This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Portland chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
As their graduation approaches, Her Campus took the time to interview Portland’s reigning seniors on staff before they depart and head off into the real world. First off, Katie (Kathleen) Doyle!
Name: Katie Doyle
Year: Senior
Major: English and Secondary Education
Hometown: Camas, Washington
What is your favorite memory from your years at UP? It’s hard to name just one. I have lots of fond memories in the West Quad, laughing until the early hours of the morning with friends. Doing lots of sneaking. Then there was that time when the entire (ENTIRE) commons sang Bohemian Rhapsody together during my freshman year. And, of course, magical times are always had on the bluff or out at the SLUG garden.
What is the best piece of advice a professor told you? I can’t remember anything word-for-word, but I frequently visited my advisor, Dr. Thacker, when I was having doubts about becoming a teacher. He didn’t necessarily offer any blatant advice, but he was very encouraging during a time when I didn’t think I could make it.
Out of all classes that you have taken, of which would you recommend to others? It’s a toss up. Dr. Baasten and Dr. Duff’s Marriage class is very interesting. I’d recommend French with Madame Booth as well; she brightened my day every time I saw her. Just don’t “flirtez” with anyone in her class.
What are three things you would say to an incoming freshman? 1. It’s okay to ask for help; everybody needs it at some point, 2. Do what makes you happy, not what follows the rules; there are no rules, 3. Savor your time here. You may never again get to be this kind of learner–and you definitely won’t get to live with 300 of your peers after college :-)
What are your highest recommendations for things to do in the Portland area? Go to trivia nights, hike to the top of Hamilton Mountain, drive Germantown Road in the summertime, and visit Javier’s Tacos on Lombard between 2 and 5am.
Which events that UP held were the most worth your time? I had a great time at the dances (which decreased in frequency every year that I’ve been here, unfortunately) and loved being a part of event planning as an RA. Otherwise, I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t really attend a lot of the events put on by UP. The school does a good job of getting authors to come to campus and I was very impressed that CPB managed to get Macklemore to perform.
What are your plans for this summer? I’m actually moving in with Laura, fellow Her Campus writer and BFFL. We’ll be living in a house in No Po until the fall. I have several good prospects for jobs, but no concrete plans yet. If all goes well, I’ll be teaching English come September!
What was your favorite article to write for University of Portland’s Her Campus page? I liked writing the
Campus Celebrity article on Chloe Ruffin. It was nice to be able to give some recognition to a fellow UP collegiette who is so deserving of appreciation and attention for her accomplishments.
What are your best learned lessons from your years in college? One of the most important things I learned was to always understand that people are the way they are for a reason. Before college, I had a very concrete and strict version of what “normal” was, and it made me quick to judge others. A lot of this lesson was learned when I began working out in the Portland public schools. The students who I would have labeled as “lazy” or “stupid” in high school were experiencing struggles outside of their control. Watching them inspired a profound sympathy that has stayed with me and has translated into all parts of my life.
See Laura Atwell’s interview on the next page!
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Name: Laura Atwell
Year: Senior
Major: Communication Studies, Fine Arts
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
What is your favorite memory from your years at UP? Impossible to narrow it down to just one! Dance parties, triples in Mehling, late nights on the Bluff, long dinners in the Commons, RA shenanigans, talks with mentors and professors; these four years are filled with favorite memories.
What is the best piece of advice a professor gave you? How to be comfortable when speaking in public. I actually really enjoy public speaking now; it used to terrify me.
Out of all classes that you have taken, of which would you recommend to others? Marine Science with Coach Bob, Social Media with Dr. Fletcher, Interpersonal Communication with Dr. Kerssen-Griep, any/every art class offered at UP
What are three things you would say to an incoming freshman? 1. Work hard and play hard with no regrets 2. Challenge yourself to try new things and find out what you’re passionate about 3. Make this time count and stay busy – you can sleep when you graduate!
What are your highest recommendations for things to do in the Portland area? Frequent the food carts, explore the different neighborhoods, drink lots of coffee, and take a trip to the Oregon coast.
Which events that UP held were the most worth your time? The dances!
What are your plans for this summer? This will actually be my first summer staying in Portland so I’m looking forward to working in social media with a digital marketing agency and moving into an apartment in the city. Plus, I’m excited to see the sunny side of Portland!
What was your favorite article to write for University of Portland’s Her Campus page? I’ve loved them all! But it’s probably a tie between writing about the importance of your best girlfriends and menswear trends for women.
What are your best learned lessons from your years in college? Don’t settle for indifference – be interested in the world around you and live with purpose. Be yourself and don’t apologize for what makes you happy. Genuinely invest time in your relationships with friends and family. Do what you love. Stay busy but remember to take breaks and take care of yourself. Create your own luck. And in the wise words of my mother, happiness is a decision. Love and laugh every day.
