梅勒妮·坎贝尔 knew she didn’t want to go to college in a traditional “college town.” She wanted to explore and learn about the world around her. 为她, that meant attending 西雅图 Pacific University, living and studying in one of the nation’s leading cities.
“自从来到这里, I’ve found lots of ways to get involved on and off campus,媚兰说。, an individual and family development major. “I’ve seen different 工作places and different organizations in action. Being in 西雅图 is a unique experience; it’s a big city, but it’s easy to get around to different places. I take the bus everywhere.”
对媚兰, 西雅图 Pacific is not only a gateway to connecting with the city, but also a gateway to connecting with the world. As a freshman, she began volunteering with Cultural Companions through 城市参与, SPU’s program connecting students with volunteer positions in 西雅图. Once a week, Melanie met with a refugee family from Afghanistan to help them practice English. 在校园, she’s a member of the Students for Middle East Peace Club, which promotes discussion and education on campus concerning conflict in the Middle East.
Melanie also 工作s as a research assistant for the Human Rights Defense Center, a nonprofit in downtown 西雅图 fighting for reform in the criminal justice system. “It’s been a great experience — advocating for people’s rights within the criminal justice system is one of my passions,媚兰说。. “Being able to learn, 工作, and get real-world experience at the same time — I’m really thankful for that.”