Rebeka Lazova

What’s your favorite class? Why?

Medical Anthropology, taught by Professor Sepideh Bajracharya has been the most important course I have taken in my entire academic career. The knowledge I gained through impactful ethnographies from many cultures has helped decolonize my approach to the body, disease, disembodiment, and even death, and it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I knew I wanted an opportunity to obtain a liberal arts education on a small, beautiful campus, and L&C offering me a full ride was my green light. I had a few friends from the international community before enrolling, so it was all very serendipitous.

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

I appreciated the wisdom of the sociology & anthropology department from the very get-go. Every class I took was deeply enriching for many reasons. Most importantly, it has helped me cultivate a greater understanding of diversity and has equipped me to intentionally create spaces that celebrate us.

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

The entrepreneurship department has been a great supplement to my major since it has helped me bridge the gap between how societies have organized in the past and reimagining inclusive, more equitable, and sustainable futures.

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

A walk among the tall trees will do wonders for your mental health in times of academic stress and will put things in perspective.

The first community I lean on is my fellow international students because we understand each other’s experiences more intimately. Every one of the Davis Scholars has been very generous with sharing their time, advice, and most importantly, traditional foods, which has always made me feel seen, appreciated, and nourished!

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?

The Southeast Asia Regional Area Study, based in Chiangmai, Thailand, was an incredible highlight in my junior year. I chose this program because of my growing interest in sustainable development, as well as an appreciation for Thai culture, and, you guessed it, their food! The Thai language was a challenging and rewarding endeavor, and my favorite part was the field programs where we got closer to the land, as well as the agricultural and coastal communities in Mae Tha, Omkoi, and the southern archipelago.

Semester at Sea’s Eurasian voyage was another peak. Starting in Antwerp, Belgium, and ending up back in Bangkok, Thailand, we visited 11 countries and got to learn through experiencing different cultures, in addition to the classes we had on board while sailing. Even though we had a handful of reroutes, there is truly nothing like being in the open sea with your classmates in anticipation of the next country. This study abroad was indelible in becoming a global citizen!

What advice do you have for incoming students?

The opportunities this college offers will allow you to create a community around anything and everything you are interested in! There will always be fellow students ready to embrace your ideas and pursuits. I also recommend you visit Tryon Creek. A walk among the tall trees will do wonders for your mental health in times of academic stress and will put things in perspective.

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?

As much as I am grateful for the ways in which my liberal arts education has shaped me, we need the hard skills to be more well-rounded. From Lunch with a Leader to Winterim to the Skills classes, the Bates Center has helped me foster many important connections and cultivate my entrepreneurial mindset. The many events and classes can expose you to different avenues. They can help you realize that you have more power in steering the wheel if you have the desire and grit to create your own business and effectively collaborate with others.

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Sociology and Anthropology Sustainability

Bates Center Summer Sustainability Internship Profile

Summer 2023

What is your internship this summer, and what are your basic duties?

This summer, I’m the Social Media Marketing Intern for the Palo Alto-based nonprofit Acterra! In this role, I have been creating engaging graphics to celebrate various eco-holidays throughout the year, and I updated the organization’s YouTube channel. I wrote a blog post that highlights many community gardens in the San Francisco area (which you can read here!).

I am also currently working on creating a video that features success stories of locals who have transitioned to electric vehicles (EVs) through Acterra’s GoEV program.

What’s the best part of your internship?

The best part of my internship was getting familiar with all the programs Acterra offers, such as the various beneficial electrification, food, climate change, and youth education programs, and of course, the amazing people behind them!

How has the Sustainability Internship course supported you in the process of finding and securing your internship?

The Sustainability Internship course was an indelible part of the onboarding process at Acterra. Amy has been an amazing mentor; she is very engaging during our weekly classes, and I especially appreciated that she included so many practical presentations from various speakers during our intensive week!

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

I’m exploring different avenues of careers pertaining to sustainability, and I’m always expanding my interdisciplinary knowledge in this field, so the connections I have cultivated across the many programs Acterra offers have definitely opened new possibilities for my future!

How does this internship support your interest in sustainability?

The summer internship with Acterra has helped me live in alignment with my values. I especially appreciate the in-depth knowledge I gained about electrifying our homes and methods of transportation, and I’m happy that I now have many vegan recipes under my belt!