Conn

Conn Daniel Mckiernan

UWC attended: United World College East Africa - Moshi Campus
Class Year: 2029

UWC was a pivotal experience for me. Moving to Tanzania shortly after turning 17 was both exciting and daunting, but over time, I found a deep sense of belonging in my new home.

What I appreciated most was the way UWC encouraged a shift away from individualism and toward a strong, community-centered way of living and learning. Being part of such a diverse environment, where collaboration and shared growth were at the heart of everything, changed how I see the world.

That experience is what initially drew me to Lewis & Clark. The college’s strong academics and its focus on learning beyond the classroom really stood out to me. I value learning from others, especially from people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking. At Lewis & Clark, I plan to major in International Affairs. I’ve developed a real interest in understanding how the world works — how countries interact, how decisions are made, and how cooperation can lead to better outcomes. My goal is to build a career where I can make a meaningful impact by helping solve real-world problems on a global scale. I believe Lewis & Clark is the right place to start that journey.

UWC helped spark a deep love of travel in me. During my gap year, I had the chance to visit Mexico, Colombia, and South Africa. I’ve always found Latin America fascinating, and I wanted to experience the culture firsthand. Staying with locals gave me a completely different perspective, very different from what I’d experienced in both Europe and East Africa. It made me appreciate how much there is to learn just by being open and present in new environments.

At Lewis & Clark, I’m excited not just about academics, but also about exploring the beautiful state of Oregon and building new connections with people from all walks of life.