Anna Schwulst/The Falcon

In "Student Spotlight," we approach random students on campus and ask them to share a little about themselves and some of their opinions on recent issues and life at SPU. You could be next!

Freshman Brenda Buchanan

Major: Undeclared

Hometown: Portland, Ore.

Where do you currently live?
Third Moyer

Why did you choose SPU?
Because it's [in] Seattle and I really like Seattle. And it's far enough from home but not too close. I liked that it was a private school but it didn't seem too incredibly closed-in. Of course it's going to be sheltered, but it just seemed like...the motto and everything, they really do live up to that. I really like that.

What are your career plans? What programs at SPU might you enter?
I have a lot of interests, so I was looking for a school that would have areas in all of those so that when I do figure it out, it [will be] there for me. Language programs. Art programs. English programs. Everything. They had a lot of those different things.

Favorite professor at SPU so far?

Dr. Segall has been my favorite. [In New International Fiction]. I really like [that] she's travelled a lot and more than just "as a visitor." I feel like she's really lived in the places she's visited and gotten to know the people there. [She] just seems very aware of what's going on right now in the world and is so good at making her students aware of that and really pushing your boundaries, in a sense...what you think and how you think. It was just so good for me to be in that class. It was my first class.

Are you a Christian? Denomination or specific church that you attend?

Yes. Non-denominational...is what I grew up in. Right now, I'm going to Bethany Community. Richard Dahlstrom is an amazing pastor. His sermons are what got me there. I really like his preaching.

What's your mode of transportation around the city?
The bus. And walking. A lot of walking.

Do you have reasons to go out in the city? Where do you go?
Yeah, I work in Ballard and also I can't stay in one place for too long, so every day I...get on a bus, go somewhere, get out. [I go to] coffee shops, parks, just to get out and walk really, anywhere. I don't get how people can just stay in here...it drives me crazy. I love it here, but I'm in the city. I should be out.

Where do you work?
I work at a fabric boutique called The Quilting Loft. It's a fabric store, basically.

How do you study? Do you have certain habits or techniques?
I like to study in coffee shops.... I've been avoiding [studying] a lot lately. I don't really have a certain routine I go about when I study. I just kind of grab my books and do it. [Procrastination]...mainly that. Even, like, right before the class is when I'll do the homework.

Do you drink any coffee to help? Favorite drink? Favorite shop to get it?
Yes. A vanilla soy latte is pretty much what I drink. I kind of cruise around Zoka's...it's in Green Lake.

Favorite food? Favorite Seattle restaurant to get it?
Mexican. Gordito's. There's one in Greenwood and 85th. That's where I always go.

Would you be or are you a vegetarian?
Not a vegetarian. I feel like that's kind of a fad going around, especially on college campuses. If I ever were to become one, I'd make sure it wasn't in college just because I feel like it's a fad and people just do it to do it. I like meat. Sorry.

Favorite movie(s)?
I like "The Interpreter." And just for old time's sake, "Chariots of Fire." I grew up on it...I know a lot of people think it's boring, [but] I think it's a great movie.

Favorite musician, composer or band?
That's a hard question. I like a lot of music. Old school...Elton John and Simon and Garfunkel. Newer stuff...I'm a Coldplay fan. Anything from, like, Snow Patrol, Sufjan Stevens. It just kind of depends on my mood.

What are you currently listening to?

I was just listening to Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service.

If there were only one concert you could go to in the rest of your life with any artist, living or dead, what would that be?
I'd really like to go to a U2 concert.

Any hobbies or interests that define you?
I like to draw. I like to hang out with people.... I like reading. I like running.

Did you ever do track?
I did. I hated it, though. I don't like running in circles....

If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, what would you have to do with your last day?
I don't know. I guess I'd just hang out with people. We're all going to die someday....Go back home, see some of my old friends.

Do you think any of the Lifestyle Expectations are unnecessary or do you have any conflict with any of them?
Not really. I mean, it's a Christian school. You've got to expect them. So, deal with it and know you'll be out in four years.

What do you think of the 37five program?

I really like it. I really appreciate that they're not requiring Chapel attendance...because it really does encourage hypocrisy a lot. I went to a Christian school for a couple of years in high school and there were all these people complaining.... I love that the people who do want to do it can support a good [cause] with what they're doing.

Are you registered to vote? Are you going to?

No. I am going to. I'm a procrastinator, what can I say?

Favorite presidential candidate?
I could say one, but honestly, I don't feel like I've looked into it enough....