Annabelle Samson

What’s your favorite class? Why?

Environmental Engagement with Alana Rader will push you to think creatively, collaborate, and build connections both in the Lewis & Clark and wider Oregon communities. Alana is supportive, curious, and knowledgeable, pushing her students to be the same. Our class recently hosted a Kitchen Table discussion with many members of the community about water quality. It was an incredible opportunity to help organize, and it pushed my classmates and I to step out of our comfort zones and grow.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

Besides having a beautiful campus, Lewis & Clark is a wonderful place to get to learn. Because it is a small college, the sense of community here is strong. It is easy to make close relationships with your professors, find other students with similar interests through various clubs and opportunities, and feel supported on your college journey. The study abroad programs here make me excited to see where my education will take me. I also love how the liberal arts experience allows you to pursue your major while still having lots of room to explore other interests.

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

Environmental studies is very customizable and interdisciplinary. You get the chance to tailor your course schedule to match your interests, which means every student has different knowledge and perspectives to bring to the classroom. I have gotten to learn in areas, like political science, that I didn’t know I was interested in before I started my major.

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

It is easy to find a sense of family within the French department. You take classes with the same people each semester, often with the same couple of professors, which creates a fun, encouraging environment. French courses examine language and francophone culture from diverse perspectives, emphasizing inclusivity and representation in each curriculum.

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

My time living in Forest Hall has allowed me to connect with other students passionate about sustainability and the outdoors.

It is easy to make new friends where you least expect to in Lewis & Clark’s tight-knit community. Small class sizes, a wide range of clubs and affinity groups, and dozens of creative events every week make connecting with other students who share your passions and interests a breeze. The way professors get to know you on a personal level and accept every student gives the Lewis & Clark experience its unique, personalised style.

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 will be studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, as part of my French minor! The chance to participate in an immersive language program with opportunities to live with a local family and attend classes at the University of Strasbourg is too good to pass up.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Advocate for yourself! If you are struggling with academics, finding friends, living independently, or any other problem, there are so many people on campus who are excited to help you.

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

I always hoped I would get to attend a small liberal arts college, but I never thought it would be a real possibility until I saw the financial aid package Lewis & Clark offered me. My parents are both public school teachers, and I am so lucky that they saved all that they could, but I had accepted the fact that I would only ever be able to pay for an education at a state school. The scholarships I was offered closed the gap between private and public education, allowing me to pursue my dreams the way I imagined.

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?

My time living in Forest Hall has allowed me to connect with other students passionate about sustainability and the outdoors. As a resident advisor for the Environmental Action Living Learning Community, I have had the chance to host programs that engage residents and encourage them to think environmentally. Watching residents build friendships and gain confidence as they adjust to life on campus is very fulfilling.

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

Going on a New Student Trip (NST) was one of the best decisions I could have made! I made some of my closest friendships on my NST that are still going strong years into our college experience. The people I was able to meet and the questions I asked made the transition to campus life infinitely easier.

What do you love about being a resident advisor (RA)?

My time as a resident advisor has allowed me to give back to the community I love and help create the supportive, safe environment residents deserve. Creating events to bring residents together is rewarding; my quick-pickling and tea party events have been my favorite so far! It is amazing how quickly residents are able to form friendships and find their footing here, and being a part of that journey for them is the icing on the cake.

How are you involved in the arts at L&C?

Singing with Cappella Nova has provided me with opportunities I didn’t expect. From working with local composers to singing with professional music ensembles in Portland, there is always a new and exciting challenge to conquer. The members of our choir come from many different majors and interests, but the way we come together over music fosters the kinds of connections that are hard to find.

Environmental Studies French