SPU Stories

I am all about being positive

Coming from Japan to Seattle has been a big step for me both academically and linguistically. Before coming to SPU, I scored low on my...

As long as you keep leaning forward...

I've experienced some of my greatest personal revelations when I moved to Seattle in 2017. My desire for change during the growing pains...

I'm typically labeled

When I’m surrounded by others, I can come across as outgoing and someone who is easy to talk to. In my group of friends, I’m typically...

I can be open and vulnerable

I tend to keep to myself at the beginning of any relationship. When I am around people that I am not close with, I stay quiet. Maybe it’s...

Why stay in one place?

I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and I always knew I wanted to study outside of Africa. My mother had taught me that God created the...

People should learn to love one another

I grew up the youngest of 8 in California. In my house my brothers and sisters have all came from foster care, bad families, and...

I want to show love

I grew up in Nevada and knew I wanted a change, so I decided to come to SPU. I have loved going to school here because I love Seattle....

I am really growing into myself

I am from Kirkland, WA. I do have five siblings who are significantly older than me, however I am from a blended family. This has been...

It was possible to still have hope and love

I am more than just an athlete. I am more than just a child thrown in the middle of a divorce. I am more than what people think of me....

I had to look out for myself more

I have always come off to people as quiet, shy, and introverted, but in reality, I am just focused. Other people think that because I...

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We are students at Seattle Pacific University. We designed this blog to challenge stereotypes by giving individuals a chance to speak for themselves, to create their own labels, and to share their own stories. Through the personal narratives of students, staff, and faculty at SPU we hope to celebrate uniqueness and unity, the beautiful truth that here we are many shades of one color: maroon.

Most stories have two photos. The first picture represents what we think people see when they look at us, the stereotypes and labels we have lived with our whole lives. After reading our stories, you can see photos that represent what we wish people could see when they look at us, what they will see when they take the time to hear our stories. These words embody who we are, what our stories have helped us to become, and how we want to be known.