Meet Your RAs: The Quad

Westminster’s Residential Life staff is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Class of 2021 on campus this August. Below, get to know the resident advisors who will provide friendly guidance to the newest group of Westminster Blue Jays. Freshmen, meet the Quad RAs!

Sloss Hall

Lydia Creech

Major: Spanish & Accounting
Hometown: Republic, MO
Describe yourself in 3 words: Sarcastic, Friendly, Loving
Why Westminster? 
The at-home feel and crazy awesome people I get to see every day! 
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how did Westminster help you get there?
Working overseas in the CIA, Westminster has and continues to provide me with opportunities to practice my leadership skills and interpersonal skills. It is also a great place to meet and connect with Alumni who have real world experience in the field that I want to go into.
What is your favorite class and why?
Spanish is my favorite class because it is very interactive and I have increased my knowledge and ability to speak the language so much after just one year.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
Showing Blue Jay Pride by attending campus events and sports games with my friends!
What Motivates You?
My desire to achieve the best of my ability.
Advice to an incoming student:
Try as many things as you possibly can, even if you find you’re not good at it. I guarantee you’ll make at least one new friend, and who doesn’t love those?? 
Clubs and Organizations:
Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Campus Worship Team, Student Conduct Board, and Spanish Club.

 

John Martin III

Major: Business Communications
Minor: English
Hometown: Houston, TX
Describe yourself in 3 words: Mom I’m Hungry
Why Westminster?
“Westminster is what you make it” is what I’ve heard from previous students and ever since I stepped foot on Campus I made Westminster my home. Friendly atmosphere, amazing people, and fun things always going on around campus.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there?
After graduation I see myself hopefully working for a company like Audi as a representative, making business connections and traveling the world. Westminster has been providing me with the tools I need to be prepared for the job of my dreams and also with gateways to the company such as internship opportunities and career fairs.
What is your favorite class and why?
LST The Leader within is my favorite class that is where you’ll meet so many great people and learn more about Westmo’s campus.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
My fondest memory has been serenades with my brothers. I mean who wouldn’t enjoy watching most of the football team attempt to sing and dance?
What Motivates You?
Family and the fear of failure.
Advice to an incoming student:
Just be you because no matter who you are you will fit in here at Westminster. Also, try new things. The campus offers a lot of new opportunities thanks to CAB.
Clubs and Organizations: BlueJay Football and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

 

Kayla Wilson

Major: International Business
Minor: None
Home Town: St. Louis, MO
Describe yourself in 3 words: Responsible, Honest, and Hardworking
Why Westminster? 
Close to home and everyone here is super nice and friendly. 
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there? 
Hopefully, I will be traveling the world and doing business overseas. Westminster is helping me reach my goal by giving me the opportunities to do a semester aboard or Semester at Sea.
What is your favorite class and why? 
My favorite class was walk/jog class. It was an easy A because all you have to do is walk.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory? 
My fondest memory so far was my first day on campus. I was welcomed by everyone with open arms and it made me feel so happy.
What Motivates You? 
My mom motivates me the most. She is the hardest working person I know and seeing that makes me strive to be just like her. 
Advice to an incoming student:
Learn how to manage your time. Know when it is time to party and time to study. It is the most important thing to do as an incoming freshman. If you can’t do that then the next four years will be rough. 
Clubs and Organizations: Resident Advisor

 

Marquess Hall

Mirrakohl Johnson

Major: Finance
Hometown:
 Memphis, TN
Describe yourself in 3 words: Team player, Funny, Goal-oriented 
Why Westminster?
I love the closeness of the community and the ability to go and talk to your professors.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there? 
I see myself getting my CFA certification along with a job at a big financial firm. Westminster has a CFA Prep class that I plan to take along with a great career center that will help me get an internship.
What is your favorite class and why?
Statistics because it made me realize how much we use stats in the world. I also just love the subject of math.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory? 
Rock the Hill because you get to have a good time with friends and meet new people from around the campus.
What Motivates You? 
Food
Advice to an incoming student:
Do not be afraid to go and get help in classes. There are students and professors here that want to help and see you succeed. 
Clubs and Organizations: 
The Black Student Union, Basketball

 

Olivia Molino

Major: History 
Minor: Museum Studies & Classics 
Home Town: Columbus, OH 
Describe yourself in 3 words: Organized, Creative, Authentic. 
Why Westminster?
Westminster is perfect for me because the campus really fosters a love for knowledge and a feeling of community.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there?
I want to further my education and go on to graduate school to study archival science or history. The faculty, staff, and my peers are always pushing me to do put my best work out and to think critically and creatively. 
What is your favorite class and why?
Oral History with Dr. Boulton. The class focused on how to record and document oral histories. Due to its small class size, we were able to learn and discuss a lot of different topics as well as have a really hands-on experience. 
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
Our lacrosse practices have held some of my favorite moments so far at Westminster. I love my team and they have made my time here worth so much so far. 
What Motivates You?
I’m really driven by results. I like when I have a goal to meet and a solid strategy to accomplish it. 
Advice to an incoming student:
Stay on top of your studies but don’t forget to have fun! 
Clubs and Organizations:
Women’s Lacrosse, SGA, History Club, Alpha Gamma Delta, and the Honors Program. 

Natalie Corrigan, Senior RA

Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Describe yourself in 3 Words: Sarcastic, Lovable, and Chill 
Why Westminster? 
During college visits, I instantly fell in love with the grounds and then with the friendly and extremely personable staff at Westminster. As an added surprise and bonus I was also given the opportunity to speak with the women’s head volleyball coach and was offered a position on the team on the spot.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how did Westminster help you get there?
I’m not positive where I see myself after graduation but I am sure that wherever I am when that time comes, it will be a place of success and happiness thanks to my experiences at Westminster. 
What is your favorite class and why?
I really enjoyed my seminar class. I developed a close relationship with the people in my seminar and the topics we discussed were interesting and thought-provoking. It was more than just learning information it was thinking of the impact certain things and scenarios could have on the future and predicting what those impacts might be. 
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
Westminster athletes were asked to volunteer for a Special Olympics bowling tournament and there I met Joe Boss, a SOMO coach, who then recruited me to help volunteer with one of his volleyball teams. Because of this event that Westminster facilitated, I became deeply involved in the SOMO organization and will become an official staff coach this coming November. My work with SOMO has been meaningful and rewarding beyond explanation. This summer I was able to travel with staff and 44 athletes to coach Special Olympics Track and Field State Summer Games in Springfield, Missouri. Those three days of competition were some of the most exhausting, challenging, motivating, and enjoyable days I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in my life.
What Motivates You?
My motivation comes from me, my family/friends, my team, and my SOMO athletes and coaching staff. 
An interesting fact about you: 
I came to college having a clear idea of what I wanted for my future and while that idea isn’t completely gone it has changed quite a bit and I am happy that it has. 
Advice to an incoming student:
Take a deep breath. The first weeks can be overwhelming but the craziness does die down…a little. Do get involved, but don’t feel like you have to do it all. Do participate in rush; you never know what you’re going to like until you try it. Keep an open mind and remain flexible to change but don’t lose sight of who you are: college is a time for growth and experiencing life on your own, so enjoy it but hold tight to the foundation of morals and ethics your parents have instilled in you because believe it or not they did so for a reason. Follow your passions, not your paycheck: whatever you choose to do with your life, remember you are going to be doing it for a long time, so be sure you enjoy it because no amount of money is worth being stuck in a profession you hate. Find time to relax and be alone: when life feels like life is pulling you in a million different directions, just take a break, even if it’s for 10 minutes. Set reasonable boundaries with the people you live with right away. Believe me; it just makes life easier.
Clubs and Organizations:
Residential Advisor, Special Olympics Missouri

 

Rice Hall

Celeste Cummings, Senior RA 

Celeste

Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Describe yourself in 3 words: Goofy, Passionate, Thoughtful
Why Westminster:
I love that Westminster is such a small community. Lots of one on one attention and help from professors as well as classmates.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there? 
I see myself in an MD/Ph.D. program. Westminster will help me get there by providing awesome undergraduate science classes and undergraduate research. 
Favorite class and why: 
My favorite class was World Religions because I was able to learn about a variety of culture and religions, which is something that I am interested in. 
Fondest WestMo memory:
My fondest ‘Westminster’ memory is when my freshman roommate and I helped create the Black Student Union on campus. 
What motivates you:
My mom motivates me, I feel like if she can do it then I can do it too.
Advice to an incoming student: Organization is key!
Clubs and Organizations: 
The Black Student Union (BSU), Campus Activities Board, Westminster Student Ambassadors.

Khaled Khalil

Major: Psychology
Minor: None
Hometown: Damascus, Syria
Describe yourself in 3 words: Creative, Open, Caring
Why Westminster? 
I really enjoy the small community feeling. And Westminster provides that while still being a great school with amazing faculty and staff. I got to be friends with most my professors. And make friendships with students from all over the states and the world. In other words, WHY NOT WESTMINSTER?
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there? 
I see myself having the best time finishing my Psychology masters and preparing to play a role in making this world a better place. Westminster is giving me the opportunity to develop and practice my leadership skills while providing me with great connections in the loving WestMo family!  
What is your favorite class and why? 
My favorite class last semester was statistics. Because I have been fearing math and how hard it would be for a long time. Until Westminster showed me that with the right professor, dedication, and participation in class, even the hardest of subjects that aren’t at all in my career plans can end up fun and rewarding.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
My fondest memory is attending the ninth Undergraduate Scholars Forum. Where over a 100 students presented their research projects that they have been conducting. And got me so excited to see some really original well-crafted ideas from co-students like me. It was entertaining and educational in a non-traditional way!
What Motivates You? 
Wanting to achieve more. and leave a good footprint behind me.
Advice to an incoming student: 
Prepare to experience something different and new. Learn how to cook a good meal or two to impress them ladies and gents 😉 and be confident that people here care about you. 
Clubs and Organizations
ACM, Black Student Union (BSU), Environmentally Concerned Students (ECoS), WestMo Residential Life Staff 

Abby Beach

Major: Biochemistry (biological emphasis)
Minor: None
Home Town: Lexington, MO
Describe yourself in 3 words: Responsible, Caring, Reliable
Why Westminster?
I went to a small high school, and Westminster maintained the small class size and teacher/student relationships that I was accustomed to. Westminster also has a very good reputation in my chosen area of study.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there? 
I plan to go to medical school after graduation. A lot of students who have attended Westminster have attended medical school, and the advisers in the biology department are very experienced when it comes to helping students apply to and get accepted to medical school.
What is your favorite class and why? 
I honestly love all my classes because college education promotes an entirely new level of learning. But, I am especially fond of my biology classes because they allow me to better understand the world around me.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
I will be forever grateful for all of the memories I made with the Marquess Hall Suite C Suite Hearts during my freshman year at Westminster College.
What Motivates You? 
I am motivated by my future plans and my desire to help people as a doctor.
Advice to an incoming student: 
STUDY! College is way different than high school and it is better to study too much than not enough.
Clubs and Organizations: 
Student Ambassadors, Choir, Westminster Journal for Global Progress, Tri Beta Biology Club, Westminster Honors Program, Pre-Healthcare Professionals Club

 

Scott Hall

Sally Krebs

Major: Biology
Minor: Undecided
Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri
Describe yourself in 3 words: Caring, Understanding, Organized
Why Westminster? 
My father graduated from Westminster in 1979 which is how I was introduced to this college. Each summer my family goes down to the lake with a few of my dad’s fraternity brothers and their families and I always hear amazing stories of their college experience so I decided to tour the school. My first visit on campus I knew it was my dream college and I started my application that day. I chose Westminster College because of the compassion the professors have for not only their students but also the subjects they are teaching.  
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there? 
After graduation I see myself going to school to become a Physician Assistant. I know Westminster is helping me get there through the challenging coursework I have received in each class. 
What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class so far was my seminar class. It was called “On The Trail To Human Disease” with Dr. Mayne. We had the opportunity to look into the history and evolution of different diseases. 
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory? 
My fondest ‘Westminster’ memory so far would be going on the “Biology in Belize” trip this past summer. During the spring semester, the class participants took a seminar course where we learned everything about Belize including the history, politics, culture, land usage, animals, fish, insects, and so much more. It was amazing to be able to put what we learned in class to use out in the field. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, I strongly recommend going for it. 
What Motivates You? 
The thought of the future motivates me. I am excited to see what the future holds for me which pushes me to work hard so I can achieve my goals. 
Advice to an incoming student:
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors for help. Your professors will be more than happy to sit down with you to make sure you understand the content and will keep helping you until you do. 
Clubs and Organizations: Churchill Singers, Student Foundations, Residential Advisor

Jamey Lemon

Major: Biochemistry w/ Biological Emphasis
Minor: Music
Home Town: Hannibal, MO
Describe yourself in 3 words: Leader, Outgoing, Versatile 
Why Westminster?
Westminster gave me the best opportunity for the field that I am going in to. I enjoy the small class sizes and the one-on-one attention that you get from your professors. Not only does the small school size help in the classroom, but also with connections that you make. It is very easy to meet new people and make lasting friendships on this campus. 
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there?
After graduation I see myself going on to Dental School. Westminster is preparing me by providing the classes that I need and pushing me to get involved on campus. My professors push me to do my very best and that will be very helpful in the long run. 
What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class so far has been Biological Processes. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about taking this class initially, but I am very glad that I did. It dug deep into the different processes seen in biology and gave me an entirely different perspective on biology and the world around us. It helped me to appreciate the inner workings of life so much more.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
My fondest memory thus far was being able to take part in the inauguration of Dr. Akande. Being in the choir during this event was truly breath-taking. To see the entire student body come together as one was fantastic. It truly made me feel at home with the Westminster family.
What Motivates You?
My parents, friends, and family 
Advice to an incoming student:
Get involved on campus as soon as you possibly can. I struggled a lot at the beginning of my first semester and I contribute that mostly to the fact that I wasn’t involved. Make sure that if there is an organization you seem like you would enjoy that you go for it. Also don’t be afraid to talk to the people around you. Everyone is going to be coming into this situation just like you. This is probably the first time that most of you have been away from home for an extended period of time. Talk to your suite mates and others around you. You never know when you might end up meeting your best friend.
Clubs and Organizations: Delta Tau Delta, Student Ambassadors, Student Foundation, Tri-Beta, Churchill Singers, RA staff

Yusuf Nuur

Major: Health and Wellness
Minor: None
Home Town: Hargeisa, Somaliland
Describe yourself in 3 words: Optimistic, Committed, Adaptable
Why Westminster? 
My sponsors believed that Westminster was the best fit for me because of its Health and Sciences, and I am grateful for the opportunity. 
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how is Westminster helping you get there?
I see myself going back home and advocating a healthier lifestyle for the people within my community. 
What is your favorite class and why? 
I enjoyed my Westminster Seminar Course because I was privileged with the opportunity to collaborate with smart individuals and break down the events that led to 9/11.
What is currently your fondest ‘Westminster’ memory?
Futsal Friday
What motivates you?
Naps and Due Dates
Advice to an incoming student: Stay focused and make the next 4 years count. 
Clubs and Organizations: Peer Health Educators

Get to know the upperclassmen housing RAs here.

Learn more about Residential Life at Westminster here.

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