Jonas Bray
Classes that are outside of your comfort zone will only deepen your understanding of how the world works. College is an opportunity to learn, so why not take advantage of it?
Pronouns
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Major
Minor
Extracurriculars
Overseas study
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What made you want to major in Asian studies? How has this decision impacted your education at L&C?
I decided to major in Asian studies because I’ve spent much of my life immersed in Asian culture. My family lived abroad in China when I was in elementary school; as a result I’ve traveled through much of Southeast Asia. Spending my early childhood in a culture completely different from my own helped me develop a curiosity for the rest of the world. An Asian studies degree allows me to feed that curiosity.
Do you have any advice for future Asian studies students?
Take classes that you don’t know anything about. Classes that are outside of your comfort zone will only deepen your understanding of how the world works. College is an opportunity to learn, so why not take advantage of it?
If you studied abroad during your time at L&C, where did you go? Did this place affect your undergraduate experience?
Study abroad. It will change your life—it certainly changed mine. I studied abroad in Taiwan the spring semester of my sophomore year, and South Korea in the fall of my senior year. Both semesters were transformative. Some of the strongest relationships in my life came from my semester in Taiwan, while South Korea helped me develop my independence.
Name a resource on campus that has been indispensable to your success!
Your major/minor advisors and professors are invaluable. Their knowledge, empathy, and flexibility have helped me navigate two semesters abroad, general education requirements, and so much more. Anytime you need a second opinion, they’re just an email away.
What is one of your favorite classes?
There are three classes that stand out to me when I think about my time at Lewis & Clark. Contemporary Asian Studies with Kabir Heimsath, Chinese Art with Dawn Odell, and Ethnography of Modern Korea with Jeongsu Shin. All three of these classes shaped my understanding of their respective cultures, and were taught by wonderful professors.
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I came to Lewis & Clark because I’d heard great things about the study abroad programs and the Pacific Northwest.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
It’s kind of a niche major, which means I get to meet people who have really interesting concentrations. I also appreciate how closely I get to work with my advisors and Asian studies peers.
