Leah Huffington
I was eager to attend a liberal arts college with an emphasis on cultivating relationships with surrounding local community members and organizations.
Pronouns
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Major
Minor
Extracurriculars
Overseas study
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What’s your favorite class? Why?
So far, my favorite class has been Latinoamérica y España: de la ilustración a la edad moderna with Associate Professor Freddy Vilches. His teachings about literary movements rebelling against oppressive regimes or social norms from the 18th century to present have allowed me to contextualize the diverse array of Latin American identities within social, political, and historical contexts. His emphasis on the works of historically marginalized voices across Latin America and Spain are truly an asset in creating a classroom culture of inclusivity, critical thinking, and discussion-based learning.
Professor Freddy is truly an inspiration. Not only is he kind and attentive to his students’ needs, he is thought provoking and highly engaging. Ultimately, contextualizing the formation of Latin American identities socially, politically, and historically has strengthened my global consciousness crucial to serving Spanish-speaking communities in the nonprofit sector.
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
As the perfect blend of city and nature, Portland shines with endless possibilities for exploration, adventure, and self-discovery. As someone raised in the concrete streets of Southern California, I was eager to attend a school teeming with hiking trails and evergreen trees. Additionally, I was eager to attend a liberal arts college with an emphasis on cultivating relationships with surrounding local community members and organizations.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
I want to major in economics, specifically in national monetary policy, in order to close the racial income gap between privileged groups and marginalized communities following grad school. Ultimately, I aspire to dedicate my career to efficiently allocating resources to socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?’
Hispanic studies serves as an opportunity to cultivate my growth mindset while perceiving and endorsing differing viewpoints of all Latin American identities, henceforth fostering a climate of awareness and collective action.
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?
Undertaking a study abroad opportunity in Seville, Spain, will continue to develop my role as an active, global citizen while advancing my cultural and global perspectives, which will prove crucial for navigating the systematic inequalities stifling Spanish-speaking populations in the United States. I intend to work with diverse populations in order to revitalize Latino development. Nevertheless, doing so requires a framework of understanding for social and cultural issues in an increasingly diverse labor force. Thus, I feel that in order to communicate new research findings and economic concepts to a diverse audience, I must advance and strengthen my interpretive and analytical skills in Spanish to advocate for marginalized voices in the United States.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
The coast’s unique ecosystems are dynamic; they are always shifting and transforming over time. Similarly, college is about adapting, learning, and growing in areas of your life that you never thought possible. So, embrace the change! It’s an opportunity for some self-discovery and personal growth. Also, invest in a waterproof backpack. Trust me, you’re gonna need it.
