Caroline Menten

English Major at Reed College

Portland, Oregon, United States

About

I am a rising senior at Reed College and am currently studying English literature with a minor in Environmental Humanities. I am interested in entanglement, ecocriticism, and the kinds of stories people tell. I love exploring how stories regarding "nature" and other cultural conceptions impact broader events and actions within the world. I also love working with youth in education and extracurricular settings, and I'm passionate about teaching. When I am not studying for classes, I love to explore the beautiful trails and climbs of the Pacific Northwest!

Experience

  • Reed College (1 yr 7 mos)
    • President's Summer Fellow
      May 2026 - Present · 3 mos

      In partnership with NRS (Northwest River Supplies) and Columbia Land Trust, I will engage critically with the Columbia River as both a lived and imagined landscape by paddling 430 miles from Astoria, Oregon, to Lewiston, Idaho. I wish to explore how language can act to limit and realize ways in which we interact with the Snake River Chinook salmon. How does the English language characterize beings as inanimate, and how can it work to subvert it? Moreover, how can we move forward with conservation when the words we use have so much behind them? .

    • Gray Fund Outdoor Cordinator
      Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

      Created, planned and coordinated student/faculty/staff outdoor trips Coordinated logistics and saftey planning with outdoor companies, trip leaders, drivers, and wilderness first responders

    • Spring Symposium Student Mentor
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

      Mentored underclassmen at Reed College in skills and tools for excelling in rigorous academic settings Facilitated group discussions surrounding student life and academic coursework Helped in shaping a positive community for studying at Reed

  • Sea Kayak Guide at Alaska Sea Kayakers
    May 2025 - Jul 2025 · 3 mos

    Lead sea kayak tours in remote areas of Prince William Sound Ensure group safety and manage on-water risk Provide interpretation on glaciers, wildlife, and climate change Communicate clearly with guests in dynamic outdoor settings

  • Reed College (1 yr 1 mo)
    • Outdoor Trip Leader
      Aug 2024 - Aug 2024 · 1 mo

      Led a group of incoming Freshman on a rock-climbing excursion while ensuring the safety and well-being of each member.

    • Office Assistant
      Aug 2023 - Aug 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Manage and Organize School Data

  • Counselor at Camp K: Campfire Alaska
    May 2024 - Jul 2024 · 3 mos

    Facilitated and supervised daily projects, hikes, and waterfront activities for children aged 6-17 Ensured child safety in a wilderness setting Collaborated with organizations promoting an inclusive environment for all children – Military families, Asthma and Allergy, Diabetes, etc.