Chris Merchant, Class of 2011

Born in : New Jersey, USA

Has lived in : India, Portugal, Singapore and USA

High school : Mahindra United World College of India

Major : Undecided

My name is Chris Merchant. I've lived in a variety of places. I was born in New Jersey and then moved to New Delhi in India. After a few years in India I moved back to NJ. A few years later we moved again to Portland, OR. When I was in 9th grade my family moved to Cascais, Portugal. At the end of 10th grade my family moved to Singapore, where I followed them for the summer before going to boarding school in India. The school I attended there was the Mahindra United World College of India. The year I graduated my family moved to Jakarta, Indonesia and I came back to the United States to Lewis and Clark college.

In my free time I love to listen to music, play guitar, talk with my friends and explore the city of Portland. I am also a member on the TCK board.

Many people ask me what it was like to live in many different places and cultures growing up as a kid. When I was younger I found it hard to move around and wished I could stay in one place. Now thinking back on the experiences I was able to have, the places I was lucky enough to travel to I cannot help but feel blessed. My travels and life experiences have opened my eyes to the rest of the world and given me a whole new level of global awareness. Additionally through these travels I have gained a lot of insight into myself, and my community.