Niccolo Jose, sophomore

From: Makati City, Philippines

Exploring: Environmental studies

Changing environments: I have friends and family all over the world, and one of the reasons I chose Lewis & Clark was that none of them was here. I was looking for a place that would not feel like home. I wanted to meet new people and be forced to try different things, to develop myself. Lewis & Clark seemed like a great place to do that.

Welcoming the unexpected: When I left for college, my parents told me, “Use 50 percent of your time for what you want to do, and leave 50 percent for what you don’t expect.” I came here with an interest in theatre, but I discovered a passion for environmental science and sculpture.

Making a statement: I’m starting to find connections between my interests. My next sculpture is an environmental art piece. I’m going to create the head and torso of a man made entirely from twigs. He’ll be bending forward with his hands outstretched, touching the ground, but his heart is being pulled out toward the southeast, toward the Philippines. The inspiration came yesterday, when a friend called from home just to say that she missed me.

Leaving a mark: You don’t have to go far to get a good education, but I chose to so that I could explore. I’ll return to the Philippines after I graduate, but before then I hope to create an art piece that will remain on campus. Years from now, I’ll know that I contributed, that I left something behind. That I was here.

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