Amber Kase

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

It’s hard to sum it up in three words. L&C is so many things. The campus itself is inspiring and engaging, not to mention the interesting classes offered and passionate professors and staff. If I had to sum it up in three words, I would say L&C is close-knit, creative, and interactive. There is always something to do, always someone to talk to, and always something to gain inspiration from. The art and community on this campus are one-of-a-kind.

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class is Art and Ecology with Associate Professor Cara Tomlinson because of its focus on sustainable creation. As an artist, I often find myself feeling guilty when creating art that utilizes chemical dyes or processes. This class allowed me to explore how to sustainably go about dyeing clothes, making pigments, and so much more in a way that centered what the land/waste provides for us. Instead of finding supplies at Michael’s, we were challenged to find supplies in our local trails and forests, collecting blackberries for ink, nettle for cording, and so on and so on. It was by far my most unforgettable class.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I was drawn in by the idea of a tight-knit campus, one where everyone knows each other. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd at larger campuses, but, at L&C, the crowd is 10 people, and you live down the hall from half of them. It feels like a family, a small community of consistent ‘hello’s’ and ‘how are you’s’. People are just so friendly here; it’s hard not to get attached to even those small waves in the hallway in between classes. I think that’s really beautiful.

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

Psychology is so expansive. There are so many interesting things to research or learn in every facet of it. I personally gravitate toward social or personality psychology classes, which I find to be very helpful and informative in my everyday life. The more you understand human behavior and social dynamics, the more you can start making visible changes within yourself and even changes in your community.

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

Religious studies brings a lot to the table, along with gender studies. As a history enjoyer, both of these academic disciplines allow me to explore different aspects of society and hone in on topics that are important to me. I dislike the idea of living in a bubble, so an academic focus on gender and religion has helped me expand my knowledge of the world and the people living in it.

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

My main support system on campus is my friends from my first-year New Student Orientation group. We have all stayed very close and volunteer at the Coop together as coordinators, hosting events for the community like concerts and fundraisers! I also have formed support systems through the gender studies program. I joined Synergia last year, allowing me to meet and work with some amazing artists, poets, and writers, along with meeting and communicating with so many passionate individuals through my work with the Gender Studies Symposium.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Be easy on yourself. College is a big transition, so allow yourself to decompress. Whether that be through journaling, going outside, or sitting alone, pay attention to what your body and mind need! And yes, things can be hard, but life gets so much simpler in the Oregon forests and rivers. Carve out space to do what you love. Find your community. Explore the trails. Swim in lakes. Support the people around you by speaking compliments aloud and giving them someone to talk to. Things as simple as conversation can help you build small pockets of joy in every aspect of your life.

Tell us about the upcoming Gender Studies Symposium. What has your experience as a cochair been like? How does this event complement your academic experience?

The upcoming Gender Studies Symposium is all about RESISTANCE! Considering the current political and economic climate of the world, this year’s symposium is focusing on building solidarity, educating others on mutual aid, sharing stories of resistance, and teaching others about how they can resist. The process has been challenging, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It has given me the academic opportunity to learn so much about local activists, writers, and organizers, along with being able to collaborate with amazing students and faculty from L&C. I have been able to build community and meet so many new people who believe strongly in organizing and social justice. I hope to carry on these beliefs and lessons into my future classrooms, sharing ideas of diversity, equality, and solidarity. 

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I visited with my mom in the fall and decided right after my visit that L&C was the place for me. The stunning view of Mt. Hood and the foliage surrounding the campus—I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

Collaborative. For me, the liberal arts has been all about community and people. Lewis & Clark faculty puts so much emphasis on the individual needs of students, and all of our clubs center around the students. I have been able to participate in so many amazing endeavors here, and by doing so, I was able to make unforgettable friendships I hope to have for the rest of my life.

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

I went on the art-focused New Student Trip, which allowed me to interact with the local creatives on campus and beyond. I remember going to see the play put together by L&C students, I Think of You, highlighting mass incarceration from the Inside-Out class. I left that theater sobbing like a baby. My eyes opened to the creative and giving opportunities that awaited me for my next four years on this campus. I also got to connect with my new classmates and friends, many of whom I still talk to today because of this trip.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

I am 100% biased, but the best spot on campus for me is the Coop. The space itself is so welcoming and cozy, and the people who enjoy the space just make it that much better. I love seeing our community come together to support local and student artists/creators as well as standing in solidarity with global issues. The Coop is just a lovely place.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

I love the weather and the crows! During November, crows flock to the highest Portland branches in the hundreds. Driving or walking around the city, you can see so many and almost make a game out of it! Also, the weather here is beautiful. I know the Portland rain gets a bad rap, but the rain makes everything so magical. It gives life to so many amazing trees and plants that we are lucky enough to see on campus and in the surrounding Oregon areas. The rain is so beautiful.

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

Being away from my family and pets has been really hard. I have five dogs back home, whom I miss so very much, and my mom, who is my built-in best friend. It’s hard being away from all of the people and pets I love, but it helps that so many dogs love and roam around this campus. I have an art class right now with this awesome corgi named Murph. She is not directly enrolled in classes, but, nonetheless, she gets to sit by her owner’s side and mingle with students during long days. It definitely helps with stress and with how much I miss my own puppies.

Psychology Religious Studies Gender Studies