Shelby Castro

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class was Immigration and Asylum Law with Dr. Elliott Young. As someone interested in human rights, immigration, and law, this class was my first opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a field I aspire to pursue. Working with immigration lawyers and supporting their research to better assist immigrants seeking asylum was emotionally challenging but immensely rewarding. This course has been invaluable to my experience at L&C, as it expanded my understanding of U.S. immigration law, human rights, and the history of immigration in America.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

The tight-knit community at L&C was a major factor in my decision to attend. I wanted the opportunity to build deep relationships with peers and faculty, and the smaller classroom experience has allowed me to do just that. I’ve formed friendships I will cherish forever and created foundational memories. These relationships have also helped me grow academically and personally.

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

I find international affairs fascinating because it’s a constantly evolving field that seeks to explain the socio-political realities of the international system. It challenges me to think critically about the world while equipping me with analytical tools to engage in global change.

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

I couldn’t have found a better community than the one I discovered at Lewis & Clark. The friendships I’ve made here are lasting, and the memories I’ve created over the past four years have shaped who I want to be, the people I want to surround myself with, and the goals I aim to achieve.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

My advice for incoming students is to not let fear hold you back—challenge yourself to meet and interact with new people. The faculty at L&C are compassionate and eager to get to know their students. Other incoming students are just as nervous as you are, so take the leap and make new friends! Building relationships with peers and faculty will not only provide a strong support system but also enhance your academic career.

Tell us about the upcoming Middle East and North African Studies Symposium. What has your experience as a co-chair been like? How does this event complement your academic experience?

My experience as cochair of the Middle East and North African Studies Symposium has been incredibly positive, thanks to the support of the MENA faculty advisor, Oren Kosansky, my fellow cochair, Estelle Campana, and the rest of the MENA department. I’ve felt empowered to contribute my ideas to the symposium, especially with this year’s theme: Migration and Motion. My academic interests center on migration and the MENA region, so combining them into a symposium has been exciting and fulfilling. Amplifying these important topics and complementing the academic foundation I’ve built at L&C has been rewarding. This role has also allowed me to expand my network with faculty on campus and members of the Portland community engaged in fields I aspire to work in.

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 studied abroad in Morocco during spring 2023, and it was an enlightening experience that will influence my academic, professional, and personal life forever. I chose the Morocco regional study because my academic interests include human rights, international law, immigration, and sustainable development—all of which were central to the program. Living in Morocco gave me real-world experience and a global perspective on human rights and sustainable development, as well as insights into the impacts of immigration. These experiences could not have been replicated in other programs, and I am grateful to L&C for this opportunity.

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

The financial aid package was a significant factor in my decision to attend Lewis & Clark. I had always dreamed of living in Portland, Oregon, and had heard many positive things about L&C, but I was concerned about tuition costs. Without the financial aid package, I would not have been able to access the amazing resources L&C offers or fulfill my dream of becoming a first-generation college student living in Portland.

International Affairs