Hi everyone! I’m Laura from Ireland, and I graduated from United World College East Africa in May 2024. The thing I loved most about UWCEA was the multicultural and international exposure I got. I met some of the most wonderful people there and true friends for life. I loved exploring our town Moshi, tasting new foods, and all of the personal growth I experienced as a person. The nature of Moshi was one of the reasons I fell in love with Tanzania and was a huge factor in my decision to attend Lewis & Clark College. In my travels, I have always somehow found a way to be close to the mountains, and the natural landscapes of Portland really draw me. I also chose Lewis & Clark College because of its academic fluidity and study abroad, both of which I would not have had if I attended College at home in Ireland.
I plan to major in International Affairs, and perhaps explore my options of double majoring with political science, or taking a minor in gender studies and Middle East and North African studies. My academic interests lie mainly in the frame of global politics, sometimes circling back to a bit of history. I have always been fascinated by people, our reasonings and choices, and how they lead to the formation of societies and our world today. I am very much more of a content and analysis person, and prefer to spend my time researching and reading rather than working with numbers.
Outside of the classroom I like to spend my time focusing on activism. I care deeply about environmental justice and fighting for women and girls rights, so it is hard for me to disconnect my ‘free’ time from fighting for these issues. I like to spend my time cooking and can often be found in the kitchen attempting to make something new!! I really love to travel too. As of now I’ve been privileged enough to visit 14 different countries, and plan to keep exploring more. I first left home at 17 to attend school in Tanzania, and since then have not been able to stop wanting to see more of the world. My favorite places so far have been Mauritius and France.
During my time at Lewis and Clark, I want to contribute to an active and inclusive environment where we prioritize intersectionality and community. I hope to grow as a person, and learn more about this world we live in. I hope to be passionate and successful in my studies while making beautiful connections with the people and nature around me!