What are the main ways to meet people at SPU?
— Daniela Acuna, Snohomish, Washington
Get involved in school clubs, go to events held on campus, and if you are living in the dorms, hang out in the lobby of whichever hall you live in. Also, don’t be afraid to leave your doors open in the dorms because it’s a great way to welcome whoever lives on your floor! Clubs are another great way to meet people with whom you have something in common.
How diverse is the culture at SPU?
— Julian Wilson, Emmett, Idaho
The culture is getting pretty diverse, even more so than just a few years back. It’s great because there are a lot of multiethnic clubs like FASA (Filipino), SALSA (Spanish), and VSA (Vietnamese), to name a few.
What do you love about the school’s location?
— Cienn Joyeux, Glendale, Arizona
The many places to go if I need to get off campus! I can walk to Fremont to hang out with friends in a coffee shop or take the 13 Metro bus from campus to downtown Seattle. If I need to get groceries, I hop a bus to Queen Anne and shop at Safeway or Trader Joe’s.
What are your favorite things to do off campus?
— Kat Thorne, Moraga, California
Walk to Gas Works Park, do homework at the Fremont Starbucks, eat at different restaurants in Ballard with friends, get ice cream at the Queen Anne Molly Moon’s, go to the Sunday Farmer’s Markets in Fremont and Ballard, shop downtown, and go to concerts.
When walking around campus, what unexpected sight or event brings a smile to your face?
— Justina Brown, Auburn, Washington
In the winter there’s this one-week event called Humans vs. Zombies. It cracks me up to see some students take it so seriously. I notice participants being cautious of their surroundings; some even tackle innocent bystanders on accident (no harm done!).
How are SPU students fulfilling the school’s mission of “engaging the culture, changing the world”?
— Rachael Campbell, Olympia, Washington
Students here get involved in clubs and events that make a difference. I got involved through MEP (Multi-Ethnic Programs). SPU also hosts an event called MNOW (Multicultural Night of Worship) that happens once a quarter. We worship in different languages, watch dance club performances (I’m a member of ACF, one of the groups), and hear speakers share a message.
There is also a big international dinner at the end of the school year. They have food and performances from different countries; it’s a cool way for students to show how they are engaging the culture.
How are students preparing for life after college, and how does SPU help them attain skills for a professional career in their desired field? How are career services?
— Chase Darlington, Tacoma, Washington
SPU offers opportunities for internships, mentorship programs, and career services. I connected my Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design internship with SPU so I actually received class credits for it. It was a great way to learn more about working in a company. I also took an interactive fashion seminar class with Dr. Copeland. We had mock interviews, and speakers from different companies shared advice with the class. Career services on campus are a wonderful resource for interviews, résumés, and cover letters. I’ve gone a couple times, and they are very helpful.
How does your faith come into play at SPU?
— Beth Walker, Oregon
My faith plays a significant role. Before coming to college, I attended a private Christian school, attended church, and grew up in a Christian family. I expected to be comfortable with the school and its teachings, but little did I know how much more I would learn about myself and grow in my relationship with God. There were times I couldn’t really rely on others; in these times God was the only one I could turn to. The experiences I’ve been through have taught me that my faith in God is not about reaching a destination; it’s an ongoing journey.