. This was way before I was immersed in that final college decision period–I knew I was applying, but hadn’t given too much thought to anything yet–but it ultimately stuck in the back of my mind as one of my first exposures to what a campus environment can look like. Honestly, Lewis & Clark’s look is pretty hard to beat (how many people get to walk past a perfectly framed view of a snowy volcano on their way to morning class?), and my brief time in this setting kept circulating in my mind to make the college experience feel real and exciting.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

On our sparing sunny spring days when the Portland gloom finally gives way, it feels like everyone and their mother emerges and sets up a picnic blanket outside. I think (at risk of drawing more attention to it!) the lawn behind Odell Hall is an underrated spot to avoid the crowds but still find great sun, shade, and greenery. Also—and this can be a bit of a hot take— I’m finding myself more and more of a Pio fan. The Pio is our free shuttle bus that goes from campus to several points throughout the city, keeping us connected to the greater Portland community. Though it isn’t exactly a campus spot, I’ve found I really enjoy just sitting on the bus (sometimes to go nowhere, just riding the route loop for an hour), listening to music as the views go by between bridges and buildings. It’s a great setting to clear your head, but beware: mid-Pio existential revelations are all too common (it’s a real phenomenon, I swear).

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?

This year I spearheaded orchestrating our 12th annual Third Culture Kid (TCK) Symposium under the theme “Concealed: The Hidden Identity of TCKs - Enduring a Clash of Personal and Societal Standards and Expectations.” There was tons of prep, brainstorming, scheduling, and back-and-forth leading up to the event. I sent a viscerally terrifying amount of emails in those few weeks, but it was ultimately easily the most rewarding experience I’ve had in my time here. We brought a professional guest speaker and a panel from our college community to discuss their experiences and advice for reconciling the complicated TCK identity, and I had the honor of facilitating the symposium as the emcee. This built recognition for our identity, expanded our outreach, and showed me how much hard work can pay off to make a real difference.

Environmental Studies