Luann Dummer Center for Women
Kelsey L. Hinkel, Class of 2009
My senior year of high school I wanted to go to St. Thomas so bad; however, they didn’t offer nursing. I tried two other schools before realizing that occupation was not for me and that St. Thomas was still for me. I was drawn to the rich history, the location, and the future potentials. I met some great people prior to transferring and knew that I would have a great time at UST if in just visiting I met so many friends.
As a non-catholic female on campus, I have yet to feel set apart or disconnected from any group on campus. It seems whether I attempt to join HANA or STAR, I am welcomed. If I am invited to church and dinner for a certain event and am not comfortable with the church part, I am not looked down upon and not alone.
I truly appreciate the way St. Thomas has pushed us out into the community. Between bus200 classes and clubs that fundraise, I feel we are bettering our surrounding environment, one that we are soon to be fully immersed in. With a history in volunteering, St. Thomas alum will hopefully carry that with them into professional settings.
In a short two year experience here, I have gained so much. I have had internships, study abroad and volunteer opportunities. These have set me apart from most other college students and will ease me into the real world with a greater knowledge of what else is out there.
I hope that females at St. Thomas continue to engulf themselves in all the great opportunities the University offers. I pray they never feel less than anyone else or better, but see everyone as equal regardless of gender, race or religion. That they may do unto others as others have done unto them. If we can continue to grow as we have, so will the rest of campus and therefore community around us and society that we touch.
