Student Spotlight Caroline Thomas

For more than 40 years, students have worked with the community in Ensenada, Mexico, through Potter's Clay, Westmont's longest running student ministry. Student Caroline Thomas shares how her involvement has greatly affected her life.

Each year, the students leading Potter's Clay write their own mission and vision statement for their team and choose a word or phrase encapsulating their focus for the current year. The core team chose the Spanish word "convivencia" this year, which roughly translates to "fellowship" or "being with." It embodies our desire to build unhurried relationships and learn from God and the people of Ensenada.

I can attest to the incredible relationships formed with fellow Westmont students and church members in Ensenada during Potter's Clay. On my first spring break in Ensenada, I met people who are now my closest friends. My conversations with Ensenadans motivated me to improve my language skills and learn more about multicultural views of God, effective short-term missions work, and U.S.-Mexico relations.

I've stayed involved in Potter's Clay, serving as a VBS team leader for three years. I also studied abroad in Querétaro with the Westmont in Mexico semester. I completed an internship with a ministry in Sinaloa through the Westmont Downtown program, and I've held summer jobs doing community development work in Latin America. I've even applied for a Fulbright grant in Mexico after graduation.

We want all Potter's Clay participants to cultivate respect and cultural sensitivity, open themselves to learning, and reflect on how God is already working in Mexico. We'd love to welcome you to Westmont and to service with Potter's Clay.