Advice for a Smart Start
How can new students navigate college life with more confidence and less stress? Current seniors share their best tips.
Belonging at L&C
Academics
Meilin Beloney BA ’26 (they/them)
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
Minor: Gender Studies
“Lean on community and support systems, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are so many free resources on campus, and people are there to help you. In that vein, form relationships with your professors! Go to office hours!”
Rosa Caldera BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Philosophy
“Focus on establishing a routine for yourself that balances academics, personal life, and time to rest. I felt that the most overwhelming aspect of the college transition was figuring out a balance between everything that worked for me. But once I got into the habit of sorting things out and giving each activity its own time, I felt more relaxed and in control.”
Tessa Forth BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Environmental Studies
Minors: Earth System Science, Hispanic Studies (double)
“Professors’ office hours are less daunting than they seem. It’s always helpful and rewarding to make bonds with faculty, and at L&C I’ve had so many positive experiences with educators who genuinely care about my progress. That’s definitely a perk of going to a smaller school—I feel personally recognized in every class.”
Taj-Jamaal “TJ” Muhammad BA ’26 (he/him)
Major: Rhetoric and Media Studies
Minors: English, Theatre (double)
“Explore everything you are interested in. Don’t limit yourself to a major because it’s what you planned coming out of high school, or even if you are transferring in as well. By trying something new, you never know where that road will lead you.”
Zoe Rommel BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Mathematics
“Don’t stress too hard about choosing your major—spend a semester or two exploring your options. Go to the College Advising Center early and ask them to set you up with a four-year plan (which you will develop along the way), and also ask them to show you how to find your program evaluation.”
Cadyn Schenk-Turner BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Art History
Minor: Asian Studies
“Go into your classes with an open mind and curiosity to learn beyond the surface level. Don’t be afraid to dive deep into topics that feel unfamiliar and challenging.”
Campus Life
Kaia Hirsch BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
“I recommend joining a club that you wouldn’t normally sign up for. It’s a great way to meet new people and potentially find a new hobby.”
Leah Marquez BA ’26 (she/they)
Majors: French Studies, Sociology and Anthropology (double)
Minor: Art
“Try not to put pressure on yourself to fit in immediately. It is really never too late to make friends on campus. Be as bold as you were as a 3-year-old and just strike up a conversation with anyone in your class!”
Piper McCoy Harmon BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Computer Science and Mathematics
Minor: Music
“Don’t pigeon-hole yourself into doing what you think others want you to do; these are the years to follow your passions and explore who you are and what you truly enjoy doing. Join a club (or three), ride into town on the shuttle and explore this beautiful city, and take a class just for the fun of it!”
Kate Meinhard BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Physics
Minors: Studio Art, Mathematics (double)
“Go to all the activities the first few weeks because that’s where you can meet a ton of new people. As uncomfortable as it might be, everyone else is brand new to campus as well and also looking for friends.”
Joseph Naylor BA ’26 (he/him)
Major: Mathematics
“Get involved with different activities that you are interested in when you get to campus, either through clubs or just by meeting people around campus.”
Ella Radvany BA ’26 (she/they)
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“Don’t be afraid if you don’t have a tight-knit circle of friends within the first few months. It is perfectly normal to not find your people until you’ve been here for a month or two.”
Olivia Townsend BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Computer Science and Mathematics
Minors: Health Studies, Data Science (double)
“Try everything! Lewis & Clark may be small in size, but it’s so rich in experiences. More so than anywhere else, Lewis & Clark gives you the space and breath to explore varied interests in addition to your academic pursuits, understanding the need for students to have a comprehensive work-life balance that fosters our diverse interests.”
Mindset
Colin Blume BA ’26 (he/him)
Major: Rhetoric and Media Studies
Minor: Art and Art History
“Don’t sweat the small stuff (and most everything is the small stuff).”
Helena Brown BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
“Remember you deserve to be here! You deserve to be in the classroom, on the field/court, and on campus! Be yourself, go to office hours, and be open to new experiences, and you will ROCK college. Give yourself grace and patience.”
Abby Burke BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Data Science
“My advice for incoming students is to have a willingness to be uncomfortable and take risks. There are many resources and people here at L&C ready to help you grow.”
Lily Cahill BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Economics
Minor: Data Science
“Take risks! Trust in yourself and believe that you can do hard things. A lot of learning happens when we are in spaces where we are challenged and a little bit uncomfortable.”
Victor Cho BA ’26 (he/him)
Major: Economics
“Be a cage-free human. A lot of people get caught up chasing things that don’t really matter and forget to appreciate the basics in life, trees, water, sun, good people, a quiet moment, etc. Once you start noticing and valuing the little things, life becomes a lot more meaningful and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to live differently, slow down, and define happiness on your own terms.”
Anna Ingadottir BA ’26 (she/her)
Majors: Economics, International Affairs (double)
“Be open to new experiences and new people, even though it might seem scary. Coming to college is an opportunity to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it.”
Yukino Johnson BA ’26 (he/him)
Major: Biology
Minor: Neuroscience
“While college can be enjoyable, it can also get difficult at times. As the Antarctic Midge has survived for over 30 million years by banding together, so, too, will you.”
Annabelle Samson BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: French
“Advocate for yourself! If you are struggling with academics, finding friends, living independently, or any other problem, there are so many people on campus who are excited to help you.”
McKenna Zehnder BA ’26 (she/her)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Health studies
“College is such an incredible opportunity for growth and self-discovery (one that is not afforded to everyone). As cliché as it sounds, soak it all in! Join clubs! Make connections! Go to your professor’s office hours! Talk to that person in your class you think you might want to be friends with! Four years seems like a long time, but it goes faster than you might think.”
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