Student Spotlight Lalia Mangione

Lalia Mangione ’17 chose Westmont instead of a music conservatory. “This was a place I could thrive, be motivated and encouraged to work harder,” she says. “My professors and peers genuinely appreciate me, not just my skills on the violin. I wanted to become a well-rounded person who could serve the world in many different spheres.” 

The music major from Grand Rapids, Michigan, has worked with nearly every music program in Santa Barbara. “Westmont has equipped me with enough skills to get different kinds of music jobs, and I'm more excited than scared about my future,” she says. 

She’s developing an interest in teaching music and may apply to graduate school. “I need to be patient and wait for God to lead me,” she says. 

“I feel very connected to God,” she says. “My faith feels natural, and it incorporates every part of my life. It gives me strength and confidence and helps me understand why I’m here.”