Maggie Beutler

Maggie Beutler BA '21

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’21

Hometown

Portland, Oregon

Major

Psychology

Minor

Rhetoric and Media Studies

Extracurriculars

Resident Advisor

Overseas study

India fall 2019

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Unique, Innovative, Calm

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

My favorite class taken thus far was my statistics class taught by Professor of Psychology Brian Detweiler-Bedell. I am not a mathematical person by any means, but Professor Detweiler-Bedell professor made the subject dynamic and easy to understand. I felt as though he took an extremely complicated subject and made sure each and every one of his students were able to understand it, despite their skill level. Professor Detweiler-Bedell made me feel confident I could succeed and I am excited to take more of his classes in the future.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

My mentor on campus would have to be my area director Amanda Sarantis. She understands fully the stress that comes with being a college student, and the insane amount of responsibility forced upon us. I look to her for words of encouragement, advice, and a good laugh. She keeps me honest and she keeps me going. Amanda reminds me that life is completely manageable and time can heal almost every major wound.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

My original plan was always to go out of state. No part of me wanted to remain in Portland. However, after being accepted to Lewis & Clark I realized that I was much more caught up in the person I wanted to people to think that I was. Lewis & Clark encouraged me to be who I really was. I understand now that even though Lewis & Clark was not what I originally wanted, it was always what I needed. I do not regret my decision to attend this college because it has taught me the importance of being genuine.

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 plan on studying abroad in India during the fall of 2019 my junior year at Lewis & Clark. I am very excited that our school has such amazing overseas opportunities. I have always wanted to visit India but never known when that would be. However, when I read about this program I realized that this was the perfect opportunity and I needed to take advantage of it. It is my intention to study abroad the spring of 2020 as well, although I have yet to finalize my area of interest. I am happy to know that there are a lot of capable people on campus to help advise me in my next big step.

How did you get involved with Campus Living? What has your involvement with Campus Living added to your L&C experience?

I wanted to be a resident advisor from the very beginning of my freshman year, however, I was not sure I would ever be able to become one. The year I applied was one of the most competitive years and everyone I met seemed more than capable. Therefore, when I received the role I was extremely hesitant and unsure if Campus Living truly made the right decision in choosing me. However, everyone I have met thus far has been nothing but kind and welcoming. The Campus Living staff has helped me get through some of my hardest days and they have truly become my home away from home. I am grateful for the kind hearts and like-minded individuals that make up Campus Living and I cannot imagine being surrounded by a better team of people.

Why did you decide to become a resident advisor?

I am currently an RA for the fourth floor of Edna L. Holmes Hall. Being an RA has made my college experience so much better than I ever thought it could be. I originally wanted to become a resident advisor because so many people had told me that I would be good at it. I didn’t realize how much confidence and joy I would actually receive after becoming a part of the Campus Living Team. Being an RA is definitely a full-time job, but one of the most rewarding. I have made some of my very best friends after becoming an RA and become so much more social in the process. I am proud of myself for challenging myself and go after something I actually wanted because if I hadn’t applied, I think I would have always regretted not giving myself a chance.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Do not get caught up in brand name schools when applying to college. Focus on how you learn and what kind of person you would like to become. Large flashy schools can offer you many superficial luxuries but college is about development, and you will never become the best version of yourself somewhere you don’t belong. Lewis & Clark is a small urban campus with an average class size of 18 students. If you would like to be known as an individual, this is a great school for that.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is Maggie’s Cafe. If I am not in my room or class, there is a good chance I will be there.

How did you decide on a major?

I was actually very unsure of what I wanted to major in coming into Lewis & Clark, however, I really utilized the resources on campus to help me decide. I set up a meeting with my college advisor in the College Advising Center and talked about my true areas of interest and was even able to construct a four-year plan. Together we discovered my passion for understanding people and I signed up for my first psychology class the following semester. Ever since I have not looked back and been much happier than I was when I was trying to pick majors that made me seem cooler or smarter than I was. I am happy I went with something I cared about rather than something I felt as if I needed to care about.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

One of my favorite things to tell people is that, “Lewis & Clark is a school made up of the most unlikely friends.” I feel as though I have become much more accepting and dynamic since attending Lewis & Clark and I am grateful for the self-discovery. I enjoy the different people who surround me and the changes I have needed to make. For the first time, I feel as though I am being seen as an individual and it is such a relief not to feel boxed in or labeled the way I was in high school.