Lola Ecker

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class was Poetry 1, taught by Jerry Harp through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. This class was taught inside the Columbia River Correctional Institution. Half of the class were outside students, who commuted from the L&C campus, and the other half were inside students, who were incarcerated at the prison. I met some of the most creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in a room with through the Inside-Out program. It was incredible to be part of a group dedicated to creating art in an environment built to be soulless.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I decided to come to L&C because of its affiliation with the L&C Law School, as I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. I have since changed my mind, but I don’t regret my decision. The professors here really care about their students, and the small size of the school makes it easy to build a relationship with faculty. The beautiful campus certainly doesn’t hurt! Having so much green space near me has been a constant source of joy.

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

English: One of the most useful skills a person can develop is effective communication, and studying written language is geared towards this. I think of writing as communication unbound by time and place. There are stories written thousands of years ago that have survived to today. Books, poetry, and short stories written in one place can be read anywhere in the world. I love studying a field that focuses on such a vibrant, sustained tradition of art. It also instills a sense of skepticism, which has served me very well in daily life. Questioning dominant narratives and identifying trustworthy storytellers, in other words, reading critically, feels more important now than ever.

Philosophy: As a discipline, philosophy is kind of abstract. It intersects with most other fields of study, as it is concerned with systems of learning, knowing, and acting. At its best, philosophy helps individuals prioritize what matters to their pursuit of a good life, how systems can best serve the people who live within them, and what everybody owes to each other. It requires collaboration from the arts, sciences, and other humanities, and should help establish guiding principles for all sorts of movements. Philosophy has given me access to new methods of thinking, more than anything else. I like that it worms its way into everybody’s life, even when they don’t recognize it.

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

It’s been really easy for me to establish and maintain relationships at Lewis & Clark, in part because it’s so small and in part because so much of the student body lives on campus. I have cultivated weekly activities with many of my friends, from weekly walks to gym dates to my group’s little poetry club and regular movie nights. Clubs have also been a great way for me to meet people from other majors. Even though I haven’t stayed in most of the clubs I joined, I made a lot of connections that have lasted.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Go to office hours! The professors want to help you succeed. The easiest way for them to do that is for you to ask them for support. I’d also recommend finding a secret place to visit on or near campus. Campus life isn’t conducive to privacy, so carving out a little space that’s just for me to go to when I feel overwhelmed has been really important to my wellness

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

I would not have attended L&C without financial aid.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

I actually have two! The Women’s Library in Frank Manor House has the most comfortable chairs and the best carpet on campus. Students aren’t always allowed, but when we are, it’s my favorite spot to read. Especially in winter, as there’s a fireplace. My other favorite spot is Agnes Flanegan Chapel. I’m not religious, but the chapel is usually empty at night and the acoustics are great. I like to go in there and play my flute when I’m stressed.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

I’m much steadier than I was when I first came here. I don’t believe in “finding yourself” in the sense that I don’t believe in a fundamental “true” self. People are always changing. During my time here, I have changed in ways that I like very much. I’m much more confident in my abilities, more sure of my skills, and have a better grasp of my limits. I feel more connected with my communities and more able to create community wherever I end up next.

Why are you planning to double major? What relationship do you see between your studies?

I came into L&C planning on doing a philosophy major with a minor in classics or religious studies, but my first English class swept that right out the window. English and philosophy are deeply intertwined. Often, the same ideas will pop up in formalized discussions and literature. It’s always fascinating to read authors and philosophers from the same area and time period, because they tend to express the same thoughts in different styles.

English Philosophy