Hey ya'll! My Name is Makoa I am a 1st generation Native Hawaiian​/​Pacific Islander student who grew up in Hockinson Washington with a population of around 2500 people. Coming to Vanderbilt University has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I've had. coming from knowing every person in my town to now being in graduating class of nearly that population has been quite a shock. There are many amazing things about this campus but also plenty of bad everyone comes with a collection of different experiences and it's doubtful that everyone will understand that but also those that do become lifelong friends. I will never sugar coat things about this school and am more than happy to share my own personal experiences on campus. All that to say there is not another school in the world I would rather study at. I look forward to meeting you and ANCHOR DOWN -Makoa Lewis BA Percussion Performance and CAL Vanderbilt University '29

Hometown

Longview Washington

Major(s)

Percussion Performance, CAL(Culture, Advocacy and Leadership)

Minor(s)

Political Philosophy

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I am currently the Vice President of Programming for the Beta Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. I also participate in united campus which encourages debates on difficult subjects. I also to additional performance opportunities in and around Nashville.

Describe your college experience

Vanderbilt University advertises this beautiful campus with a vibrant community where anyone can fit in. While it is advertising to get students to apply it has been nothing but true. Once I was on campus I was appalled how I felt like I could approach anyone. that I had this massive network of resources to help aid me through this massive shift in my life.

Tip for future students

The biggest tip I can give to new students at Vanderbilt is that this is the time and place to give it your all. Do everything, meet everyone, pursue new things, find your own path and outline your own dream. Now is the time to find yourself and there's no better campus to do that than at Vandy.

Favorite class

Music Theory has been my favorite course because I have always been fascinated with how music is structured, so to know see the analytical side of harmony and breaking it down into something written and tangible has been incredibly fun to learn about.

Career goals

In music the best path I can take is to diversity. I want to teach at the university level perform professionally and the big dream end goal is to create a foundation, that makes music education more accessible and affordable to low-income rural students. I landed on this as a dream because as someone who is a low-income rural student, I found the lack of accessibility to be my biggest downfall and it's at no fault but the system so my dream is to change that.

Ideal way to spend a free night

If it's a free night there are so many different things to do, for me I love going to the Schermerhorn center downtown to watch the Nashville Symphony perform. Students get $10 tickets and it is never a bad time. If I'm not watching a show it's always nice to kick back with friends, or to spend time reading or practicing music.

High school or secondary school

Hockinson High School

Previous college

Clark College

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is Greek row, it sits next to all of the beautiful residential halls, Zeppo's tower and our central dining hall. Anytime on Greek row you can go and meet people hangout in the street, pass a ball around and just hangout on one of the most beautiful parts of campus.