Valcourt Honore
Valcourt Honore, Class of 2017
Hometown: Port au Prince, Haiti
Major: BA, Economics
Started in Academic English Studies: fall semester, 2013
Why Lewis & Clark?
My high school was at the United World College in Costa Rica. Friends there told me that the West Coast culture in the U.S. was friendly and open-minded. I explored the Lewis & Clark website and watched the videos. I decided that I would choose Lewis & Clark for my undergraduate studies.
Benefits of AES
The Academic English Studies classes allowed me to practice the skills I needed for undergraduate studies. It was a great transition time where I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes and learn. In AES, I got to observe a regular undergraduate class and learn what to expect in terms of workload and class structure. AES matched me with a Community Friend family. We are still friends today!
Opportunities at Lewis & Clark
There are so many opportunities. I had so many chances to be involved in clubs on campus and develop my leadership skills. My junior year, I studied in Spain for my overseas experience. I also participated in two short-term travel programs. One was to Cuba to study renewable energy. This led me to work with a Lewis & Clark alumna on a project to provide solar panels for schools in Haiti. I also served as a student leader on a spring break trip to Arizona to study immigration issues. I won a 100 Projects for Peace grant to develop computer literacy in Haiti. All of these experiences gave me the opportunity to learn skills that I see as important for my future goals. I’m interested in politics and leadership.
What is next?
I will take a year for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) experience. I plan to apply to graduate programs in Economics. I want to prepare myself to serve my country, Haiti, to make change for the better. Lewis & Clark gave me the opportunity and support to pursue this goal.
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