Sharing a favorite secret study spot

Lisa Van Steeter

Pronouns

She/Her/Hers

Hometown

Corvallis, OR

Areas of Study

Major: International Political Economy

Minors: Spanish

Campus Involvement

Varsity Tennis

Spanish Subject Tutor at the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching

Vice President of the Student Association for the Race and Pedagogy Institute

Peer Advisor

Copy Editor for The Trail and The Slab

What has been your favorite academic experience at Puget Sound and why? 

My International Political Economy (IPE) 101 class was definitely a highlight! It was the first class I ever went to during my first semester at Puget Sound (on an early Monday morning when most of us students were still waking up). The professor, who I have taken multiple classes with since, was so passionate about the course material— it blew me away! She definitely woke up all of our class and got us excited to go to class early in the mornings. I came to college completely undecided about what I was going to major in, and this class decided it for me. It taught me how much I loved interdisciplinary learning and studying international issues. I went to the professor’s office hours every week and developed a really meaningful relationship with her. She was the first of countless caring, compassionate, challenging, and supportive professors I have had at Puget Sound. At the end of the term, I remember writing the longest paper I had ever written in my life for that class, but that it felt easy because I was so excited about my topic. IPE 101 was engaging, a huge growth experience, and taught me a ton about the world as well as about my own interests!

Where is your favorite place to study on Campus?

The tables at the end of the office hallways in Wyatt Hall (shh ... don’t tell too many people). There are some beautiful rooms at the end of professors’ offices in Wyatt with huge glass windows on two sides. They’re really peaceful and cozy!

In only one sentence, please describe what you value the most about your Puget Sound experience. 

I feel more loved, supported, and believed in by my friends and professors than I thought was possible.

What is one college moment/achievement you are the most proud of?

Our women’s tennis team made it to the conference championships last year for the first time in many, many, many years. When we won our match against Whitworth after losing to them earlier in the season, I felt filled with pride, joy and an overwhelming amount of love. Of course the match outcome mattered, but the feeling of community I felt with my teammates, and the realization that I have a family at Puget Sound that I never expected to find at college...that was priceless. I think that our team’s closeness is really a reflection of the community we have on campus (I know that’s cheesy, but seriously. People here care.)

If you woke up one morning with a super power, what would it be and what would be the first thing you would do with this new power?

I would say fly, but that’s not super unique, so I think it would be to bring whatever foods I wanted wherever I wanted to go without having to refrigerate them or carry them! I would go whitewater rafting and bring a lasagna, endless snickerdoodles, and peach crumble.

Lia's Interests at Puget Sound

The Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching promotes collaboration, curiosity, and critical thinking among peers. The CWLT is home to Writing Advisors, Subject Tutors, Language Partners, and more!

The Race & Pedagogy Institute (RPI) is a collaboration of the University of Puget Sound and the South Sound community to educate students and teachers at all levels to think critically about race, to cultivate terms and practices for societal transformation, and to act to eliminate racism.