My name is Andrea Constanza and I was born in Santiago - the capital of Chile known due to its shape of a “chili-pepper” and the on-going Copa America. I lived in the big capital until my family decided to undergo an adventurous life in Switzerland, the “land of chocolate.” I was able to experience Switzerland from the side of a foreigner that can often be very hard and not as sweet as the Swiss chocolate. I worked with refugees and foreigners, whose stories drove me to be involved in helping them and working in social organizations. The opportunity of being part of the UWC movement came just in the right moment for me, as I was hungry for more experience of life and wanted to discover the world from other perspectives.
Pearson College was the place that allowed me to explore and get to know myself better. As I look back, I can see how much I took from this experience – I met not only people from all over the world with diverse and rich experiences and life stories, but I was able to build up personal connections with students and the place itself surrounded by a mystical forest. The experience I enjoyed the most was discovering this mysterious forest – because it changed with time, seasons, and the people you shared this space and adventure with.
Additionally, at Pearson College I discovered my passion and deep interest into the Middle East and to my roots, Latino America; throughout my experience at this college I found the connection between both regions and my interest in studying something related to both. Thus, I was driven by the course of International Affairs with the combination of learning Arabic for the first time and taking some Theatre courses to continue my love for theatre.
Lewis & Clark College was one of my first choices and I am very happy to have the opportunity to be part of this college. I chose Lewis and Clark because it has the four ingredients I was looking for in a college: a small community surrounded by nature but at the same time connected to the city of Portland and having UWC students present.
Outside the academic aspect of L&C I want to be involved in dance and theatre activities. I would like to pursue my passion for soccer and be able to challenge myself in expanding my little musical skills. I also would be interested in participating in any kind of creative writing groups or in L&C radio.
At the end of my L&C experience I want to feel fulfilled and happy with the choices I made. I want to try as many diverse paths as possible and I hope to be able to give my best and put my heart in anything that destiny brings me.