Maozhu Zhao, Class of 2012

My name is Maozhu Zhao. For the last two years I have studied at Lewis & Clark College. I was so surprised that I didn’t feel very homesick because there have been so many fun things to do here. At first, I thought I would be an economics major, as my parents suggested, but after I took a variety of classes at L&C, I decided to choose my own major, studio art.  I feel proud of making my own choice.

I met some Japanese friends in my first year. For the first time in my life I became interested in Japanese culture. I also learned some Japanese during the summer break. Last year, I sent in my application to study on Lewis & Clark’s study abroad programs in Japan and I was accepted!. As an international student from China, I have really enjoyed my college life here in the US.  College life here is totally different from my country. I think it will be so much fun to study in Japan, too! I just wish I could stay in college longer so I could have more chances to join other overseas programs, like the one in Africa.

I was working in our school cafeteria’s bakery my first year at L&C. I had never worked in my country before. Working at L&C was such a happy time, especially spending time with my co-workers.  They are so friendly and nice! Since my school work was getting so demanding, I had to stop working in the bakery, but that experience definitely made so many good memories.

Only two years are left before I graduate. I am already starting to miss everything about L&C—our performances in the International fair, our kayaking trip, camping, make cookies for Valentine’s Day. I have experienced So many things in these two years. I made friends from many different countries and heard stories about their own experiences. One of the nicest things is that when you are walking around campus, there are so many people who say hi to you.  The whole campus is like a big class and everyone knows each other.