Joaquin Sandoval

What’s your favorite class? Why?

I really enjoyed Environmental Geology with Liz Safran. Our lab section of the class was held in the beautiful Tryon Creek State Park. We were challenged to learn and exercise field research methods in the park, and I enjoyed diving into the natural environment to do so. I especially remember wading through the creek, to collect, measure and record pebble sizes.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I was initially drawn here by Coach Matt Kosderka, who recruited me to play baseball for the college. Upon researching it as an option, I fell in love with all of the other opportunities and aspects of Lewis & Clark. The beautiful campus, intimate learning setting, prestigious environmental program, and endless food and fun that Portland has to offer were all factors in my decision.

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

I love its interdisciplinary nature. Through the major’s elective options, I’ve studied science, philosophy, history, and math in addition to the ENVS core courses. Environmental issues are relevant in all fields, and the well-rounded education that ENVS promotes will be useful as I approach work and leadership positions post-grad.

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

The economics minor has made me feel empowered to take charge of my financial future. Before studying economics here, I always felt like investment and the financial world was beyond reach. Now, after being enriched by the dynamic blend of readings and calculations, I feel capable of handling my financial future.

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

I’m grateful to have teammates on campus. In sharing travel experiences, time on the field, and the grind of training, we share special bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Along with their support, I’ve appreciated the network of pre-law students established with the founding of our Phi Alpha Delta Chapter. I only recently became passionate about the legal field, which has led to aspirations of becoming a first generation law student. Sharing the experience of learning about the legal profession and applying to law schools has been comforting and fun!

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Immerse yourself in the countless leadership opportunities that the college offers. With a small student body, Lewis & Clark celebrates student leaders, and the availability of professors and other mentors on campus makes those opportunities extremely visible. Regardless of your background, by saying ‘yes’ and approaching every role with an enthusiastic commitment to serving your peers, you will thrive as a leader.

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

Chairing the symposium has given me a flood of experience, and reminded me daily of the importance of staying curious and open to all collaboration. I got to feel the real-world responsibilities of planning large events, leading brainstorming sessions, and dividing tasks amongst a large committee. We talk about different stakeholders of environmental issues in our courses, and I proved to myself that I could engage with them towards productive change. Seeing our theme of Common Ground play out in real conversation was a huge inspiration. I watched as the discovery of shared humanness compounded into productive engagement about the sector that they’re invested in. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to realize that ‘the other side’ isn’t the thing that we construct in our minds.

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

I did visit L&C before I decided to come here. I remember the undeniable beauty of the campus, which I visited on a clear, sunny day. Later that day my parents and I went down to see the Willamette River, and a bald eagle flew overhead, which felt special as I closed in on such a big decision.

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

The financial support that I’ve received has been a true blessing. The financial burden was the last barrier I dealt with before deciding on L&C, and the aid package gave me the freedom to make a choice based on the school, not the price. I feel like I can do my best work as a student and leader, thanks to the absence of intense, financial stress.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why?

Professor Jim Proctor has been a great mentor to me. Throughout my time chairing the ENVX Symposium, he was a great source of guidance and encouragement. Jim expects a high standard of work and focus, but also understands the mental toll of being a college student, and often takes the time to verbally celebrate the work that we did in class or for the symposium. His balance between objective, empirical productivity and open-minded, philosophical approaches to environmental issues has challenged my way of thinking for the better.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

One of the best spots on campus is the grass right alongside the reflecting pool. You get to walk at near water level, and there’s something nice to look at in all directions. With towering trees on both sides of the pool, and the Manor House watching over it, it feels like you’re in an arena. If I need to go from Watzek to Fowler, I’ll take the longer route just to visit this spot.

What’s one of your best Lewis & Clark memories so far?

In the winter of my freshman year, there was a full weekend of snowfall. Having grown up in Santa Barbara, CA, I’d never once woken up to snow on the ground. What bolsters the memory even more was the huge snowball fight we had in front of Pamplin. It was night time and there were at least a hundred of us, it was awesome.

Why do you love playing baseball at L&C? How do you balance athletics and academics?

I love playing baseball at L&C because of the people, the travel, and the competitive outlet. Having such supportive coaches on campus is comforting, and having a team meant that I stepped on campus already having twenty nine great friends. I’ve gotten to travel all over the PNW, California, and even Alabama to play the game I love. I am a competitor, and getting to strive for the best version of myself and work together with my teammates to outcompete another school, is so rewarding. L&C is such a great place to play a sport, because you’re not restricted to only being an athlete. Our coach requires a study hall on the road, and celebrates us for pursuing things off the field. I’m involved in tons of other things on campus, I can’t imagine I’d be able to thrive this well anywhere other than L&C athletics.

Environmental Studies