Welcome, New Undergraduates!
What advice would our current seniors offer new students? We reached out to a few to find out.
Belonging at L&C
Academics
Polly Ren BA ’25 (she/her)
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Minor: Neuroscience
“Be brave and try new things: you will always find someone who shares the same thoughts with you in college. Your advisor is super useful, and you can also go to the College Advising Center for help. They can help you figure out what classes you should take each semester.”
Avi Strok BA ’25 (he/him)
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“Good things come to those who attend office hours! If you’re trying to figure out what you want to study or just want to make connections in your desired department, attending office hours is a great first step. Even if you don’t have a specific question to ask, still go and get to know your professors!”
Claire Baco BA ’25 (she/her)
Major: Economics
Minor: Middle East and North African Studies and Data Science (double)
“Get started on your graduation plan early! I don’t mean you have to come in as a first-year with a plan and stick to it—but consider potential majors and their requirements before it’s time to declare. Talk to your advisors and find out what they think.”
Campus Life
Sebastian DePrez BA ’25 (he/him)
Major: Computer Science and Mathematics
Minor: Data Science and Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (double)
“Know that there is a place for everyone at L&C! The transition into college may seem daunting but there are so many opportunities that will help you find your community. Attend hall and campus-wide events, support your peers at athletic games, get involved with clubs, and do not hesitate to reach out to your RA who will be able to help you find the resources you need! The L&C community wants to see everyone learn, grow, and succeed in all their aspirations.”
Burton Scheer BA ’25
Major: English
Minor: Gender Studies
“Put yourself out there and get involved with as many opportunities as possible! Sign up for clubs at event fairs, apply for leadership positions, and go to school events. You might find a passion that you had never explored before and friends that you might have never met in your classes.”
Morgaine McGrath BA ’25 (she/her)
Major: Environmental Studies
“I recommend new students attend on-campus activities, especially toward the beginning of the semester. I know it can be hard going to events in a new place, especially if you are going alone. I met one of my closest friends here because I heard live music and went to see what was going on, even though I didn’t have anyone to go with.”
Lilah Shapiro BA ’25 (she/her)
Major: Biology
Minor: Earth System Science
“Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. I never thought I would be on the Ultimate Frisbee team or join Paddle Club but now I cannot imagine my college experience without them.”
Mindset
Leah Huffington BA ’25 (she/her)
Major: Economics
Minor: Hispanic Studies
“College is about adapting, learning, and growing in areas of your life that you never thought possible. So, embrace the change! It’s an opportunity for some self-discovery and personal growth. Also, invest in a waterproof backpack. Trust me, you’re gonna need it.”
Emily Larabee BA ’25 (she/her)
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
Minor: Hispanic Studies
“Try to go into things without expectations! I’ve found if I just accept things as they come it’s a lot easier to stay in the moment.”
Marta Ružić BA ’25 (she/her)
Major: Music
“Approach your interactions with an open mind. People here come from different backgrounds, so before you get offended, ask yourself: ‘I wonder what experiences have shaped this person’s perspective?’ Be sincere and take the opportunities this school offers.”
Mack Mae BA ’25 (they/them)
Major: Theatre (Performance Concentration) and Psychology (double)
“It is not as scary or daunting as you might think it is! There is time to figure out what you want and what you need, and there are so many people who are ready to help you not only figure out those things but put them into action.”
More Stories
A High Note
Composer Oswald Huỳnh Named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow
Oswald Huỳnh BA ’19, whose music explores memory, heritage, language, and identity, has been named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow in music composition.
Global Research
City Life Makes Animals Bolder
A new global study led by L&C biologist Tracy Burkhard finds that city animals tend to be bolder, more aggressive, more exploratory, and more active than their rural counterparts.
Vision and Growth
Law School Strategic Plan Focuses on the Future, Student Success, and Community
“Excellence and resilience in a fast-changing world” is the focus of the Law School’s strategic plan, with efforts to future-proof the school and ensure students’ success.
Immersive Learning
Turning Local Concerns Into Environmental Research
L&C seniors partnered with Portland’s Albina residents to respond to their environmental priorities, collecting and evaluating data on air quality, traffic safety, and the potential use of mass timber.