The Campus Life Office

The Campus Life Office invites you to consider dating and marriage from different perspectives. Join 5 outstanding faculty and staff couples who will share their stories, their regrets and their surprises in dating and marriage.

Join the Pattersons, Kihlstroms, Bruneels, D’Amours, and Crocketts on Monday, December 3rd at 8:00pm in the Armington C lounge for a fun and candid discussion about dating and marriage.

When the days of autumn become shorter and the nights cooler, several dozen students head south to Ensenda, Mexico for a weekend of service at the local Special Olympics. This year over forty people from Westmont participated in the trip which took place over the weekend of October 12th. The Potter’s Clay Core Team organized and planned the trip and brought with them over 150 pairs of shoes donated by the Westmont Community. The shoes prevent some of the participants from having to compete barefooted.

Karalea Shudde, one of the Potter’s Clay core team members, provides a personal and unique perspective from her participation in Special Olympics.

What was the purpose of the trip?
The purpose of the trip was to serve the people of Ensenada in a unique way. Our goal is to build relationships with the people of Ensenada and unify the body of Christ. Helping out with Special Olympics is a very unique way to be involved with the Ensenada community because it is not something that we plan but, rather, is something that we help out with. Also, we are there to support, encourage, and cheer for the athletes.

What were some of the sporting events you held? How many Mexicans participated?
The events included wheelchair basketball, goal ball (a game for people who are visually impaired), track and field events (track races for visually impaired people and for people in wheelchairs, shot put). There were about 150 participants. We helped with timing events, handing out food, calling lines(for goal ball), guiding those who were visually impaired in races, preparing and cooking food, and other various tasks.

What did you learn from participating in this event? How were you challenged?
I learned a lot about having courage and perseverance in all things because the athletes were great examples of how nothing should get in the way if you really want to accomplish it. I have a new understanding of letting the Lord be my strength. I was challenged because I realized that, at times, I let lack of motivation get in the way of something I want to pursue. These athletes have so much courage, and they do not let a disability stop them from pursuing their goal. In Mexico, Special Olympics is called Reto de Valientes, which means challenge of the courageous, which is very appropriate because the athletes are truly courageous.

How do you think this has prepared you for your future work in Mexico later this year?
I think that this event helped prepare us for future trips to Mexico because it allowed us to build more relationships with the people of Ensenada. It also allowed us to strengthen many existing relationships with people in their community. I also feel that it allowed us to experience a new aspect of their culture, which is extremely important for future trips because we do not want to go there thinking that our ways of doing things are best. We want to learn from and embrace their culture, while supporting and loving them the best that we know how. We want to love the people in Ensenada the way that God loves them because we ultimately want to further His Kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Derek Wilkins, a Construction Team co-leader, adds an anecdote from his experience. “I personally ran 5 races with blind contestants in the Special Olympics. It was a struggle for me because I am a little out of shape. When I say ‘a little,’ I mean really out-of-shape. This one blind girl dragged me across the finish line, twice, for first place both times. She was stinkin’ fast. It was a blessing to help out, and continue the relationship Potter’s Clay has with the people of Ensenada, Mexico. I realize now that missions is maintaining a relationship with people and helping spread the good news, and it is the relationship that we share in Christ that keeps us going back year, after year, after year.”

For more information about Potter’s Clay click here

After a long summer of relative quiet, the Westmont campus has exploded with students and the Campus Life Office could not be more thrilled! After all, without some life on campus, there is little purpose for an entire office dedicated to Campus Life.

Last Thursday, over 400 first-year students arrived for Orientation and the Office has already been a hub of activity and excitement. Michele Mollkoy, the Director of First Year Experience and Special Programs, worked like crazy with the super talented O-team to make the transition to Westmont life a smooth one. Over the weekend, the rest of the Westmont population arrived, ready for another unforgettable year. And that’s exactly where the Campus Life Office comes in! Unforgettable is what we do!

The Campus Life Office is your source for student involvement. We support and encourage numerous student organizations that are dedicated to finding you a place to get involved and use your gifts and passions. Interested in serving on a mission trip? We’re the people to see! Want to get involved in a club or plan an activity on campus? Also us. Looking for a ministry to utilize your God-given abilities and interests? Us again.

Our goal is to make Westmont a place that stretches you, encourages you and that you are proud to call home. So, come see us on the second floor of the Kerr Student Center and let’s find out how we can make your Westmont experience all it should be.