Jesus Romero

What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?

• Home—this isn’t my “second” home, it’s more like my OTHER home. Plus, the campus is beautiful!
• Empowering—L&C is full of unique opportunities and a close-knit community.
• Engaging—This describes the genuine care, quality, and passion of the professors.

What is your internship this summer, and what are your basic duties?

This summer, I was a college intern in the Office of Development at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Based in the historic NAS building, I managed donor databases, updated records, and conducted prospect research on potential donors. I actively participated in and volunteered at events aimed at raising awareness about critical issues like climate change and scientific advancements.

What’s the best part of your internship?

It’s so hard to pick the BEST part!! My entire experience was amazing, but for the sake of trying to keep it short, a significant moment during my internship was attending and volunteering at the Climate Crossroads Summit, where I learned about the strong connection between climate change and health care, particularly how the Hispanic community is notably impacted. Additionally, speaking with Dr. Victor Dzau, president of the Academy of Medicine and an expert in cardiology, was especially inspiring. As someone aspiring to be a cardiologist and sharing the experience of being a minority, I found his wisdom and accomplishments deeply motivating. Witnessing Marcia McNutt, president of the Academy of Sciences, deliver her “State of the Science” address was another pivotal experience. Her powerful message left me feeling energized and confident that my efforts in STEM can make a difference.

These interactions and insights revealed the profound challenges and opportunities within the field and demonstrated how the community of experts at the Academies works together to address them. This created a sense of hope and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in STEM.

How did Lewis & Clark support you in the process of finding and securing your internship?

Lewis & Clark played a crucial role in helping me secure my summer internship. During a conversation with Vice President for Student Life Evette Castillo Clark, I mentioned that I was uncertain about my summer plans. She encouraged me to explore internship opportunities through Handshake, a resource provided through the Career Center. Following her advice, I applied to this internship, and soon received an invitation for an interview.

Additionally, the support from my professors and mentors at Lewis & Clark was invaluable. My chemistry professor, Catlin Schalk, made general chemistry incredibly engaging, and she showed genuine care for her students beyond the classroom. I particularly enjoyed her office hours, which were some of the most impactful moments for me, fostering my passion for chemistry. Professor of Art History Dawn Odell, my Posse mentor who has been by my side since before day one of college and whom I call my “college mom,” and Vice President Castillo Clark also wrote heartfelt letters of recommendation for me. The strong, personal relationships I’ve built at L&C ensured that these recommendations were not only genuine but also deeply reflective of my character and potential.

I am incredibly grateful for the connections and support from Lewis & Clark, which helped me access such a prestigious opportunity. This experience provided me with unforgettable and impactful learning moments that have enriched my academic journey and deepened my passion for my field.

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

This internship with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has been a profoundly empowering experience for me. Although the Academies are renowned as a prestigious hub for scientific excellence, I am simply grateful for the opportunity to have been introduced to this esteemed community. Working alongside the talented development team, I gained invaluable insights into fundraising and built meaningful connections that will benefit my future career.

The experience demonstrated firsthand that with determination and motivation, it is possible to make significant strides in the field early on, even after just one year of college. The Academies’ reputation as a place where the greatest minds come together truly resonated with me, and this experience has been both inspiring and affirming. I look forward to reconnecting with the Academies in the future, as their work is unparalleled, and I am eager to contribute to their mission.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience?

One piece of advice I’d like to share is to never turn down an opportunity, even if it doesn’t initially align with your expectations. When I first applied for the internship at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, I was eager to gain research experience and was thrilled by the prospect of working in a lab. It wasn’t until later in the interview that I learned the position was with the Office of Development, which wasn’t what I had envisioned.

Despite this, I chose to embrace the opportunity rather than dismiss it because it didn’t match my initial expectations. This decision turned out to be immensely valuable. The experience provided me with unique insights and allowed me to explore my interests from a different perspective, enriching my understanding in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Being open to new experiences, even those that seem unfamiliar can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from embracing what initially seems outside of your comfort zone.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Lewis & Clark College is the place for you if you value rich education and close relationships with a side of beautiful scenery! No matter where you come from or what you look like, this is your school. I luv it here!