Leah Marquez

What’s your favorite class? Why?

Visual Anthropology with Kabir Mansingh Heimsath was my favorite class because of the ability to incorporate art and anthropology together in a course. My final project was an art exhibition that wove together the ideas of community and insecurity.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I chose L&C because of how beautiful the campus is. I was here for an admitted student event, and I could see how friendly and welcoming the students were to each other, but even to us as prospective students. These interactions on campus really helped me envision myself here in college.

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

My favorite thing about my sociology and anthropology (SOAN) major is the passion that all the professors have for their subjects. Every day in class, they really bring the energy and strive to have active discussions.

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

I love that I am able to take classes in ALL majors and minors here. I love the art department because they have helped me view art from many different perspectives.

If you studied abroad during your time at L&C, where did you go? How did it impact your undergraduate experience?

I have not yet been abroad, but within the next year, I am planning on going abroad on two different trips. I chose the summer Korea/Japan trip because of the professors who are leading it: Dawn Odell and Jessica Starling. Although I have never taken a class with either of them, our interactions on campus have been amazing, and they always say hi to me in the halls, going out of their way to talk to me about life. They really strive to help you as a student and care about more than just your success in their classes. 

What advice do you have for incoming students? 

My biggest piece of advice is to try not to put pressure on yourself to fit in immediately. I honestly did not find my footing or friend group until sophomore year, and even now, as a junior, I am continuing to make new friends and meet new people. It is really never too late to make friends on campus. Be as bold as you were as a 3-year-old and just strike up a conversation with anyone in your class!

What’s one of the best spots on campus? One of my favorite spots on campus is the Frank Manor House.

One of my favorite spots on campus is the Frank Manor House. It is part of the original estate, and you can really tell as it adds a beautiful, fairytale-like feel to the campus. Inside, especially during the colder winter months, they usually have a fire going that is so inviting to a cold and rained-on student.

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

My aid packet for sure did impact my decision to come here. L&C’s generosity really made me feel like they wanted me as a student here.

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

I came to L&C knowing only one person from my high school, so being able to go on a New Student Trip really helped me find community here on campus. I met one of my best friends, to this day, on the trip while also getting to have a fun and guided introduction to the outdoors.

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 lived in Howard Hall in both my first and second years. I loved it because not only did we have a spice cabinet, but, as a first-year student, I got to live in the basement so there were only like 15 students on the floor AND l did not have to walk downstairs to do my laundry.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

As a junior, I have been living off campus and am only ~10 minutes away, driving. I love living in the neighborhood and being perfectly nestled between campus and the city. The old-fashioned houses have such unique charm, and I am only a walk away from the waterfront. Rain or shine, it is a gorgeous stroll on the waterfront. Portland can really be the perfect in-between of city and nature.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced at Lewis & Clark?/How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

College is such a scary shift, whether you are moving 10 minutes or 10 hours away from home. The biggest challenge was that I was really forced to grow up. Whether that looked like learning how to do laundry, cooking for myself, or finding the right resources, L&C has really pushed me to learn how to advocate for myself and reach out to the people I need.

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

One of my most favorite memories here on campus was during the first couple of weeks of first year. One of my new friends and I found a Lime scooter on campus and decided to take it to Sellwood—a neighborhood across the river. We got ice cream at 7/11 and rode around just hanging out. Finally, we brought it back to campus, and the reflecting pool was drained since they were cleaning it, so we lay in the empty pool and gazed at the stars. We got to talk about life and our fears about college, and growing up.

Art French Studies Sociology and Anthropology