Meet the Peer Advisors

Earning a degree can be challenging. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the classes to select, majors to declare, and graduation requirements to complete. Our peer advisors are equipped to answer the tough college questions that you may encounter in your pursuit of a degree (well, almost all of them; we still haven't figured out how to get roommates to do dishes).

Peer advisors strive to be excellent role models, boasting accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. You will find that they have encountered the same classes, professors and deadlines that you face and will provide you with applicable solutions to your questions. Their genuine enthusiasm for helping others makes the office a welcoming place. Come visit us! We'll cover more than the basics and keep you on the right path.

Fathom Croteau

Junior
From:  Farmington, New Mexico
Major:  Communications  Minor:  Political Studies
Advises:  Humanities (Communiciations, English, History, etc.) 

My heart was with Westminster the first day that I stepped foot on campus, this place has been home all along. I got experience volunteering as a Victim’s Advocate when I served with AmeriCorps and I knew pretty quickly that, that was what I wanted to do.

I love being a resource for my fellow students, and friends. Being a Peer Advisor offers me the opportunity to be an asset for the students.

One piece of advice you wished someone had given you:
I wish that some one would have told me that life was never meant to be easy, and that you’re attitude and outlook is what is going to affect you and those around you more than any hardships that you might face. 

Favorite Quote:
Life is not about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself.  ~ G. Bernard Shaw

Mark Russell

Junior 
From: Boise, Idaho
Major: Marketing  Minor: Outdoor Leadership
Advises: Aviation, Business, Outdoor Leadership 
Activities: Skiing, mountain biking, badminton, frisbee, and being outdoors

I chose to come to Westminster based on the small class sizes.  The class size has allowed me to interact with my professors and to get more out of my classes than I would at a larger institution.  I knew that I wanted to major in some area in business because it teaches many real world skills that can easily be applied in a wide variety of settings.  After that I chose marketing; speciafically, because I found it to be very interesting.

I wanted to be a peer advisor so I can help other students worry less about which classes they need to take or if they'll graduate on time and focus more on enjoying all that college has to offer.

Alexandria (Allie) Hurtado

Sophomore
From:  Seattle, Washington
Major: Art Administration emphasis in Music
Advises: Arts (Art, Art Administration, Music, and Theatre)
Activities: Dance, arts bridge, traveling, music, skiing, hiking, I love it all!!!!

Westminster is truly a dimond in the ruff.  I would never have imagined myself living in Salt Lake City, yet I am so glad that I chose to attend Westminster.  I love the small class sizes, proximity to the mountains, and the wondersul music program.  Throughout my schooling here I have met the most amazing friends and professors.  The passion that everyone at shool has for their individual major is inspiring and makes school worthwhile and exhilarating.

I love meeting new people and wanted to become a peer advisor for that reason!  I love helping others discover their potential and finding zeal in what they do.  I love what I'm studying and want to assist others in finding whatever it is that drives them toward success.  

Favorite Quote:
Happiness is not in our circumstances, but in ourselves.  It is not something we see, like a rainbow, or feel like the heat of a fire.  Happiness is something we are.  ~ John B Sheerin

Anna Hunter 

Senior
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Special Education and Music
Advises: Education, Music, and Undeclared
Activities: Private Voice Lessons, Singing and Playing music, Crafts, Volleyball, Family

When I met Shamby Polychronis for the first time while attending Admitted Student’s Day with my daughter, I knew that I needed to finish my degree at Westminster College. This is the first school I have attended where I wasn’t just another number. Here I count as an individual and I know that I can achieve anything.

I chose to become a peer advisor because I love to help others succeed and to feel the camaraderie that Westminster provides.  If you are considering becoming a teacher, come see me. The professors in the education department are amazing!

Brianne Miller

Sophomore
From: Rock Springs, Wyoming
Major: Biology
Advises: Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) and Honors
Activities: PPHS, ACS, swing dancing, book club, Alphabet Soup, and volunteering everywhere

I chose Westminster for a lot of reasons.  First of  all, they made me feel extremely wanted considering they stuffed my mailbox almost weekly during my junior/senior years.  Secondly, it's only two and half hours away from home and family, which is very important to me.  Thirdly, when I finally had the chance to visit, I saw how beautiful the campus is.  Finally, talking to the science advisors reinforced that  Westminster cares and want to help you on your journey, not only in colege, but in life.

I wanted to be a peer advisor mainly because I wanted to ensure that I could make as many people feel the way I felt walking into Westminster.  I wanted to help clear up as many questions as I could and I wanted to make people fee welcome as they started their college journey.

One piece of advice you wished someone had given you:
I wish someone had informed me more about how much out of class time is needed for pre-med students.  However, it worked out fine because I love volunteering.
 

Favorite Quote:
One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's work watching. ~ Anonymous

Lexi Almberg

Senior
From: Eagle, Idaho 
Major: Nursing 
Advises: Nursing & Public Health
Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, studying, shopping, hanging out with friends

The minute I set foot on campus I knew this was the place for me. I had a feeling that I could be truly successful here. The environment and lifestyle here also meshed well with my personality. I loved how friendly the campus felt along with its beauty.

I chose to come to Westminster for my Nursing degree (BSN) because I had read in reviews that it was one of the top programs around, as well as its high pass rate on the NCLEX.

I love interacting with people; each interaction is such a unique experience. We can learn so much on both ends. Being a Peer Advisor allows me to share my knowledge and experience with others as well as learning something myself from the student. I am so enthusiastic about my area of study I like to share it with others. 

One piece of advice you wished someone had given you:
Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t.
 

Zachary Glass 

Senior
Major: Psychology 
Advises: Social Sciences (Environmental Studies (BA), Justice Studies, Political Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology and Gender Studies)
Activities: Travel, learning new things, and spending time with my friends and family

Prior to my senior year in high school I had never heard of Westminster. After my high school English teacher suggested that I look into the college I decided to apply. When I visited the campus for the first time I knew that Westminster College was the right school for me. I love the tight-knit community, faculty and small class sizes. Salt Lake City is a great place to be and Westminster College has a great location. 

I love to plan and organize as well as helping people. I joined the peer advising team because I wanted to welcome new students to the Westminster campus and help them decide on a major and to figure out their course schedules. My role as a peer advisor is to help point students in the right direction while the student makes decisions regarding their academic and professional futures. 

One piece of advice you wished someone had given you:

I wish that someone had told me that it is okay to be wrong. Being the perfectionist that I am, I want to get everything right and to obsess over every minute detail of every single project until it is perfect. Life isn’t about being right (at least not always) and it is important to know when something is good enough.

Favorite Quotes:

You are the problem but you are also the solution. ~  Anonymous 

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. ~ Thomas A. Edison.