Alana Taniguchi, junior

From: Kailua, Hawaii

Exploring: Economics

Hitting the books: Hawaii’s economy isn’t spectacular, so I’m studying economics in the hope that, if I learn more, I’ll be able to change public policy to benefit people back home. But what I like best about Lewis & Clark is that it’s more than just econ classes-it’s about exploring all of my interests.

Hitting the water: Crew is such a good sport. You push yourself hard, and just when you think you can’t go anymore, you do. In Hawaii, we don’t have crew because there’s no flat water. Here at Lewis & Clark we have a great team, and the Willamette River is awesome in the mornings.

Island hopping: Lewis & Clark’s Hawaii Club was originally for students from Hawaii, but now half of our members are non-Hawaiians who are interested in learning more about the islands. That’s better, I think, because we’re sharing our culture with other people. I’m looking forward to cochairing the Luau this year. It’s a huge production, and everybody works together to make the show great.

Going overseas: I spent last semester in Japan on an overseas program, and I miss it already. I studied at Kansai Gaidai University and lived with a host family, which was a great experience. They spoke no English, so it forced me to speak Japanese. More importantly, I got to know what it’s really like to be Japanese. I’m fourth-generation Japanese-Hawaiian- Chinese, and I thought my family was pretty Japanese, but we’re not even close! The experience changed me—it broadened my perspective and introduced me to people who are now good friends.

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