Tova Benson

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class so far has been Paradoxes of Reading with Professor Michael Mirabile. I really enjoyed the class because of the structure. Throughout the semester, we read a wide range of texts and then had discussions on said texts. I enjoyed hearing the professor’s and my peers’ thoughts and enjoyed getting to share my own.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

What made me want to come to L&C was the small classroom sizes, location in Portland, and inclusive community. The small class sizes have enabled me to make friends in class and get to know my professors. I also love being close enough to Portland to enjoy the benefits of a city while being far enough for campus to be quiet and peaceful.

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

Something about my biology major that I enjoy is the methodical nature of scientific investigation. I enjoy the thorough process of creating a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing the data, and coming to conclusions, or doing the whole process again. I also enjoy that I get to study plants and ecosystems, all things that interest me.

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

What I enjoy most about my data science minor is problem-solving. Data science involves taking a data set, looking for patterns, and then showing those patterns. The entire process is like a multi-level puzzle.

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

On campus, my social outlets are friends I made during orientation week and the New Student Trips (NST), my roommate, and the Ultimate Frisbee club, which is a fun way to get in some exercise. With friends, I go out to eat, watch movies, and do crafts.

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?

In Spring ’26, I am going abroad to New Zealand to study biology. I chose this program because it aligns with my major, and I’ve wanted to go to New Zealand for a long time. I’m excited to learn about conservation efforts in a different country and to explore the varied landscapes.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Put yourself out there! Join clubs, go to events, but don’t get too overwhelmed because you can’t do everything!

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

Receiving a tuition exchange was definitely a plus. I already really wanted to go to L&C, and getting the financial help was just another sign it was the right place.