The Liberal Arts Ambassadors

Tanya Ayala '15

Communications and Spanish Major

Moraga, CA

Joseph Bagdanov '14

Religious Studies and Philosophy Major

Nuevo, CA

I grew up in a small agricultural town called Nuevo, in southern
California. A town where you might end up driving 10 miles per hour
behind a tractor, or get stopped on your way to school by a herd of
sheep crossing the road. My dad is a pastor of the small local church
and growing up money was always short. Lack of money helped me develop a sense of thankfulness for what I had and also an overactive
imagination. I grew up with an acute interest in the fields of
Philosophy and Religious Studies. I would love to learn how to think,
and different modes of thinking (Philosophy) and most importantly how
to think about God and his word (Religious Studies).

At Westmont I hope to develop long lasting and enriching
relationships, develop critical thinking skills, become a more mature
man of God  and write/play music and continue the practice of making
art for the glory of God until I die.

After college I want to contribute to society and by that I mean
enrich our culture. My hope is to be engaged in culture and attempt to
reform it, I hope to glorify God and to build a healthy family. On
top of all that, a goal of mine is to serve as many people as
possible, and show Christ's love through ministry. More concretely, I
have plans to be a children's pastor or perhaps a camp director.

Leslie Bazan '15

Kinesiology Major

Buellton, CA

Benjamin Bisson '13

Art Major

Woolwich, ME

Born and raised in Woolwich, a small town in Costal Maine, I come from a very different culture and upbringing. I love Maine and have hopes of returning after my four years at Westmont.

Westmont is an amazing place both in its inner and outer beauty. The amazing community that everyone speaks so highly of, truly deserves praise. I am so blessed to be in a place where I can be challenged by my peers, professors, and other community members to become a well-educated and spiritually strong individual.

As an art major, I am learning how to see and interpret the world around me, using this to express myself in any media possible. I hope to take what I learn with me after college.  Whether my vocation is in the arts or not,  rendering my interpretations will always be a hobby.

Breanna Celaya '14

Economics/Business Major

San Dimas, CA

I have been blessed to grow up in little San Dimas, a small suburb just outside of Los Angeles, for the majority of my life.  Although I do love it here in Santa Barbara, home for me is a special place because of my amazing family.  I am the oldest daughter of two fantastic parents and the big sister to four crazy younger siblings.

Being a first-generation college student, God has helped me move through many trials and struggles getting to Westmont.  I hope to use my experience here at school to positively affect students within the community toward the goal of reaching college with the right resources.

Over my Westmont career I plan to major in Economics/Business and minor in Communications.  After graduation, I aspire to work in public relations with a non-profit organization with regards to helping either low-income families or the homeless community. God has given me a gift of endless compassion towards these people and my desire to utilize it for His glory.  My ultimate goal in life is to simply impact the world with love. 

Rachel Harril '15

Communications Major

Carson, CA

Fatima Jawad '13

Brandi Nakamoto '12

Sociology Major

Honolulu, HI

Aloha! I was born and raised on the island of Oahu in the amazing, indescribable state of Hawaii. When I arrived in Santa Barbara, I realized that I had moved from one paradise to another, and am so grateful for all the support that I have received from my family and friends back home, as well as my ohana (family) of friends, here at Westmont.

 I am currently majoring in Sociology, which is a field of study that I probably would not have discovered, had it not been for our college’s liberal arts education. My freshman year, I came to Westmont with the intentions of pursuing English or Liberal Studies as my major. However, God had different plans for me, and I am now more confident and content with the major that God has led me to. I am slowly but surely learning that the plans I make are minuscule and dull compared to the ones our God has intended for me, and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for my future. What I do know for sure however, is that while here at Westmont, I will continue to run that race that He has called me to run, and do my best to be all that He has called me to be; a servant and warrior for Christ...and a Sociology major too. 

Danica Rosendale '13

Leah Sadoian '14

Communications Major

Dinuba, CA

I am from the Central Valley, more specifically Dinuba, CA where I was born and raised. The small town atmosphere is one that I love dearly, but I am enjoying life in Santa Barbara and all of the adventures that come with living in this exciting city!

I am a communications major, but I am also heavily involved with music. I play guitar, sing, and write original songs. In my spare time at Westmont, I also perform with the Women’s Chorale. I hope to pursue a career that will incorporate both my love for music and my interest in communications. I know God is going to lead me somewhere spectacular!

I hope to leave Westmont with not only a great education, but a broader understanding of my place in the world. More specifically, I plan on learning how I can use my talents and skills to make a positive impact in other people’s lives. I have a huge heart for helping others and being here at Westmont has definitely encouraged me to increase my capacity to love others. Together, I know God is doing amazing things in my life, and will continue to through my years at Westmont and beyond. 

Melissa Sanchez '15

Undecided Major

Carpinteria, CA

Talia Sheets '13

Art Major

San Diego, CA

Bradlee Smith '15

Philosophy Major

Nuevo, CA

Leah Smith '13

Economics and Business Major

Phoenix, AZ

I am from Phoenix, Arizona, and love this perfect Santa Barbara weather! I am so inspired each day and witness God's majesty and beauty as I make my way from class to class here at this picturesque campus.

I hope and pray that at Westmont I continue to find myself in the Lord and fully recognize the calling and purpose of my life. Currently, I believe that my calling involves the business and law fields, so I am majoring in Economics and Business while also minoring in English. I aspire to become a corporate lawyer and feel that Westmont is preparing me to achieve my career goals.

As a freshman, I came to Westmont without many expectations, but generalizations on how college would be. I was anxious, but found myself pleasantly surprised with my classmates, teachers, and the way things are done around here when school started. Although the classes are not walks in the park, there is an amazing sense of peace and contentment in this serene setting.

As for extracurricular involvement, I am on the tennis team, and part of the Black Student Union. I plan on joining other clubs and cannot wait to experience all of Westmont!

Gerardo Soria '12

Biology Major

Ojai, CA

My time at Westmont  has been like no other experience I've had before.  I've had adventures, tribulations, fellowship, and the list goes on and on. I've learned so much about myself and others, especially about who I am when the pressures of everyday life surround one from all sides. While in school, I've had the oppurtunity to run on the X-country and Track team, which has been a blessing like no other. But one thing I really want to do more of this coming year is work in ministry outreach. 

I come from a family of six with two loving parents named Ignacio and Elena, two younger sisters named Laura and Carolina, and an older brother named Abraham.  Both my parents and my brother immigrated here from Michoacán, Mexico and have lived here for 21 years now. They have worked diligently to provide a wonderful life for our whole family and I am so thankful for all their sacrifices and love. They are my motivation and reason for continuing my education. I'll be the first one in my family to graduate from college and I owe them a lot and I truly love them dearly. I want to be able to give them a comfortable life when they grow older.

I have many goals during my time here at Westmont. One is to complete my degree in biology and go on to graduate school to do research and eventually teach at the college level.  At the same time, I want to reach out to the Spanish community around me and help families learn more about their children's education so that they can also have a bright future. But most importantly, I want to continue seeking out what it means to follow Christ and his teachings.

Dallas Thueringer '13

Biochemistry, Biology

Hemet, CA

I grew up in a small town called Hemet and let's just say not much is happening there other than dairy farms and retirement homes. At a young age cancer consumed my older brother. However, his death did not leave my mom and I on our own, but rather lead us to Christ. Being the first in my family to attend college and growing up in a single parent home, I have experienced the worthwhile struggles of gaining education -- which I hope I can share with uninformed kids and young adults from underserved backgrounds.

I came to Westmont with the purpose of nuturing my gifts to one day serve more effectively. My goalss are simple; I want nothing more than to make a difference, to have an impact on the lives of my closet brothers and sisters, as well as those I have not seen or met. I intend to help those that cannot help themselves, be it providing clothes or medical treatment, here in the United States or to the slums of India.

Lillian Yamase '13

Liberal Studies Major

Tokyo, Japan

I am half-Japanese and half-American, born and raised in Japan as a
missionary kid. Ever since my education switched from Japanese to
English in 6th grade, I have been going back and forth between these
two very different worlds. Since I went to a Japanese public school
first and then a public school in the state of Maine to learn English,
transferring to an international school in Japan helped me to better
reconcile the two distinct cultures in me. It was through much prayer
and clear signs that God brought me to Westmont. I see so much good in
this community and I am so excited to continue to connect with amazing
people here!

As a result of learning English as a second language myself and
also teaching English to Japanese kids for five years, I have become
interested in pursuing teaching as a career. I hope that I will be a
better bridge between cultures and to learn to embrace people for who
they are, treasuring where they come from.

Ambassador Alumni

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.

Stefanie Burgess '12

English Major

Yucaipa, CA

I’m from the small town of Yucaipa, California, a beautiful place stuck in the “909”.  Back there, I live with my mom and step-dad, an older brother, and a younger sister.  My dad also lives in Yucaipa, along with many other important and amazing people.

My brother and I are the first in our family to go to a four-year college; this experience has been trying, but well worth it.

Here at Westmont, I’ll be majoring in English with the hopes of obtaining my secondary education teaching credential.  I desperately want to give back to the world what wonderful gifts I’ve been given, and teaching is a great outlet for that.  Teaching English will give me the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with my students as well as teach them about more than just what all the textbooks want them to know.  Westmont is a perfect fit for me and my goals, with its focus on Christ and its intent to create people who love learning.  I’m excited to see what surprises this community has in store for my future, and I’m blessed to have this experience

Anthony Campbell '11

Economics & Business and Philosophy Majors

Sacramento, CA

I am your average God-fearing Christian, enduring 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; now I am majoring in Economics/Business with the intention of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.  Similarly, in my second semester, I discovered my love of knowledge and puzzles was satisfied by Philosophy, my second major.

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 am a Liberal Arts Ambassador with 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.

Lanice Cooper '13

Pre-med Major

Chowchilla, CA

I was born in Hollister, California, but my family and I have moved a lot since then. We now live in the San Joaquin Valley, in central California. I am the second of four kids -- I have an older brother, younger brother and baby sister. My parents have given me a wonderful life and helped me set challenging yet accomplishable goals.

I attended Dos Palos HIgh School where I was actively involved in student government, various clubsm varsity volleyball, and graduated as valedictorian of my class. Ever since middle school, I have planned on becoming an obstetrician and gynecologist, and I am still aiming for that goal. After graduating Westmont, I hope to attend a graduate school preferably on the coast, and then return to California to begin my career.

Everyday I spend at Westmont, I see more and more what God has in store for me and I look forward to see where he leads me as I continue my education.

Sabrina Dangc '11

Mathematics and Economics & Business Majors

Redding, CA

I was born and raised in Redding, Ca. I grew up in a Christian home and have 3 brothers and 3 sisters and am second oldest. The youngest is 6 and the rest of us are in college or graduated. I went to Alta Mesa Elementary and Junior High School, and then to Enterprise High School, where I graduated with honors. Throughout this I spent the majority of my free time immersed in volunteer work through various school clubs and at Christian camps.  I came to Westmont College because I wanted to know that my faith was not disconnected to the rest of my life, and specifically my education. 

Thus far I am very thankful for my experience at Westmont and in Santa Barbara; I feel very blessed that God has lead me into this place that I consider a second home filled with people who care. I feel that within this community I have been challenged emotionally, spiritually and mentally, and in that grown as a Christian, an individual and a part of a team. As a Liberal Arts Ambassador and Cal-SOAP tutor I have been given the opportunity to continue in service work and to give back to the community. During the rest of my time at Westmont I hope to continue working with the community and growing.

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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 look forward to returning after I graduate.

Being in a place like Santa Barbara and living in such an incredible community has been an incredible blessing over my time at Westmont. I thank God that I can live in two equally beautiful places. 

I am a history major and plan to attend graduate school after Westmont. I love working with children and I hope to teach after graduate school. Wherever I end up in my life, I pray for discernment. Ultimately my desire is to do the Lord's work and I know that can take many forms. I'm excited to see the plans God has for me to help bring glory to Him and His Kingdom.

Jane Dietrich '14

Psychology Major

West Hartford, CT

I grew up in West Hartford and loved it there. The distance during my time here has made me appreciate my home and family much more than I used to. 

Currently, I am a Psychology major. Though I do not know exactly what I am going to do with it, I love the courses and information. I am making sure that my time at Westmont will continue be full of newness and learning, taking advantage of the copious opportunities. Whatever these experiences and lessons leave me with, I know that God has a great plan for my life. Seeing that plan unfold continues to be an adventure that I love.

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.

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Stephanie Farnum '13

Ema Irene Gonzalez '12

Secondary Education, History

Frazier Park, CA

I was raised in a small rural community called Frazier Park in California. I am the oldest out of my three younger brothers, and I am the first to go to college in my family and extended family. I ultimately dream of not only having a strong vocation where I love what I do, but that i help to initiate a college-going pattern in my family and other students who want to pursue their dreams at a higher academic level.

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.

Kristiana Hatcher '12

Social Science Major

Vienna, Austria

Before coming to Westmont, I had never lived anywhere but Vienna, Austria.  My parents are American missionaries there, and although I am an American citizen myself, this country felt foreign to me in many ways.  Cultural expectations, language, measurements, money, even church—so much was new about this place, and some of it still feels new.  Santa Barbara and Vienna are drastically different cities, but both of them are beautiful, and I have peace and joy being here.

I graduated from Vienna Christian School in 2008 without any clear idea of what my future would hold.  I knew I would be going to Westmont College, but I did not know what I wanted to do with my life or where God would lead me afterwards.  In the last year, I have not had any startling epiphanies, but I have learned a lot more about myself and about the God I love.  While I strive to honor Him in my academics, my passion is for people.  By studying Social Science, I hope to get a clearer picture of my own interests and sharpen my understanding of those around me so that I might serve them better.  I look towards the future with hope, trusting that God knows what He wants to do with me and that He will reveal that to me in His good timing.

Evelyn Martin '11

Political Science Major

San Mateo, CA

My name is Evelyn Martin and I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. Though no longer in the immediate city of San Francisco, I still reside in the bay area. I am a Political Science major with a minor in Spanish. After Westmont I plan to attend UCLA for law school and become a children’s advocate. I have two younger siblings, Jeremy who is 7 and Genesis who will turn 4 this fall.

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.

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Christine "Toni" Ramirez '12

Music Performance & Communication Studies Majors

Glendora, CA

Ellee Stewart '12

Houston, TX

With five siblings that all attended college in Texas, I guess you could say I was ready to try something a little different, and to my continual joy and surprise I ended up in California. 

Teri Tan '08

Communication Studies Major

Taichung, Taiwan

San Francisco, CA

After graduating with my Communication Studies degree in 2008, I was hired by the Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts to help design the Pacific Rim Language Institute, Westmont's first Chinese Studies program. The Pacific Rim Language Institute was designed to bring Chinese and American students together in San Francisco to study English and Chinese respectively.  My role at the Gaede Institute demanded that I be competent in an array of fields; a challenge that my broad, liberal arts education prepared me to face. 

After a year at the Gaede Institute, I moved to San Francisco for a change of pace.  The first few months were difficult as I struggled to find a job.  I began working temporary positions to pay the bills and eventually found myself at imeem, a music streaming website.  imeem hired me as a temporary employee to help design and implement their advertising campaigns.  I definitely felt in over my head as I knew nothing about ad-supported music or online business in general. 

After a few months, however, imeem offered me a permanent position.  In a candid conversation with my boss I asked why she hired me when there were countless others with more experience in advertising, willing to work for less than their expertise merited.  She told me that she hired me because I learn quickly and ask the right questions, two qualities that I developed while at Westmont.  In the liberal arts setting, close attention from professors pushed me not only to ingest information, but to analyze it and ask questions that would deepen my understanding.  At the time, it just made my brain hurt; I never thought that the practice of asking good questions would land me a job that I love!  I may not have graduated with a specific career path etched out for me, but I did graduate with the tools necessary to be successful in whatever field I choose.