Sam Szpor

Favorite Aspect of Westmont: My favorite aspect of Westmont is the close knit community that you develop over your four-years here. I never thought that after my four years here I would have so many deep relationships. People care so deeply about you and are not afraid to challenge you but they also are not hesitant to encourage you. Because of Westmont's size you recognize pretty much everyone around campus, even if you don't know them. To me this makes a really special environment that feels so familiar and familial. 

Favorite Westmont memory: I can't decide! It is between two things. The first would be my study abroad program, Westmont in Jerusalem. I loved traveling around the Middle East, going on five day hikes, seeing different biblical sites, trying all sorts of new food and getting to know the great hospitality of the Arab and Israeli people. I grew a love for a place that I never thought I could (counting down the days until I can go back!). My second favorite memory was being on Spring Sing Committee. I loved being able to come up with the theme for the year ("Don't try this at home!") and running around backstage the night of the show. FUN FACT: this volunteer gig was the experience that got me my first job!  

Favorite Place on Campus: This is a really hard one for me because one of my favorite things are beautiful quiet places and Westmont is full of those spots! If I had to choose I would say the secret spot below Lovik Field. If you go below Lovik Field there are some little pathways through overgrown brush. It is super nostalgic for me and brings out my inner child. (AND there is a swing and abandoned jungle gym). But shhh, don't tell anyone.

Why do you work at Westmont? My experience here was life changing, and that is not an exaggeration. If I look at who I was in my first year and who I was my senior year, it is a dramatic difference. I love this place and I wanted to come back and show people all that Westmont has to offer. I believe in Westmont's mission to bring Christ to the center of everything and I wanted to be a part of cultivating that. 

Hobbies: My favorite thing in the world is getting up while it's still dark, making a cup of coffee and catching the sunrise. I am always up for a spontaneous adventure (unless I am not). I am super into creating spaces that capture the perfect feeling. One of my favorite ways to do that is putting on an Ella Fitzgerald record in a well low-lit room and listening intently to the smooth sound of the music. I love going to the beach, going for a nice (slow) run, trying new recipes, watching then discussing a thought provoking movie, reading (usually a theological book or an American Classic), and going for long drives through the Montecito Hills and getting lost in my mind. I am also a hopeless romantic (is that a hobby?).