Westminster senior Emelia Hilse is one of only a select few students to present at the Undergraduate Scholars Forum (USF) for four years straight since the event was founded nearly 20 years ago.
The psychology major from Bourbon, Missouri, is currently busy adding last-minute polish to her senior thesis presentation, which will take place during the 19th Annual USF on April 16.
Such attention to detail is typical of Hilse, who is described by USF Co-Director Dr. Kali Wright-Smith as “mature,” “professional,” “hard-working” and “committed.”
The first-generation college student might also say that “determined” should be added to the long list of work ethic-related adjectives.
“Growing up, I did not have many resources to help me succeed,” Hilse reflects. “I was raised in a low-income home, but I was determined to not let this hold me back.”
Hilse’s determination is exemplified by the academic pursuits she has taken on through Westminster’s curricular flexibility. In addition to her psychology major, she has minors in English and women and gender studies while pursuing a certificate in human development and family studies.
Hilse says she intends to use her Westminster research and experiences to help others navigate barriers similar to those she has experienced throughout her life.
She gives back through leadership roles at the College, including serving as this year’s Teaching and Learning Committee student representative, tutoring in the Department of Psychology and serving as a senior senator with the Student Government Association. She also is an Honors Program member and belongs to several academic honor societies.
Despite her many accolades, Hilse says her greatest achievement is giving back as a peer mentor with the Remley Women & Gender Center.
“Having been a part of this organization for three years, it has become a place that feels like home to me,” she muses, adding, “Remley is more than just an office, and to me, it’s a place where I can feel the most connected to my community.”
After graduating in May, Hilse will pursue a Master of Science degree in school counseling at the University of Missouri and, eventually, become a pediatric counselor.
But first, Hilse must present at the USF and reveal the results of her senior Honors Program research, detailed in her thesis titled “Gender Stereotypes About Personality: The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Peer Mentor Research.”
The industrious senior focused on Westminster faculty in her research. The study involved selection between fictitious male and female peer mentor resumes. Multiple scenarios and personality trait questionnaires were also part of the study.
Looking back on her time at Westminster, Hilse says she is thankful for professors such as Drs. Abby Coats, Allysha Martin and Kali Wright-Smith.
“The bonds I have formed with my professors have shaped not just my educational experience but who I am, my passions and my values,” she says.
And ultimately, those values include an unshakeable commitment to giving to others.
Hilse’s journey reflects not only her own success, but how Westminster’s support and opportunities have helped her turn determination into a commitment to opening doors for others who will follow in her footsteps.
“My driving force has always been to help people and give back to my community, and the research I have completed and presented at Westminster has been one of the key steps in doing that.”
For more information on the Undergraduate Scholars Forum, please visit Westminster’s website.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
