Feya Dawkins

What’s your favorite class? Why?

During my time in college, I discovered an incredible class that completely changed my perspective: Fairy Tales Across Cultures with Professor Catherine Sprecher Loverti. This wasn’t just another required course, it was a revelation that sparked my creativity and academic skills. As a bonus, the course fulfilled a General Education requirement for bibliographic research in writing, making it both intellectually stimulating and practically beneficial for my academic progress. What made this class so special was how it compared fairy tales, as well as developed my writing skills. We delved deeply into comparing fairy tales from different cultures, exploring how similar narratives take on unique characteristics depending on their origin. This approach opened my eyes to the incredible ways fairy tales can reflect cultural identity, values, fears, and historical periods.

The course did more than just teach me about folklore. It significantly improved my research and writing skills. Professor Loverti guided us to be methodical and organized in our approach to academic and comparative writing, which has been invaluable in my other coursework, especially for my senior thesis. I actually wish I had taken this class earlier in my college journey because of how much it enhanced my academic abilities in regards to organization and research methods. Interestingly, the class also ignited a personal passion. The way we examined these stories inspired me to combine my love for art and language. Now, I’m excited about pursuing a project to illustrate and translate fairy tales, bringing these cultural treasures to life in a new way.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

My journey to Lewis & Clark College was deeply rooted in my love for the green in Oregon and a search for a community that embraced global perspectives. As someone who lived in four different countries, discovering the Third Culture Kids (TCK) community was a game changer for me, offering a connection I’d never experienced in my hometown. I was drawn to the kept promise of small, personalized classes that would allow for meaningful interactions and diverse viewpoints.

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

As a world languages and literatures major, learning two languages has opened so many new doors of connection through communication in both Portland and abroad. Studying Russian opened up unique opportunities, with intimate class sizes that fostered deep connections with both the language and my classmates. The most interesting part of this academic journey was studying abroad in Tbilisi, Georgia, where our program also traveled to Armenia and Azerbaijan. Using Russian to communicate with the Soviet-era population and some English with younger generations was an incredible linguistic and cultural experience that brought my studies to life in ways I never imagined possible. The best cross-cultural communication was teaching English to Russian and Georgian speakers from ages 6 to 64. This gave me a huge appreciation for education and cultural bridges while developing my language skills and learning.

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

My classes for my minor in art and art history were my creative sanctuary to stimulate my artistic expression in new ways. I think of it as a balance with classes that are more reading-based. The painting classes were particularly transformative, offering opportunities to work with oil paints and live models at least once a month. These sessions were more than just coursework, they were a chance to dive deep into artistic technique and personal creativity. In addition, the class community was supportive with helpful and uplifting critiques. I also really enjoyed the late-night painting sessions with encouraging classmates.

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

The Russian club became my unexpected home away from home on campus. When I needed help with things like moving stuff or taking a survey, my friends from the Russian club were usually the first to be there. It’s much more than a typical language club—it’s a vibrant community that brings together people who aren’t just learning Russian or heritage speakers, but a unique group of people genuinely interested in Slavic culture. The group’s social calendar is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from cooking borscht, painting matryoshkas, traditional games, holidays, symphonies, ballets, and movie nights. What makes the club special is its inclusivity and support; membership isn’t limited to Russian language students, but welcomes anyone interested in the cultures that speak Russian.

My most valuable advice is simple: get involved and stay true to yourself.

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?

Choosing to study in Tbilisi, Georgia, in Fall ’23 was more than just a language opportunity; it was a deep dive into a complex Caucasian and post-Soviet region’s history and identity. The Georgian people are so kind and hospitable, which made my homestay such an incredible experience that I still text my host sisters and mother. The program offered far more than language learning, featuring a comprehensive post-Soviet studies curriculum that explored intricate regional conflicts, identities, culinary arts, diplomacy, cinema, geopolitics, and international relations. What truly set the experience apart were the incredible guest lectures from diplomats, political leaders, activists, experts, and professors who brought the region’s nuanced stories to life. Like some other students, studying abroad helped me decide what I wanted to do after graduation and narrow down my focus.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

My most valuable advice is simple: get involved and stay true to yourself. Lewis & Clark’s community thrives on genuine connections and support. You will find your people. If a club, subject, or opportunity catches your interest, reach out; the professors and faculty are genuinely committed to helping students succeed. Whether you’re seeking an internship or feeling uncertain about a decision, the campus community is ready to support you. I especially recommend participating in Winterim, which offers incredible learning experiences, industry connections, and sets a strong foundation for the spring semester and post-grad life.

Tell us about your involvement with the Bates Center. How do you feel that entrepreneurship and leadership integrate into and enhance a liberal arts education?

My involvement with the Bates Center has helped prepare my career and path. Although I could not fit their classes into my schedule, I took advantage of their helpful opportunities like Lunch With A Leader, meeting with individual faculty, and Winterim. Winterim is a week-long intensive training and competition that provides the entrepreneurial and financial skills and experience I craved. I learned business model development, how to integrate Artificial Intelligence in business efficiently, investing, financial literacy, and pitch techniques. The highlight was winning $2,000 with my team, demonstrating how the liberal arts approach can cultivate practical, adaptable skills.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I like the description my professor, Chrys Hutchings, gave quoting James Daley, “The liberal arts train you for nothing [pause], but apply to everything.” This paradoxical statement rings true because while the liberal arts education might not always include certain practical skills, you are set up with the foundation to do anything. It develops crucial soft skills: figuring things out independently, presenting ideas effectively, and building meaningful connections with professors and peers. This personalized approach helps students discover their right path with proper support. The Liberal arts education fosters well-rounded individuals by developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates not just for diverse career opportunities by being adaptable, but also the ability to make meaningful connections from person to person.

What do you remember most about your New Student Orientation?

I remember being so nervous, I didn’t even want to go. I reminded myself that all forms of nervousness stem from excitement, and I needed to focus on that. So I went, hoping my roommate would be in the same group, only to find out she was not. But when I did, everyone was so nice and welcoming, and I made friends so fast. It is hard not to get along with students at Lewis & Clark.

How has College Outdoors influenced and improved your college experience?

My favorite College Outdoors trip was collecting mushrooms in the forest. I really enjoyed this activity, as well as connecting with other new students

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I lived on campus for all four years because I preferred walking to classes and wanted to stay connected with the campus community. My first year, I lived in Copeland, which is definitely the most social dorm. I would also call it the athletes’ dorm. My all-girls hall on the F-20s floor still has a group chat because of the community this dorm fosters! In my second year, I lived in Holmes, which I would describe as a hotel vibe because it is the newest building and always clean. During the first semester of my junior year, I lived abroad with a host family, and when I returned in the Spring semester, Stewart Hall. I would describe Stewart as the most practically placed dorm because it is so much closer to important things like the cafeteria, cafe, mini grocery store, and academic buildings. My senior year, I lived in Robert’s two-person apartments, which are my favorite housing because of the private room, kitchen, and bathroom. There is also a Living Learning Community (LLC), Launchpad, which hosts events to help students develop professional skills.

I had the same roommate all 4 years, which is great. My roommate advice is to find someone who has a similar experience and morals as you, but be open to compromise because no one is the same. My roommate and I were both the eldest sisters of our families, and had siblings of the same age. We were both early birds and liked things clean and organized. These similar morals made us both friends and compatible roommates for all 4 years.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Lewis & Clark College allowed me to grow into my authentic self. In my hometown, I felt pressured to conform to certain expectations, but separating from those social pressures gave me room to develop genuinely. The welcoming community at Lewis & Clark made it easy to be myself because uniqueness is celebrated here. This environment has helped me discover my true interests and strengths.

The Portland location is part of the SCRAP network that is made up of grassroots creative reuse centers across the country.How would you describe sustainability at Lewis & Clark? What’s your involvement with any sustainability initiatives on campus?

My experience with sustainability at Lewis & Clark includes participating in the communal gardens and taking the Sustainability Internship class. During the summer of my junior year, I held two sustainability internships, beginning with a week of training through the class that prepared me for the work ahead. One internship was unpaid, but the school provided a stipend so I could focus on this work rather than taking a job just to pay rent. My remote internship at Wonderfil, a sustainable refilling company founded by a recent Lewis & Clark graduate, gave me valuable experience in remote workplace dynamics and helped me develop Adobe skills. I also interned at SCRAP creative reuse, where I organized recycled supplies and assisted with craft workshops and summer camps—an experience that showed me how enjoyable and creative a work environment can be. With the SCRAP mentality, I was happy to see the old Maggie’s building on campus repurposed into The Nest, a study space featuring a section where items can be left and taken.

What should incoming students know about sustainability at L&C?

Incoming students should definitely take advantage of things like the Nest, communal gardens, and the greenhouse. The Nest is a great place to give or take clothing, books, food, and more. Students should know about the Sustainability Internship class. This resource helped me secure internships through college connections and provided essential training for my professional development. I always had a passion against plastic waste, but never took any sustainability or environmental classes. However, this internship class helped round these interests into real work experience. It’s accessible to students from all academic backgrounds who are interested in environmental initiatives. In addition, the communal garden and greenhouse are great spaces to either plant or hang out! I have herbs growing in my room, and this would not be possible without all the fertilizers available in the greenhouse.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why?

My campus mentor is definitely Maria Hristova, Masha, the head of the Russian department. Throughout my four years, she has consistently been available to talk and assist me with Russian club stuff, classes, and recommendation letters. She creates a positive and close-knit learning environment, with small, personalized classes that foster meaningful connections while being available for help. I’ve taken a class with her almost every semester and have the New Year’s resolution to be more like her. As my thesis advisor, she has been an empowering source of support, guiding me through both my major project and my entire college journey.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

My favorite place on campus is definitely the ravine below the Harry Potter bridge. When I am feeling a little stressed or need a study break, I enjoy taking a little walk along the stream to the witch’s hut.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

My favorite part about Portland is all the greenery. I was initially shocked by how tall the trees are and how they’re covered in moss. The rain is particularly motivating to do homework.

How did you decide on your major?

I chose the world languages and literatures major because it was broad enough to encompass all my interests, both during and after college. I was drawn to international affairs, translation, cultural studies, and communications. I came to Lewis & Clark wanting to maintain my Russian from my childhood in Moscow without knowing this major existed. I had stopped speaking Russian around age 12 due to embarrassment about my American accent. Simultaneously, I wanted to continue with Spanish from high school, so I enrolled in a Spanish class that fit my schedule. This program has made me fluent in both languages with engaging classes that cultivate speaking and writing skills.

How did you decide on your minor?

After my study abroad experience, I changed my minor from political science to art and art history. After talking to diplomats about what their job entailed, I realized I had a different perception of how they work with people. Art has always been integral to my life, and I wanted to take advantage of higher education in this field, especially after seeing European art outside the art history course. This minor balanced better with my schedule and allowed me to pursue my creative passions.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

As the Russian club president, I annually helped organize the Eastern European table at the International Fair. This provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with students and alumni while sharing and learning about different cultures. I also attended all the International Fair Symposia, with big speakers like Angela Davis and John Bolt. These events complemented my academic experience by bringing global perspectives to campus and allowing me to apply my language and cultural studies in practical ways.

Have you had the opportunity to do research with a professor? If so, please describe the project and the experience.

For my senior thesis, my Russian professor, Maria Hristova, guided my research on Georgian fairy tales, helping me navigate Russian-language sources. While studying abroad, I was also fortunate to connect with master’s graduates who specialized in Georgian fairy tales and provided valuable assistance. This collaborative research experience deepened my understanding of Slavic and Caucasian literature and folklore while strengthening my research skills in multiple languages.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced at Lewis & Clark?

The biggest challenge at Lewis & Clark was managing my time effectively, especially with essay writing. As a full-time student, club president, and part-time nanny, balancing these responsibilities became crucial when I began working and classes got harder sophomore year. With so many campus events and opportunities, learning to prioritize was essential. Google Calendar became indispensable for organizing my schedule, coordinating with others, and keeping track of everything going on. My most time-consuming task is writing papers. To make this process more structured and faster, I utilized the Writing Center to help organize and edit my work, and for upper-level Spanish classes, I worked with the free Spanish tutors to refine my essays.

Art and Art History World Languages and Literatures