Selam "Brook" Mentire, Class of 2011
Davis United World College Scholar
Mahindra UWC of India

Born: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Lived in: Ethiopia, India and now the USA
Major: International Affairs (probably)

Everyone at Lewis & Clark knows Selam Mentire as "Brook." When asked to explain his recent name change, Brook said, "When I was at Mahindra UWC, everyone called me 'Selam,' my official name. But at home in Ethiopia, my Mom and my sisters call me 'Brook.' Its an Amharic name and it actually has nothing to do with a running stream. I feel more comfortable with Brook and its easier for my US friends to remember."

Brook attended Mahindra United World College of India. It was his first trip outside of Ethiopia and the time spent at UWC was a wonderful experience for him. "I met lots of different friends from lots of different countries. The IB program was difficult but great. And I had some wonderful experiences traveling around India with my many friends from UWC." With his quick smile and positive outlook, it is no surprise that many students at Lewis & Clark already know "Brook."

When asked why he chose Lewis & Clark for his studies, Brook explains, "The first time I found out about Lewis & Clark was when Brian White, Associate Director of the International Office, visited Mahindra UWC. I decided to give Brian a campus tour to find out more about the College. From what I heard from Brian and from what I saw on the website, L&C appeared to be my dream college! I was sure that a school this size was perfect for me to get the necessary attention I might need. I liked the size, the beautiful campus, and the location near Portland. After spending two years on the beautiful campus so far from the city (at Mahindra UWC), I really needed to be as close to a city as possible! Lewis & Clark is perfect for me!

Brook explained that the liberal arts is another big plus for him. "One of the reasons I came to a liberal arts college is because I don't have to declare my major for the first two years. Since I am interested in lots of different things, I am not sure what my major is going to be. I would like to try out communication, international affairs, and economics. I'm taking a class in international affairs right now and I leaning more and more in that direction for a major."

When asked about life outside the classroom Brook says, "I love soccer and I am really excited that the club soccer team is getting a coach this year. I like working out in the gym, and I can't believe I'm earning credit for doing something I love to do. How awesome!" Brook goes on to talk about some extracurricular goals for the year. "I would like to learn to ski at Mt. Hood while I am at L&C. Of course, that will be a first for me because I have never seen snow! I also would like to get involved in any kind of community service where I could help the needy. That gives me great satisfaction. In India I worked with 'Manavya Children's Home'--an organization that adopts children who lost their parents due to HIV AIDS. I hope to get involved in something meaningful at Lewis & Clark.

Brook seems to be adjusting quickly to his new home in Portland. When asked what most concerns him about studying at Lewis & Clark, he stops, thinks a bit, and then says, "I really can't think of anything."

After earning his bachelor's degree in a few years, Brook says, "I hope to go to graduate school. Eventually, I would love (and hope!) to work for either the African Union or the UN.