Jamie Krehbiel ’25, like numerous high school students raised in a college town, was determined to spread her wings and leave her hometown of Hesston behind. 

“I was very adamant about not attending Hesston College at first,” says Krehbiel. “My dad had pitched the idea to me fairly early on, but I was determined to leave Hesston and go somewhere else.”

Krehbiel’s interest in an art career began at a young age. She has always been inspired by the natural world, especially animals, whose influence can be seen in many of her creations today. 

With her father’s persistence, Krehbiel agreed to tour campus again not expecting for her plans to completely change. She met with numerous faculty and staff during her visit, but her meeting with Art Professor Joshua Cross had a significant impact. 

“Speaking to Cross made me feel as though I was having a conversation with an older and wiser version of myself,” remarks Krehbiel. “He and I spoke about subject matter and that our work didn’t need to ‘mean something’ to be art. Rather, the process of creation was enough to make it so.” 

Not long after meeting with Cross, Krehbiel was making plans to begin her freshman year at Hesston.

Now that her first year is nearly over, Krehbiel has no regrets about her decision. “As much as it pains me to say, my dad was right,” she jokes. “I do love it here, and even more than that, I love the people.” 

In her time at Hesston, Krehbiel has considered Cross to be her mentor and confidant. 

“He pushes me out of my creative comfort zone and is always asking me questions about how I can take my pieces to the next level,” she explains. “It’s mildly annoying in the short term, but I always end up grateful that he questioned my artistic choices.”