Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

I would tell myself to trust my instincts and not let doubt hinder my ability to grow and choose important decisions. Do not let the stereotype of "SPU" create a hindrance on my socializing; be myself and find friends through my own personality. Even though this may cause some judgments from the stereotypical student, it'll show you who your true friends are; those who accept you for yourself and those who will last through college. Never give up - even when a professor says it's impossible - because that makes victory all the sweeter.

Dear Emily, You're almost done! By June you will have completed 12 years of school! Don't be nervous about what college you're going to end up going to, or how much scholarship money you'll receive; it will work out in the end. This summer: look for a job. You're going to need all the spending money you can get. Books, art supplies, that cute top that you just can't put down; it all adds up! The most important thing to remember once you get on campus next fall is to BE YOURSELF. When you start to make friends or finally talk to that cute guy in your 9:30 am UFOUND class, being yourself is the only thing that will matter. Out of the thousands of people you will meet during welcome week, your true friends are the ones that accept you for who you are. College will be a blast! But don't forgot to keep being that perseverant, hard-working girl you are! So, go ahead- be excited! Once summer's over, you've got a whole new adventure ahead of you. Can't wait to see you there! Emily

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to work hard and be dilligent in my studies because it truly paves the way for your freshman year and the years to come after. I would also tell myself to really search out my talents, passions and giftings and figure out what interests me because that will save you a lot of time when figuring out what you want to major in. I would tell myself not to worry and get caught up in the little things because those things won't matter once you get into college.

I would tell myself that it is okay not to have all A's--because in college I don't have all A's. It is okay that it is hard at first to adjust, it is for everyone.

Things I've gained through my college experience: a new sense of belonging (both with my new relationships and in the world as a whole); confidence (in beginning relationships with new people and I've also become more willing to take chances when i'm unsure whether or not I will succeed); a later bed-time (this isn't always good but I have work to do and I like to enjoy time with people, so I often run out of time in my "normal" day to do both); knowledge (I have honestly learned so much in my time here). This list is a glimpse at the impact that my college experience has had on my life, words can never fully express the immense and wonderful impact college has had on me and nothing else could provide this experience. College is so imporant for so many reasons; not only does it prepare you academically with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the work force but it also shapes you and helps you to grow in to the person you will be for the rest of your life; and that's kind of a big deal.

By attending Seattle Pacific University, I have gained a sense of confidence and happiness I had never felt before. I’ve made many lifelong friends that I can’t imagine never knowing. The support and education the professors have provided has been tremendous and I have enjoyed the smaller class sizes and the one on one help from professors. They truly care about their students. I am planning to major in Interior Design and possibly Psychology and am pleased with the courses relating to my study. The location of SPU is great as well. We are located in Seattle, but in a safe residential area. We can go into the city and enrich ourselves with the culture here but also enjoy the quieter residential life. I’ve been blessed to attend this school and I’m looking forward to the next two years I have here and the support I’ll receive after graduating and starting my career. Thank you for considering me for your scholarship.

My college experience at SPU has been more than I could have hoped for. I love the small class sizes and the community you build with the people on your floor and in your classes. The professors are approachable and professional and truly care about the well being of students. I have learned more about myself in the last year and half than I think I have in my entire life. The people at SPU are loving and caring and will be there in all of your struggles and triumphs. My life changed dramatically the summer before leaving for college and if it wasn't for the women on my floor I don't think I would have been able to handle the event in a very healthy manner. Overall, I know that SPU is worth the cost of private tuition and I wouldn't change my decision to go here if I could do it all over again.

Attending SPU has caused me to grow spiritually and mentally as a person. I would not trade any other college experience for the one i have received. SPU has made me realize to not judge others on first impressions. You truely don't know someone until you get to know them. College has made me grow up and be independent, however i think that by living on SPU's campus it has made me responsible. If i were to have gone to a big university such as UW, i would have had many experiences that may have caused me to go in the wrong direction and become more immature. The SPU community has helped me to grow spiritually because of the people i surround myself with. Everyone is on fire for God and it encourages me to grow closer to Him.

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is that no matter what our difference are we all have one thing in common. The thing we have in common that my school has taught me is that every one of us can grow as a person to better ourselves. This is important to me because it gives me peace knowing that know matter everyone’s difference are we all have a common trait (growing to better ourselves) we share that connects us all together. The college was valuable to attend because the experience of being challenged to grow as a person and having it connect everyone together is something I can take with me to my teaching career. I can use this experience in the future with my students by challenging them to grow as people and showing them that even in diversity we are united through a common goal. We can have both diversity and unity in our world.

I have been irreversibly shaped by the classes and culture, places and faces of my university. My professors have not only brought up fascinating subjects that I have never encountered, but have brought out strengths and values I never noticed I had. Living in Seattle I have become a bus-riding, rainboot-sporting, coffee shop-camping, park-exploring adventurer—welcome additions to my ever-growing identity. I’ve had unforgettable classes, as well as assignments highlighting the vibrancy of the city—from art exhibits to church visits, community festivals to conversations with the homeless. But given all this, I know that ‘college experience’ has no value by itself. While the books and papers, the campus events and the community experiences have been fun and have made the last few years truly unique, the value is in how it has changed the way I experience the world. The best lessons: how to find cultural hubs, how to pick a good read, how to help people, how to appreciate the craziness of other people’s views, how to appreciate the craziness in my own. In short, even though I will graduate in a year, I will forever be a student.