Aylén Martinez

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite classes are Disability Rhetoric and Media with Visiting Professor Ben Mann and Curatorial Affairs with Jaleesa Johnson offered by the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership. Both have a different approach to teaching that makes you want to keep learning and a sensibility that you would never expect from an academic. For these two classes, I had an assignment that required me to see day-to-day spaces with a more critical eye and it was mind blowing.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

The financial aid package and close community. When choosing where to go for college, I wanted to be able to speak to my professors before or after class.

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

Everything in rhetoric and media studies! I find it interesting how the professors are so passionate about what they teach and that I get to choose what part of the major pursue, either rhetoric or media.

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

The patience that you get to develop with each project. I used to get really frustrated when things didn’t go as planned and my art and art history minor really helped me to develop that muscle.

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

Well, besides the friends that I have made thanks to my classes and major, I also have a big support system with the other international students on campus. Also, being a student worker gave me the opportunity to connect with not only students in my same situation but also staff members that you normally do not get the chance to interact with.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Ask questions, and be kind with you and others.

Tell us about the upcoming Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies. What has your experience as a cochair been like? How does this event complement your academic experience?

The upcoming Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies is an event we’ve been working on all summer. My fellow cochairs, our faculty director Professor Kim Brodkin, and I have been focused on connecting the ideas from the Lewis & Clark community to what’s happening in society right now. We’re hoping to start a fire that will bring everyone together and encourage the critical thinking we know our community is capable of.

As a cochair, my experience has been incredibly rewarding. I’m so grateful to be part of the process of one of my favorite events on campus. It’s a true honor to be able to help create an event that I know will have an impact.

This event complements my academic experience in rhetoric and media studies perfectly. We’re always talking about representation and how society impacts what we consume. As an international student, I’ve found myself thinking critically about my own experiences in the United States, so the symposium has naturally attracted my attention since my freshman year. I’ve consistently brought those insights back into my classes, and now I get to help create that same experience for others.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

L&C really helps me with my understanding of boundaries and to actually aim higher professionally and personally. I came to college with some understanding of who I am and what I want for my future but after attending classes and meeting people that not only study “something that will give them a job” but also something that moves their soul—apologize for the cringe comment—it’s really hard and almost impossible to avoid the change in you.

Summer 2025 Internship Q&A

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

This summer, I am the Assistant Project Manager Intern at Lara Media Services. My day-to-day involves backing up my mentor on a variety of tasks, everything from sketching out project timelines to translating scripts. But my biggest project? That’s definitely coordinating the field trip experience we’re hosting during El Grito this September.

How does this internship align with your interests and/or major?

As a rhetoric and media studies student, I’ve always been super drawn to the planning and strategy side of communication. So, in this position, I’m really getting to hone those skills, which aligns perfectly with what I’m studying.

What’s the best part of your internship?

Honestly, the whole experience is the best part! But if I had to pick just one thing, it’s getting to work with my community. Lara Media is a Latina-owned company, and I not only get to put my knowledge into practice but also feel incredibly proud of my personal background.

What specific skills are you gaining?

I’m definitely gaining a lot in planning and communication. It might sound a bit silly, but the longer we’re in college, the further we sometimes get from being truly organized and communicating clearly. Sometimes it’s the repetitive nature of school, or maybe we just start to lose sight of the end goal of some classes.

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

I started at LC thinking I’d go into marketing and design, but now I’m seriously considering public relations (PR). I have amazing supervisors who’ve really encouraged me and let me dabble in multiple projects, so I can expand my understanding in the field.

How has this internship influenced your understanding of the industry or field you’re pursuing?

This internship has been a huge eye-opener for understanding the communications field. It’s shown me just how vital strategic planning and clear messaging are, especially when you’re working within a specific community. It’s really solidified my interest in PR and the power of culturally resonant communication.

How has Lewis & Clark supported you in the process of finding and securing your internship?

I actually learned about this opportunity thanks to the “organization’s network” that Handshake has. It’s where you can see what alums have worked on during their time at LC, which was super helpful in finding this spot

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m just really grateful for the chance to gain such practical experience and explore different facets of the industry. It’s truly helping me figure out where I want to go next!