The Liberal Arts Ambassadors

Amy Armento '09

Mathematics and Spanish Majors

Solana Beach, CA

I was raised in San Diego, CA, with an older brother, younger sister, and younger stepsister.  I am in my third year at Westmont College and I am a double major in Math and Spanish. I love the professors, academics and especially the community that Westmont offers and I am so glad to be in Santa Barbara! While I am still unsure of what I will do once I graduate, I am very appreciative of the support Westmont offers and am excited for what the future holds.

Anthony Campbell '11

Economics and Business Major

Sacramento, CA

I am your average God-fearing Christian, enduring all the ups and downs of life. I play guitar, as everyone and their dog seems to do here at Westmont, as well as saxophone. I am a decathlete on the Westmont Track and Field team, with dreams of breaking the GSAC record for the Decathlon. My favorite class so far has been fencing (yes with swords!), and I would say I'm not too bad. I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, tinkering, and making things. I believe the defining aspects of my personality are my curiosity, confidence, passion, and desire for challenge. I am rather ambitious, enjoy learning and learn fast, and might be construed as eccentric at times for my desire to "fight the conformity" -- within reason, of course! Here at Westmont, my goals are to grow in faith, integrity, and knowledge. In my first semester, I discovered a knack I have for accounting, and am now intent on becoming a CPA.

Back in high school, the value of a UC or CSU education was greatly emphasize, but little was said about the smaller, private liberal arts schools. By this, I might never have known about Westmont had a friend not suggested it to me. Now, I have chosen to be a Liberal Arts Ambassador in hopes of enlightening prospective college students to the lesser known venues of post-secondary education, and providing a mentor were there was none for me.

Andres Caro '11

Political Science Major

Sunnyvale, CA

I am the son of wonderful parents and the older brother to three siblings. I was born in Miami, Florida but I am 100% Colombian and proud of it. Living in Colombia for the first 8 years of my life has allowed me to retain my native culture and has helped me to appreciate all the opportunities I have here in the United States. It has been difficult moving back and forth between Colombia, California and Florida but hopefully I will be able to reside here in Santa Barbara for the rest of my undergraduate education.

At Westmont I hope to grow not only intellectually but spiritually as well. In these next four years at Westmont I plan to make academics my top priority so that I can advance into law school with a B.A. degree in political science. Being surrounded by this amazing Christian community, I hope for growth in my character and in my relationship with God. I also look forward to building life-long relationships with my professors and fellow students. Knowing that this is a crucial time in my life, I entrust that the Westmont community will help shape me into a successful and prominent follower of Christ.

Sabrina Dangc '11

Mathematics Major

Redding, CA

I grew up with two supporting parents, three older brothers, an older sister, a twin sister and a younger sister. Our family was and is very close and a constant source of support . Through them I was introduced to the joy community service. After junior high I devoted the majority of my free time to volunteer work at Christian camps, first at Lassen Pines Camp and then at Silver Spur Camp, where I was exposed to children from varying backgrounds and ages. The experience fostered humility, a good work ethic, and the heart of a servant. Such work developed into a personal passion to help others.

I grew up in the public education system and desire to have my faith and my education incorporated together. This desire lead me to Westmont, from where I hope to discover where God is leading me.

Emalie Diaz '11

History Major

Truckee, CA

Well, as you can see I grew up in Truckee, a small town near Lake Tahoe. I loved my time there and sometimes I miss it a great deal.

Being in a place like Santa Barbara and living in a community full of really great people makes it easier to be away from my home. I thank God that I can live in two equally beautiful places. I enjoy reading and napping in my spare time and am also active in Gospel Choir.

During my time at Westmont, I plan on taking advantage of the many opportunities abroad and more importantly I hope to better my relationship with my Savior. Oh and I suppose it'd be a good thing to graduate with a degree.

Andrew Elia '09

Sociology Major

Turlock, CA

Hailing from the fine city of Turlock, I am an accomplished tuba player, a devoted jazz guitarist, and a daring voyager and connoisseur of all things musical. I am fifty percent Assyrian with the other fifty percent of my ethnicity ranging from Cherokee to Scottish blood. I have two wonderful parents named Scott and Sharon, a younger sister named Esther, and a younger brother named Cyrus. I will be the first member of my family to graduate from college. Once graduated, I am eagerly looking to follow my sociology degree and pursue graduate studies in the field of gerontology, the scientific and social study of old age and aging.

Jennie Estrada '08

English Major

Van Nuys, CA

Eva Glover '11

Biology/Pre-Med Major

Visalia, CA

I graduated as valedictorian from Golden West High School in 2007. I am the youngest of four children and the first in my family to go away to college. I was unsure about what college to attend until my senior year when I felt God was calling me to Westmont. I have a passion for science and a heart for service. Everyday at Westmont I continue to grow as a person and as a Christian. My personal goal is to affect as many lives as possible and hopefully to be affected by each of those lives in return. I believe people should recognize that God is influential in my life not because of what I preach but because of my actions. Love is an ongoing practice, it's something you can't fake.

After Westmont, I plan to join the air force and continue my education at medical school to become a pathologist. Finally, one of my favorite verses is 1 John 3:13-14, 'Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.'

Jennifer Griffeth '09

Mathematics and Religious Studies Majors

Littleton, CO

After cruising through my freshman year at Westmont with grades as my prime and only concern, I decided to make a commitment to take full advantage of the other opportunities that Westmont offers. I just returned from a semester in Lithuania, where I was forced to define myself without the help of everything familiar. I have returned as a more confident student just in time to embrace the benefits of Westmont's amazing liberal arts education and eat lots of McConnell's pistachio ice cream.

Evelyn Martin '11

Political Science Major

San Mateo, CA

Hey all! Well let me tell you a little bit about myself, in a nutshell, of course. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and moved to a small suburb, San Mateo, 15 minutes south of San Francisco when I was eleven. My parents are divorced and I live with my mom, my five year old brother, Jeremy, my two year old sister, Genesis, and my step-father. I've gone to public school all my life, so going to a private liberal arts college is definitely a great, yet dramatically different experience. Furthermore, my family life has been an unstable one and I've been faced with several hardships throughout my life, such as, my step-father's alcoholism and gambling addictions. However, there situations have taught me that although you can't change how life is thrown at you, you can always change the way you react toward it. During difficult times, all you need to do is laugh because that situation will eventually get better. I guarantee it!

I'm enjoying every bit of Westmont! During these four years I hope to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally. I hope to develop my character in such a way that I'm able to use my gifts and talents to develop great relationships, help others to the best of my ability, and make it in the big world! After Westmont, I intend to go to Law School and become a successful prosecutor in defense of children. But my greatest desire is to glorify God in all that I do.

Seth Monroe '10

Undeclared Major

Vista, CA

As a student at Westmont College, one of my many goals is to receive a higher education and to seek God’s will for my life as I obtain my degree. Through seeking Christ, I have realized that I have a passion for wanting to serve people and be able to interact with people face to face while I serve him/her. I’m excited for this program because it will allow me to accomplish this goal. I am also excited for showing students what a Liberal Arts Education really means and being a motivator in the process.
           
I was born and raised in a Christian home in San Diego, CA. Rick and Colleen, my parents, and Jessica and Hannah, my sisters, have been a tremendous support for me in my endeavors. I attended Rancho Buena Vista High School where I competed in track, cross country, and basketball and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In my college selection process I was undecided what God’s will for my life was, but with some help and with seeking after Him, I found that my next four years were made to be at Westmont.
           
Here at Westmont I spend my time studying, fellowshipping with friends, playing sports (ultimate Frisbee has become the new recent development), hiking, or simply relaxing. I enjoying serving others and look forward to interacting with fellow students who are experiencing the same questions/doubts that I experienced during my college search.

Sally Pineda '11

Political Science and Theatre Arts Majors

Visalia, CA

Sally is a first year at Westmont College. She lived and was born in Visalia, CA. Sally intends to major in political science and double minor in Economics/Business and Theatre Arts on the dance track. After her four years at Westmont, Sally plans to go to law school while having a career as a dancer. She feels that it is so important to do what you love and that alone will give you much worth.

Sally was born to Ron and Linda Pineda and lives with them along with her younger brother and cousin. Sally is not only the first in her immediate family to go to college, but the first out of her entire family. Although her parents didn't have a college experience, they were very helpful and supportive of her decision to attend Westmont.

In her time at Westmont, Sally would want nothing more than to make the best of her time and resources set before her and to grow in her faith as a child of God. One of the most important things to Sally is to be able to touch others and have an impact on those around her. She hopes Westmont will teach her how to be this better, loving person; characteristics that she can use here, for the rest of her career, and in every aspect of her life.

Danielle Rogers '10

Pre-Med Major

Katy, TX

I am an African-American Filipina and am the middle child of three. Although South New Jersey is my home, I have had the opportunity to live in both the northeastern and southwestern regions of the U.S. My experiences within these regions have greatly impacted and positively shaped my perspective of other cultures. A few activities I have enjoyed while at Westmont include track, Gospel choir, and BSU. The liberal arts education provided at Westmont has opened my eyes to more avenues of opportunity. It has helped me consider other areas of ministry after college not only in medicine, but in law as well. Specifically, I have chosen to minor in political science as I desire to aid victims of the global slave trade. On this journey to understand God's will for my life, I believe this liberal arts education continues to provide great preparation. The relationships I have built while at Westmont have been nothing short of a blessings and a radical tool used in my life. I love God, people, and life. May passions above all else reside in learning, growing, and building up the youth of this nation.

Brianna Ryan '11

Art Major

Minneapolis, MN

I am new to California and Westmont this year. I grew up in Minnesota but am happy that I chose to come out here and experienced this unique community.   I am currently excited about learning in general, and hoping to double major art with French or Physics-- or whatever else I discover in my coming years here.  I'm looking forward to serving others in the community as a Liberal Arts Ambassador during my blessed time here.

Teri Tan '08

Communication Studies Major

Taichung, Taiwan

Erica Weber '11

Communication Studies Major

Honolulu, HI

Aloha, my name is Erica Noelani Weber. I was born and raised in Hawai`i on the island of Oahu. Since Hawai`i is known to be the "melting pot" state, my ethnic backgrounds play a great part in the person that I am. My cultural heritage from my father, Douglas Kimo Weber, is a mixture of Hawaiian, German, Portuguese, Guamanian, and English. As for my mother, Kathleen Sau Ung Au, I have Chinese. Although I have a variety of different cultural ethnicities my Hawaiian ethnicity has the greatest impact on my life.

My Hawaiian ancestors have taught me to take pride in my Hawaiian culture and ethnicity. THrough their contributions, they have encouraged me to give back to my Hawaiian community through my gifts: writing and communication skills. My tutu (grandmother) has inspired me to continue the "old Hawaii" spirit through traditional song and dance, this is why I have been dancing hula for the last eleven years. I try to be the reflection of my Hawaiian ancestors through sharing the same "aloha spirit" that they portrayed nearly six generations ago.

My goals and dreams for my time here at Westmont are to prepare myself with the tools necessary to make contributions to the "real world". With the guidance of Westmont, I want to grow both intellectually and spiritually. I want to evolve into a stronger independent Christian woman, preparing myself for the difficult and trialing social challenges that I may encounter in adulthood. In addition, I want to create long-lasting relationships with other Christians, friends who will encourage me throughout my college experience here at Westmont. I truly believe that with its fusion of Christian beliefs and peers, and academic studies rooted in the Word of God, Westmont will help me achieve these goals.