Student Profile
Politician in Training
Nicole 
Schouten '05 hopes that president of the Westmont College Student Association (WCSA) is the first of many elected offices she holds. After graduating with majors in political science and philosophy, she plans to go to law school.
"I love the strategy involved in politics and enjoy being an advocate," she says. "We chose the WCSA theme 'Your Voice' this year to make sure we represent the voice of students.
"I have three goals as president," she adds. "The first is to educate students about events on campus, in the community and around the world. We make information available on our Web site, hold office hours and go into the dorms several times a semester to talk directly to students."
Nicole has also arranged for the Santa Barbara News-Press to donate newspapers everyday for all the student lounges. To encourage students to vote, WCSA ran a voter registration drive in the fall.
Another goal is asking students what they want changed on campus. Responses range from improvements in the dining commons and the shuttle service to extra time to study for finals. Nicole has worked with faculty and staff on a proposal for a study day at the beginning of finals week.
"Students appreciate the fact that we ask them what they want and let them know what is happening," she says.
Nicole's last goal is to accurately represent the voice of the students. Student leaders sit on most college committees; Nicole participates in five herself. She also meets informally with President Stan D. Gaede and Vice President of Student Life Jane Higa.
"Administrators listen to students," Nicole says. 'I expected they would be receptive, but I didn't realize how attentive they would be to student needs. And the integrity they show in dealing with opponents to the master plan has inspired me. I'm proud to be part of the college when I see how Stan Gaede and other staff respond to criticism."
Three significant internships have enriched Nicole's education. She worked for her congresswoman, Rep. Mary Bono, for a summer as a staff assistant. While she answered the phone and performed clerical duties, she also did research, talked to constituents, gave tours of the Capitol and coordinated intern activities.
During her junior year, Nicole spent a semester in Washington at American University studying public law and interning at the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives with Karl Rove. Her duties included doing research and compiling policy notebooks on faith-based initiatives, education, welfare reform and volunteer programs.
Last summer, she worked as an intern for Ed Meese, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a former attorney general for President Reagan. In addition to doing research, Nicole wrote a paper on Reagan's legal legacy and presented it to Meese and others at the Foundation.
A Heritage fellow writing a biography of Meese has asked for Nicole's assistance, and she travels to the Reagan library in Simi Valley once a week to review Meese's papers.
One day Nicole hopes to do pro bono work for the International Justice Mission and become a motivational speaker for young adults. "Helping others is important to me," she says, "whether it's securing educational opportunities for the poor, protecting religious liberties as the framers of the Constitution intended, fighting for the rights of oppressed people overseas or encouraging the youth of our country to follow their dreams."
Before law school, Nicole hopes to work in Washington, D.C., possibly at the White House. "The more I study the law, the more I like it," she says. "The issues are fascinating and have the power to improve the lives of so many people around the world."
His Heart's in Guatemala
"I can't wait to take what I have learned and share it with others who have not had the opportunities I have had."
Holding a flashlight in a rustic school house in a Guatemalan mountain village, pre-med student Scott Upton '06 aids a dental surgeon. The make-shift clinic has no electricity, yet the patients are grateful to be there. Working with Rev. Salomón and Mery Hernández, Scott helps to bring free services to the poor of Guatemala who lack access to medical services.
"W e pulled out 400 teeth in four days!" Scott says. "One man wanted 20 teeth out at one time because they were so painfully diseased and rotten. These people are some of the strongest I have ever met, smiling and grateful for anything we could do for them."
Scott went to Guatemala with Jeff Fleming, his spiritual and medical mentor and one of the many doctors who donate medical expertise out of respect for the Hernandez family's Christ-like work with the poorest of the poor.
After becoming a Christian last year, Scott has thrown his life whole-heartedly into finding and carrying out God's will. The brief time he spent aiding the medical team and Westmont students serving in Guatemala dramatically shifted his world view.
"I spent a month backpacking through Europe, but found out that I had more fun building a house for a little old lady in Guatemala," Scott says.
"I saw the Hernandez family love people and give in a way that I have never witnessed before. My whole life has changed because of it. They live their lives with nothing, yet they are continually giving to those around them. It makes me want to be more like them; more Christlike."
Surrounded by the affluence and beauty of the Westmont campus, Scott still thinks of the Guatemalan way of life.
"I have been challenged in the way I spend my money," he says. "I could buy a music CD for $15, or I could live for a day in Guatemala. Food, shelter, electricity – everything costs so little. I rarely spend money anymore. I am saving it up so I can go back and serve."
Scott hopes to return to Guatemala many times in the next three years. He plans to raise $10,000 to pay for airfare, supplies and living expenses and has volunteered to raise money and coordinate logistics for other students who want to join him in serving in Guatemala.
His most ambitious goal is raising $125,000 to complete the clinical floor of the Westmont Bethel Hospital, which the Hernandez family founded. More than 1,000 people each month receive medical attention at this facility, including those in need of surgery. The hospital has become known for the excellence of its doctors and the personal attention each patient receives regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
Knowing the time it will take to coordinate this ministry, Scott has decided not to train with the track and field team. He still gets the benefit of friendship with and spiritual support from members of the team through his part-time job doing maintenance for the track.
A transfer student from Chico State, Scott believes God has put him in the right place. He values attending classes with such good biblical training and being surrounded by people who know Christ.
"Iron is sharpening iron all over the place here," Scott says of Westmont. "I can't wait to take what I learn and share it with others who have not had the opportunities I have had."
Scott 's dream is to become a surgeon and fulfill his heart's desire to serve the poorest of the poor.
