Rhiannon Griffiths

Kai Emery

UWC attended: Armand Hammer United World College of the American West (USA)
Class Year: Class of 2024

Most of my life I lived in a rural area, on an island that’s often left off maps! Growing up in New Zealand, I loved being by the ocean but also having mountains and great hiking trails nearby. To me, Lewis and Clark feels like a home away from home! A small school with many similarities to my home country. Lewis and Clark’s virtual tour came to life for me; I see myself walking amongst the trees heading to an Environmental Affairs Symposium surrounded by amazing friends, feeling the community vibe that Lewis and Clark is renowned for. The questions I had about college were all answered by Lewis and Clark; diversity, small classes and amazing overseas programs.

In 2015, I studied in France as an exchange student for 6 months. An experience that introduced me to travelling and the benefits of experiencing different cultures. Since then I have always looked for opportunities to deepen my global understanding and awareness of other cultures which is what drew me to both UWC and Lewis and Clark.

UWC USA was undoubtedly two of the best years of my life. I have made lifelong friends and learnt so much about myself and others from living in ‘The Land of Enchantment’, New Mexico. Outside the classroom, Wilderness was a large part of my high school experience; hiking through New Mexico and even the Grand Canyon! I can’t wait to further my Wilderness skills in the College Outdoors program.

Aside from Wilderness, I am also extremely passionate about the environment. I feel I would thrive on Lewis and Clark’s Sustainability Council. Reading their initiatives on reducing single use plastic and encouraging low carbon activities, I know my passion for the environment will be welcomed and I believe I can bring a unique perspective and innovative ideas to the table. As well as supporting the Council’s activities, I would love to implement an on-campus Thrift Store and an Earth Week! Majoring in Environmental Studies, I am extremely excited to get involved in everything sustainability/environmentally focused at Lewis and Clark.