Sara Sluszka, senior

From: Coxsackie, New York

Exploring: French and Sociology

Venturing from home: After starting at a college close to home, I transferred to Lewis & Clark because of its international focus and its opportunities to study abroad. Although I was home schooled, my parents always encouraged me to be involved in my community and to explore the world. My friends at Lewis & Clark have a similar mentality—they are involved in the world, not just in what is directly in front of them.

Discovering a new path: During my semester overseas, the people of Senegal did so much to make me comfortable. When I came home, I wanted to return their kindness, so I spent a summer in Harlem volunteering for an organization of Senegalese immigrants. They stay very connected with their home communities: In addition to sending money to their families, some also form collectives to finance wells, roads, and schools for their villages. It occurred to me that there might be great potential for funding economic development projects in Senegal through this kind of investment. The idea became the basis for my senior sociology thesis.

Forging ahead: Funded by a grant from Lewis & Clark’s Student Academic Affairs Board (SAAB), I returned to Senegal over winter break. Based on my research there, I focused my thesis on finding ways to promote dialogue between the Senegalese government and its citizens abroad to facilitate more cooperative economic development efforts. All of this has led me to consider a future in immigration law and advocacy. I’m grateful to Lewis & Clark for the role it has played in getting me even more involved in reaching out into the world.

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