Rosa Caldera

What’s your favorite class? Why?

One of my favorite classes has been Data, Privacy, and Ethics with Joel Martinez. I took this class my first semester of freshman year on a whim because it sounded interesting and it turned out to be my favorite class of the term! We explored a lot of current events relating to AI and machine learning and the ethical implications of their uses in policing, government, etc. Joel’s attempts to make this class more engaging as an 8am were also super entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Ultimately, this class was what introduced me to philosophy at L&C and convinced me to pursue a minor in philosophy.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I liked that it was close to home and displayed the beautiful nature of Portland that I love. I also liked the academic offerings and the ability to explore different programs and classes that interested me. The small class sizes were also really nice since I value the ability to connect with my professors on a personal level that isn’t necessarily guaranteed with larger class sizes.

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

I’m fascinated by the social side of psychology and what influences human behavior and mental conditions. I like being able to take classes, such as Abnormal Psychology, that explore that aspect of psychology and how society and other people can have such a great impact on our mental state and overall behavior. Since I’m interested in Pre-Law, I also like to explore the intersection between psychology and the legal field and what a psychological understanding of people and what influences their behavior and motivations can provide to the legal field.

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

When it comes to philosophy, I like the idea of breaking down and questioning ideas we take at face value and understand to be fundamentally true. Deconstructing and confronting ideas, such as race and gender and their oppressive results is something I find incredibly interesting and valuable. I like being able to explore these practices through my minor and the classes that allow me to explore and learn more about these ideas.

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

I found a lot of support during my first semester with the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) and the director Joann Zhang. She was incredibly welcoming and understanding of my hesitance to participate in programming because of my homesickness and would go out of her way to greet me and ask how I was doing every time she saw me (she still does to this day!). IME’s Great Expectations Mentorship (GEM) program also helped establish a support system for myself during my first year. My amazing mentor, Azucena, would go out of her way to check on me and make sure I was doing well, which was super appreciated! All of these experiences and people in my first year helped me feel more welcome and comfortable at a time when I was struggling with my sense of belonging at a predominantly white institution (PWI).

This year, I became more involved with the Latino student union on campus, Gente Latina Unida, in a leadership role and have found it incredibly rewarding and fulfilling! I love being able to connect with fellow Latino/a/e students while uplifting and creating space for our culture to be appreciated on campus.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Focus on establishing a routine for yourself that balances work/academics, personal life, and time to rest. I felt that the most overwhelming aspect of the college transition was figuring out a balance between everything that worked for me. But once I got into the habit of sorting things out and giving each activity its own time, I felt more relaxed and in control.

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

My financial aid package greatly influenced my decision to attend to Lewis & Clark! I had multiple similar offers from other schools and being awarded the Neely Scholarship before committing was what ultimately solidified my decision to attend. For me and my family, the generous aid package was what made the possibility of attending college a reality that I could pursue to the fullest.

Psychology Philosophy