This year, the Honors Program welcomed a new coordinator: Esther Olmedo!
In 2007, Olmedo attended La Sierra University, where she began studying as a liberal studies major with plans to teach either kindergarten or first grade. Originally from San Diego, she was a first-generation college student, which characterized much of her undergraduate experience. She did not have the ability to rely on her parents to guide her through the complexities of university life. Instead, she had to figure things out as they came.
Olmedo began to realize that there were many other students in the same boat when she started working at the enrollment office. There, she had the opportunity to interact with and get to know many students that were confused and intimidated by the novelty of higher education. Her future plans began to change as she found a passion for supporting students like herself in higher education settings.
Prior to her position as Honors coordinator, Olmedo worked as an Enrollment Counselor for La Sierra University at high school campuses. While working with students, she emphasized that academic paths could look significantly different from person to person and that this was okay. She also believed and still believes in making the most of the college experience, which she finds to be a special time in one’s life. Some of her most valuable relationships were formed in college. To the students she works with, she advises against rushing through college and being consumed by academics. “College is more than that,” she says.
In the Honors Program, she wishes to facilitate an undergraduate experience beyond “making it through.” She finds the tight-knit community, extensive opportunities, and lasting friendships are what make the Honors Program important. From her own experiences, she recognizes that undergraduate life can be extremely taxing and busy, but she finds even more value in the Honors Program because of this busyness. Honors students, she noticed, stay busy together by forming bonds, support, and memories. As the coordinator, Olmedo wants to see the Honors community grow in numbers both on- and off-campus. Her past three months working with the program foreshadow an enjoyable experience in this community!
As an individual, Olmedo enjoys traveling and expressing herself with makeup and nail art. As an enrollment counselor, she was always on the road. This allowed her to familiarize herself with new places. During these travels, she found makeup to be a creative outlet. She discovered her passion for makeup through watching YouTube tutorials. Her nails also display her artistic side. Once a week, she gives herself a manicure, spending time for and with herself. In doing so, she finds a break from her busy life and gets to pay homage to passing themes, such as seasonal nails. During the Halloween season, she painted her nails white with dripping “blood.” Other times, she follows popular movies such as when she painted her nails as minions when the Minions movie premiered.
Olmedo’s advice to Honors students and any readers is to, “Slow down. Breathe. Take it in.” She wants students to value their time in undergrad, as “You never get this experience again. Once you’re done, you’re adulting.” To “take it in” means to slow down, make memories, and take up offers to have fun. Some of her favorite memories at La Sierra include studying at the library until closing and getting donuts with her friends who worked there after, hanging out until 1 A.M. She hopes that students across La Sierra’s campus can find time to enjoy their college years beyond academics.
We are grateful to have Olmedo as a coordinator and look forward to growing the Honors community together! Welcome!
— Katie Jang (English Creative Writing, Class of 2025)