SPU Stories

I hope that I’m able to grow and learn

Before people meet me, I would be told that they thought I looked mean. I think it had to do a lot with my facial expressions. I suppose...

I am understanding

Several people have said that I look arrogant, as if I thought that I was somehow above the people around me. I will admit that I am very...

I go out of my way to be there

One of the main things people tell me before they get to know me is that they previously thought I was really mean or that I intimidated...

I made it a goal to blend in

There are a lot of differences between Russia and America. My favorite memory as a child was my first Christmas in America. I remember it...

I am worthy of my voice

People assume that I am mean because of the way I talk. I speak what is on my mind and I believe that this is the only way society will...

I have had to remain strong

Transferring from a community college in California to Seattle Pacific University has been a big change in my life. From living at home,...

It felt surreal

I was only twelve when my life was turned upside down. My childhood best friend had committed suicide. This was a defining moment in my...

I’m spontaneous, adventurous, and down to earth

People view me as quirky, strange, and kind of hidden behind the scenes. More so, they interview me as an introverted person who may not...

I feel things too

People get a pretty instant impression of me that I’m out there, loud, exaggerated, floaty and spacey. I feel like they don’t think that...

I have and will continue to disprove the stereotype

My name is Larissa Molina and I’m a senior here at SPU. I’m originally from Guatemala, and I moved to the U.S. around the age of four. My...

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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.