Diego Varela
Classics gives me the tools to better understand both history and historiography.
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Degree and Class Year
Hometown
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Extracurriculars
Overseas study
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What’s your favorite class? Why?
Greek and Roman Epic, taught by Gordon Kelly. Gordon Kelly is an excellent professor, and in this class he is able to show the intricacies and nuances of the Epics which have greatly influenced Western culture. From providing invaluable historical context, cultural allusions, and translation insight, he is able to give an insight that I would have never before had on these fascinating texts.
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
Financial aid offered, the possibility of a Classics major, and the high ratio of professors per student.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
The thing I love the most about Classics is gaining a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context behind the texts and events which have shaped Western culture. This not only allows for a greater appreciation of the texts and history at hand, but also it provides a fascinating window through which to look at our own modern culture. Reading the texts in their Latin or Greek original text – comparing it with our modern interpretation and translation – gives insight into the society and individual who is doing the translation., Which values and narratives do we choose to focus on, through which lens do we prioritize the viewing of our past? Classics gives me the tools to better understand both history and historiography.
Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.
I have lots of support systems on campus. I am part of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME), which often throws events and provides spaces and communities through which to relax during the stressful times at college. I have friends with whom I play board games (provided by the library and the dorms), play pool (in the dorm lounges), and watch movies. If I need alone time, the campus has great places to go for runs, and if it’s raining, a gym with treadmills.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Explore and make use of the resources and opportunities available! If there is a program that you are interested in, apply to participate in it! If there is a study abroad opportunity that catches your interest, apply! Even if it seems far-fetched, it’s always good to put your name out there, after all, in the worst case scenario they say no, which is totally fine! If they say yes, you now have a great chance to experience something you are interested in! And if you change your mind, you can always say no. Don’t go out of your comfort zone, but rather seek to expand it. If you have a plan, go through it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help – there are many professors and counselors who will be happy to help you.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why?
My Classics professor and advisor, Gordon Kelly. As I said before, he is an amazing professor, with great patience and a love for teaching. His unyielding support – from the time I was just another prospective student in summer 2021, to his guidance through my thesis – has been pivotal in my Lewis & Clark experience. He has helped me weave the challenges at Lewis & Clark, and even shown me the opportunities beyond it.
Have you had the opportunity to do research with a professor? If so, please describe the project and the experience.
Yes, I am currently doing a Research Assistantship with Professor Gallman of the history department. I didn’t think I would get it, but I was encouraged to apply and things turned out well (once again, if you are interested in something it’s always worth it to apply for it!).
In it, I transcribe and translate Spanish legal documents from the early 1800s. In addition, I also discuss with Professor Gallman her interpretations and the research pursued through those documents. It has given me a glimpse of what constitutes academia beyond classes, and also an opportunity to discuss my interpretations with a scholar. More importantly for me though, it showed me how the skills I learnt through my major (Classics) now allow me to weave my way through a topic I am not familiar with, and learn from it. It was a great example of how even though my major may be niche, the skills it has taught me translate into a myriad of circumstances.
