Katrina Kuzmina

What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?

My favorite class so far has been the marketing seminar with guest lecturers Amanda Hill and Gary Korotzer through the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership. I thought marketing was unethical since I had a very narrow understanding of it. Throughout the course, I got acquainted with ethical marketing practices and it broadened my perspective. Currently, I am applying for marketing internships and want to find a way to connect it to my future career.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

The high school I went to offered an experience to learn the value of living in a close-knit community. That is why, when looking for a college, I was focused on finding a place with a community that strives for mutual inspiration and support. That was what I saw at Lewis & Clark.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

Liberal arts is breadth with a focus. You get exposure to a variety of disciplines and conversations and you are also well-prepared for a specific professional field.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I lived in Forest (Manzanita), Holmes, and West Apartments. Manzanita is a rebel: it’s an eagle and a fern. It’s lively, on the edge; it’s on its own wave. Holmes is more organized: it’s professional and respectful. West is very cozy. You get your own space, but you also see friends around. I love living on campus because I like being surrounded by people who are walking in a similar direction with me. Being at the same stage of life, we share interests, lifestyles, and goals, which creates a very encouraging environment.

Where do you find community on campus?

My initial community on campus was with international students. Experiencing American education and culture for the first time creates a lot for the international students to unite upon. Then I started branching out. Lewis & Clark Dance Company is a community I am currently part of. It’s very welcoming and fun. Surrounding yourself with other choreographers and dancers and being given space to collaborate is incredibly rewarding. College Outdoors and my student jobs on campus became another great place to find community and meet new friends on campus.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience so far?

I am planning to spend my entire junior year abroad. In the fall, I will go to Berlin. As a dancer, I am eager to get acquainted with the capital of modern dance and walk the streets that Pina Baush and Rudolf von Laban danced throughIn the spring, I will be in Australia for a regional study. I look forward to this immersive cultural, historical, and botanical encounter with a part of the world so unimaginably distant.

Did you choose to do all-remote learning or hybrid learning this academic year? How did you make your choice?

The fall semester I had to study fully remote simply because I could not acquire my visa in time to come to campus. Spring semester, I decided on the hybrid model and I am very happy to be back. The amount of learning outside of the classroom at L&C is impressive, so it is great to be physically present here to experience it.

What are the main challenges you’ve faced as a student during the pandemic?

Studying from home has been incredibly challenging. Combining two lives at the same time: being a student at a college and being with family and friends at home was difficult. It is like we are trying to fully be present at both places but can’t really get there.

What unexpected bright spots have you encountered?

Zoom classes are the best for knitting! If my hands are not occupied, they start wandering around, checking email, messaging, doing other assignments. But when my hands are knitting, my full attention is devoted to class! Over the course of the fall semester, I’ve knitted 4 sweaters and got excellent grades for my courses!

What, if any, changes in the classroom or on campus would you like to see continued post-COVID?

I am looking forward to people reuniting, reconnecting, and rejoining. There has been such a social hunger proliferating. I am looking forward to everyone satisfying this hunger to the fullest: meeting new people, seeing old friends, and having surprising encounters with strangers.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Contact a current L&C student to talk about the school and ask them all the questions you have! Or, just ask them to share their experience! I am sure so many people would be happy to help. Asking about the experience of current students is the best way to learn about the school and get a sense of whether or not you would be a good match for each other.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

The lawn of the Graduate School of Education and Counseling.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

Cool bands that come to play and how personal their concerts are!