Gabrielle Castro, '12
Conifer, CO
Biology

So far, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere has proven to be my favorite thing about first year at L&C. Everyone here is so nice!

I recommend trying new things, no matter how difficult or different they seem — my favorite class so far is Intro to Psychology. I’ve also studied Spanish a bit, and hope to go on the Cuba overseas program in the future.

In my free time I play on the Varsity Softball team, practice the violin, play Frisbee, and participate in LINCS (a mentor group for freshmen), as well as bake, snowboard, and watch movies. I have to say that life at L&C is pretty fantastic.

Neil Hilton, '11
Kalispell, MT
International Affairs

A lot of people outside of L&C ask what exactly a degree in International Affairs will prepare me to do. I generally tell them at first that I’ll be qualified to drive a taxi in any country, and then change the subject before they have a chance to think that statement through.

IA majors do have it pretty good, though — we have some of the most worldly faculty (ever been taught by a former adviser to the Shah of Iran or an ex-CIA agent?), and great opportunities for the future.

In the spring of 2009, I’ll be taking a leave of absence from L&C and studying for a semester at the American University of Beirut. After that I might do an internship with the US State Department, before I come back to Portland.

My classes now don’t leave me with a whole lot of free time, but I also compete on the L&C Forensics team in parliamentary debate and short preparation speaking, participate in Model UN, play music, snowboard, hike, and sometimes remember to sleep. Sometimes.

Kate Settle, '10
Boulder, CO
International Affairs, Political Science, History

I'm very involved with the IA department, helping to organize the annual International Affairs Symposium. I've also worked part-time in the Watzek Library archives. I haven't been abroad yet, but there are plenty of options!

In my free time, I enjoy finding new places to go in Portland, checking out all the goods at Saturday Market, playing Risk, and reading - books or the New York Times!