Ami Bošelová

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

Both the location and the academic program were very strong factors influencing my decision to come to L&C. The calmness and safety of the campus, combined with accessibility to life in the city of Portland, seemed very appealing to me. Being it my first time coming to the U.S., I was drawn to the nature of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. I found the psychology program at L&C very well established. The possibility of attending one of many study abroad programs has also motivated me to come. I also appreciated how welcoming and accommodating L&C seemed to international students. I would have made the same choice if I had to decide again.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Right after graduation, I traveled across the continent by car and train, visiting different national parks. For the last two years, I have been pursuing my master’s degree in clinical, social, and intercultural psychology in Padova, Italy. I have also been able to reconnect with my family, which has been very valuable. I am currently finishing writing my thesis and starting the process of applying for jobs and psychotherapy trainings.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for graduate school?

L&C equipped me with both hard and soft skills in psychology and beyond. Part of my master’s studies has been a clinical internship at a psychiatric hospital, where I found myself utilizing a lot of knowledge from my undergraduate courses. Liberal arts study is not very common in Europe, and I am beyond grateful for having a chance to experience this form of undergraduate education. It allowed me to develop the ability to analyze and synthesize information through an integrative lens. Having an interdisciplinary and yet specific education from L&C will continue being an important resource for me in the future.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

I learned how to be more myself and how to show up in this world more authentically. Taking art classes that I didn’t originally even plan to take encouraged my creative expression. Being part the first stages of Palatine Support Network made me even more passionate about mental health in practice. Working at the library helped me have a routine that I needed. Being part of a community and knowing that I can reach out for help made me feel like I belong. L&C gave me enough challenge and support to learn about who I am and how I can be of service.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

Even though I am very far from L&C geographically, I feel connected to the people who were part of my four years, virtually and some in-person. Spontaneous encounters on the other side of the world always remind me of our shared experience. It is also amazing to see all the incredible things L&C alumni are up to through LinkedIn or what L&C current students are up to through the college’s Instagram. I hope to visit the college again one day!

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

My favorite class was Medical Anthropology with Sepideh Bajracharya. It deconstructed the way I thought of illness, health, and healing. The books we read in class have left a lasting impact on me. I keep revisiting the topics of embodied care, bearing witness to pain, and the importance of paying attention to phenomenological experience while I search for my place within the healthcare system. The class taught me how to ask questions that might not have clear answers. Even though the class was online, it was a very unique time and space where everyone showed up fully vulnerable and present.

Psychology Health Studies Art