Sofia Reeves

Sofia Reeves BA '23

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’23

Hometown

Sacramento, California

Major

Biology

Minor

Gender Studies

Extracurriculars

Opinion editor for The Log, biology teaching assistant, Gender Studies Symposium cochair

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

Creative, Interdisciplinary, Passionate

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

My favorite class I have taken at L&C was Evolution with Professor Paulette Bierzychudek. I loved this class because I learned so much about how the principles of evolution touch every aspect of biology. I felt like I learned something fascinating and new every day in that class.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I decided to come because it seemed like a great fit for my personal and academic interests and needs. I wanted to attend a school that would allow me to explore my interests in science without having to sacrifice my love for the humanities. I was also absolutely enchanted by the gorgeous campus, and knew that I could easily enjoy four years in such a beautiful environment.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

The liberal arts is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that allows students to expand their horizons by taking classes outside of their traditional field of study to become more well-rounded in knowledge and to experience new ideas.

Where do you find community on campus?

I have found community in many of the classes I have taken at L&C. People are often so friendly and willing to get to know you better, whether as study buddies or even as friends outside of class. I have also found an amazing community through my work with The Log. Lots of long hours and hard work makes us a really close knit, dedicated team!

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

I have been very involved with the annual Gender Studies Symposium, first as a member of the committee and then as one of the cochairs who works to plan the event. My work has involved helping to pick keynote speakers, creating panels, and leading community meetings, among many other responsibilities. Being a part of organizing this experience has been an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience for me. I think every student at Lewis & Clark can get something special from attending the symposium or being a part of organizing the event. The subject of gender studies transcends the typical boundaries of academic interest, and there is knowledge to be gained for every person who attends the symposium.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I have lived in Odell and Holmes. Odell was cozy and had a laid-back atmosphere that made it feel really homey, especially as a first-year student. Holmes was modern and clean, but still charming and open to community building. The best thing about living on campus was proximity to classes and the convenience of on-campus resources such as the dining hall, Maggie’s, and the mailroom.

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

I went backpacking in the Cascades. I had an absolutely amazing time, and it was an incredible opportunity to get to know other incoming students before NSO. I was able to connect in a really personal way with the other people on my trip, and we were able to bond, ask questions, and soothe some of our nerves about starting college.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I visited during Oregon Private College Week the summer before my senior year of high school. Visiting in person was such a valuable experience because it allowed me to see the campus firsthand, and to fall in love with how beautiful it is! During my college application process, my great impression of the college from my visit had a big influence on my decision to attend.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Try lots of different things! One of my favorite things about college has been the ability to try out tons of different classes and extracurriculars. Don’t worry if things don’t seem to “fit” with what others might expect of you. If it excites you, go for it!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is absolutely the library! I love the big windows that look out over the academic campus and the feeling of being surrounded by books. It’s such a great place to take a break between classes, meet with friends or classmates to work on a project, or find a nice study desk and get some work done.

How did you decide on a major?

I knew I wanted to study biology when I came into college, and my intro classes to the major just affirmed that this is what I wanted to study. However, I originally had no plans to do a gender studies minor until I took an intro class on a whim my first year. I was so excited and engaged by the course content that I knew I wanted to study more!

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

Since attending Lewis & Clark, I have learned to trust in myself and my abilities. I feel like I have gained important skills in self reliance, but also have learned when I need to advocate for myself and reach out for help. I have also gained such a depth of knowledge through my classes that I feel equipped to deal with whatever challenges might come my way after graduation.