Reflections from the Class of 2021
Nicki Mabry, senior class president, and Caleb Moellenhoff, senior class secretary, reflect on their time at Westminster and their unusual senior year.
What has been the most positive part of your Westminster experience overall?
Nicki: The most positive part of my experience overall is definitely all the different relationships I have been able to build with people who are genuinely kind, caring, and supportive. Westminster has so many opportunities to build those relationships, and I am so thankful I took advantage of that. Westminster has given me people who will be with me for the rest of my life.
Caleb: In every subject, there is a focus on academic rigor, but what has been more impactful for me is the application of that rigor to rationally defend the life-changing truth of the Gospel. As a student, it has been clear to me that incorporating the analysis of tough questions and current issues from a biblical worldview is not just a required aspect of the curriculum here. The teachers truly care about sharing the wisdom they have acquired from their own struggles, doubts, and life experiences.
What has been the most positive part of this year at Westminster?
Caleb: I’m very glad that we had in-person school this year and that Westminster did what they could to make life as normal as possible while being safe. It was great to see my friends and to be back competing in sports.
What has been a challenge this year? What are ways that it’s been overcome or progress has been made?
Nicki: Any kind of change is a challenge, but I believe that the Westminster community has overcome many challenges this year through maintaining an eternal perspective. Many teachers and coaches remind us that while no one could have foreseen a school year like this, none of it surprises God because He is still in control. I think that perspective makes all the difference.
What do you think you’ll miss most when you graduate?
Nicki: The faculty and staff, from teachers to administrators to maintenance, genuinely care about us not only as students but as people. I am grateful for the way Westminster encourages and provides opportunities for growth in academics, extracurriculars, and faith. I have learned so much about God and His heart and character through conversations with people here. I will most definitely miss seeing the people of Westminster every day.
Caleb: I’m grateful for all the good friends that I have met through Westminster. I’ve certainly been blessed by Christian fellowship as well as lots of laughter. I will definitely miss my classmates when I graduate.
What has been your biggest accomplishment during your time at Westminster?
Nicki: I hope that my greatest accomplishment is leaving Westminster better than I found it by starting a ripple effect of leadership, service, and faithfulness. Now, whether that happens or not is not yet evident, but God will have His way if that’s His will.
Caleb: My biggest accomplishment has been learning to channel my desire to work hard in a positive way in order to promote spiritual, emotional, and physical health rather than letting academics and athletics rule my life. However, this accomplishment is truly not my own but the Lord’s.
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This piece appeared in the Spring 2021 Chimes.
