May Rah

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My personal favorite class is Chinese 101 with Professor Dede. It is not close to my major at all but this is how a liberal arts school expands your interest that you did not know you had. This class started off strong with the professor walking in and immediately talking to us in Chinese and trying to teach us vocabulary while my classmate and I were left in confusion. But after a few minutes the whole class started to grasp the situation and were doing what the professor wanted us to do; like repeating after him and saying the words one person at a time. This whole experience created a space for all of us to comfortably learn and speak the language without the anxiety of others’ judgment and fostering a safe learning space. Now everyone is comfortable practicing Chinese out loud in class and out of class together. The professors here at Lewis & Clark are awesome!

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I was drawn to the small study body size and diverse academic learning opportunities. The small class size would allow it to feel like a more personalized learning environment where I could get help easily and comfortably make connections with my classmates and professor. I thought going to a liberal arts college would help me expand my social understanding and help me develop skills in different areas that I could later encounter in my future careers.

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

I find that being a biology major you really get a bit of everything from science to ethics. You are able to put your thoughts into action with experiments that differ from each biology class and even potentially be able to conduct your own research. In my Bio 101 class with Professor Norma we are going to be conducting an experiment involving cancer using Drosophila. There are many different areas in biology that are offered here at Lewis & Clark that will interest you.

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

As a first-generation student I joined the Great Expectations Mentorship (GEM) and first-generation programs to help me navigate college life. They allowed me to have a safe space to talk about my struggles as first-generation college students and taught me little insider tips on how to be a successful Lewis & Clark student. When I have a bad day or just want to get out of campus, I would take my friends to go to a nearby neighborhood like Sellwood using the free shuttle bus that goes all the way to downtown.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I would describe the liberal arts as a well-rounded education with a focus on your major(s)/minor(s) and opportunities for expanding interest and skills in various fields.

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’m planning to study overseas with a focus on biology because there are many options of places offered throughout my four years here plus I will be able to complete some credits for my majors requirements along with credits for my general education. I will be in a new environment that will help me gain hands-on experience with animals in their natural habitat and provide me with a new perspective on combating current environmental challenges.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Go on a New Student Trip! They have many different locations and activities to choose from with financial aid available. I went on one, even though I was on the more doubtful side of it, but it turned out to be the best week ever. The student leaders were incredible and they can give you real stories on Lewis & Clark plus you get to make friends before even starting class. The nerves that you feel about starting college will dim down and you will feel much more excited if you already weren’t to start class.

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

Lewis & Clark’s generous financial aid package was the main reason why I chose to come here. As a first-gen student without financial aid I wouldn’t have been able to attend a higher education institution and probably would have had to take a gap year to pay for college. My financial aid package covered everything from tuition to housing and thanks to that I can live on campus, feel closer to the community, and focus on my academics.

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

Attending the Gagged show during New Student Orientation was show-stopping and literally changed my life for the better! I cannot wait for their next show here on campus.

Biology