Hannah Ring

I chose Lewis & Clark because after I came to visit it felt like how the word home makes me feel.

Hannah Ring '19

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’19

Hometown

Ashland, Oregon

Major

Psychology

Extracurriculars

Admissions Tour Guide and Lunch Host, Student Leadership Services Volunteer

Overseas study

India and Ireland

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

Inclusive, Passionate, BirksAndSocks

What has been your favorite class so far? How did it expand your knowledge?

So far, my favorite class has been Education in a Complex World. This class uncovered problems within the public schooling system, while simultaneously revealing the potential that our education system could have.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I chose Lewis & Clark because after I came to visit it felt like how the word home makes me feel. When I visited other colleges, I would picture myself back at L&C. And if I closed my eyes and imagined myself studying or simply thought of the word college, I would see myself sitting in Watzek Library or on the lawn under a big tree at Lewis & Clark.

Where do you find community at Lewis & Clark?

I found community through my work with the Admissions Office. The tour guides, lunch hosts, and overnight hosts all come from different departments and perspectives and yet we all share a love for Lewis & Clark. Through the meetings and trainings, we have all become good friends. I also find community through my classes. My peers chose their classes with care, and thus have a genuine interest in what they are studying. These shared interests make a strong foundation for community among students both within and outside of the classroom.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the large bridge that passes over the ravine. My first year I got to walk over it every day on the way to class and each time it felt like I was about to start a wonderful adventure.

How did you choose your overseas program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience so far?

I chose to go to India because I wanted to challenge myself and I already had a connection to the culture. I practiced classical Indian dance (Bharatanatyam) for four years in middle school, so when I first learned about the program I knew immediately that it was right for me.

Allowing for both an adventure and internal self-exploration, my overseas experience in India has absolutely been the highlight of my time at Lewis & Clark. I came back to campus feeling like a different person—I was changed in ways I never knew were possible and I am endlessly grateful for it. I will be studying abroad again during my senior year on the Ireland program, and can’t wait!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

If I could tell a prospective student anything it would be to take a deep breath. The college process can be stressful and nerve-wracking, but more than anything it can be exciting. College is a huge transition but it should be viewed as an adventure and a journey of self-discovery. Look for the campus and community that you feel most comfortable and at home with, and que sera sera, everything else will fall into place.