Whispers Through the Forest - Kimberly Mendoza

As an individual of indigenous Maya origin, my life story consists of foreign travel and interactions with different cultures all over the world. I speak three languages and try to balance living a modern American life, but also honoring the culture of my ancestors. My life story is woven with that of my family enduring hardships, joy, and most of all, hope for the future....read more

Not My Miracle - Melissa Maguire

Throughout the course of history, the greatest expectation our culture has had of women is for us to reproduce. Even in the current rhetoric, motherhood is hailed as the ultimate responsibility, the "most important job in the world." As a woman who very adamantly does not want children, I am constantly the center of negative attention in circles of men and women who still cling to this archaic notion. Does not having children make me less of a woman? I am to explore the ways in which our society still promotes maternity as the be-all and end-all for American women, and how this is damaging our culture, politically, economically, and socially....read more

Start from Where You Are - Khaled Almahmudi

The biggest challenge I have faced, was when I was here starting my Master's Degree and civil war was going on in my country, Libya. I've also endured challenges of living in the USA by myself, and insisting on achieving my dreams.

Live and Let Live - Calla Spatz

Realizing that some of the greatest turmoil can bring triumph and weaknesses can become strengths.

Prayers for an Atheist - Karen L. Click

A backpacking journey to India leads to unexpected, multi-faith, encounters new to this Atheist. As a life hangs in the balance, and strangers pray for a miracle, the lessons learned change a life.

From the Eyes of a Young Muslim Woman - Safa Peera

I glance at a book in Barnes and Noble titled "Pakistan: Deep Inside the World's Most Frightening State" and think about the dozens of times I have visited the country that has taught me so much about gratitude. Saudi Arabia the country I grew up in does not enjoy a much more favorable judgment. Now I am back in the United States, in a very different world. As a Muslim woman I have traversed the cultures that seem to alien to each other. In an ever shrinking world where the media brings what is happening half way across the world right into our living rooms, we have actually spent time trying to understand the complexity of the religion and culture of what many people assume are the most dangerous parts of the world because they just don't know....read more

Not My Miracle - Melissa Maguire

Throughout the course of history, the greatest expectation our culture has had of women is for us to reproduce. Even in the current rhetoric, motherhood is hailed as the ultimate responsibility, the "most important job in the world." As a woman who very adamantly does not want children, I am constantly the center of negative attention in circles of men and women who still cling to this archaic notion. Does not having children make me less of a woman? I am to explore the ways in which our society still promotes maternity as the be-all and end-all for American women, and how this is damaging our culture, politically, economically, and socially....read more

Polarized - Angela Uno

My identity has always been determined as a dichotomy. Japanese and American, Girl and Tomboy, Calm and Hot-headed. Can this be neatly put into the box of bipolar disorder?

Out of the Closet, Into the Streets (and I feel like dancing) - Artemis Rose (aka Sammy Partida)

Artemis Rose is an amateur drag queen. And from stomping the stage and strutting the streets of the DFW Area, what has she learned? With make-up tips galore and queer politics for good measure, this SMU queen has more than a few things to say...

Start from Where You Are - Khaled Almahmudi

The biggest challenge I have faced, was when I was here starting my Master's Degree and civil war was going on in my country, Libya. I've also endured challenges of living in the USA by myself, and insisting on achieving my dreams.

Live and Let Live - Calla Spatz

Realizing that some of the greatest turmoil can bring triumph and weaknesses can become strengths.

The Snake that Poisoned Us! - Karla Yvette Bustillos

Betrayals, lies, destroyed relationships and friendships. Three couples who are friends learn and discover that the devil never sleeps. Jealousy is in everyone, but the lengths one will go to take what someone has is the ultimate poison. At the end several lives are destroyed when you let an outsider into the group.

Prayers for an Atheist - Karen L. Click

A backpacking journey to India leads to unexpected, multi-faith, encounters new to this Atheist. As a life hangs in the balance, and strangers pray for a miracle, the lessons learned change a life.

Immigration and an Immigrant's Identity, or Lack Thereof - Dean and Director Gillian McCombs

Come and listen to stories from the life of our Dean and Director of Central University Libraries.

Nunca es tarde, or, better late than never! - Mayra Pratz

Experiences of an "oldie" among young students. Learning everything first hand and in a different language.

From the Eyes of a Young Muslim Woman - Safa Peera

I glance at a book in Barnes and Noble titled "Pakistan: Deep Inside the World's Most Frightening State" and think about the dozens of times I have visited the country that has taught me so much about gratitude. Saudi Arabia the country I grew up in does not enjoy a much more favorable judgment. Now I am back in the United States, in a very different world. As a Muslim woman I have traversed the cultures that seem to alien to each other. In an ever shrinking world where the media brings what is happening half way across the world right into our living rooms, we have actually spent time trying to understand the complexity of the religion and culture of what many people assume are the most dangerous parts of the world because they just don't know....read more

Blessings Come Through Raindrops - Virginia Brooks

I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. I've battled through many adversities, such as 2 sexual assaults, 4 natural disasters, being the minority at every school I've attended, 4 colleges in order to finish my degree, physically/verbally/emotionally abusive relationships, and much more. I'm now getting a Master's in Counseling....read more

Polarized - Angela Uno

My identity has always been determined as a dichotomy. Japanese and American, Girl and Tomboy, Calm and Hot-headed. Can this be neatly put into the box of bipolar disorder?

Out of the Closet, Into the Streets (and I feel like dancing) - Artemis Rose (aka Sammy Partida)

Artemis Rose is an amateur drag queen. And from stomping the stage and strutting the streets of the DFW Area, what has she learned? With make-up tips galore and queer politics for good measure, this SMU queen has more than a few things to say...

Start from Where You Are - Khaled Almahmudi

The biggest challenge I have faced, was when I was here starting my Master's Degree and civil war was going on in my country, Libya. I've also endured challenges of living in the USA by myself, and insisting on achieving my dreams.

Prayers for an Atheist - Karen L. Click

A backpacking journey to India leads to unexpected, multi-faith, encounters new to this Atheist. As a life hangs in the balance, and strangers pray for a miracle, the lessons learned change a life.

Nunca es tarde, or, better late than never! - Mayra Pratz

Experiences of an "oldie" among young students. Learning everything first hand and in a different language.

Whispers Through the Forest - Kimberly Mendoza

As an individual of indigenous Maya origin, my life story consists of foreign travel and interactions with different cultures all over the world. I speak three languages and try to balance living a modern American life, but also honoring the culture of my ancestors. My life story is woven with that of my family enduring hardships, joy, and most of all, hope for the future....read more

Blessings Come Through Raindrops - Virginia Brooks

I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. I've battled through many adversities, such as 2 sexual assaults, 4 natural disasters, being the minority at every school I've attended, 4 colleges in order to finish my degree, physically/verbally/emotionally abusive relationships, and much more. I'm now getting a Master's in Counseling....read more

Footsteps of a Halfie - Karin Kuusisto

The life of a biracial student who is half Brazilian and Half Finish. And is American.

From the Eyes of a Young Muslim Woman - Safa Peera

I glance at a book in Barnes and Noble titled "Pakistan: Deep Inside the World's Most Frightening State" and think about the dozens of times I have visited the country that has taught me so much about gratitude. Saudi Arabia the country I grew up in does not enjoy a much more favorable judgment. Now I am back in the United States, in a very different world. As a Muslim woman I have traversed the cultures that seem to alien to each other. In an ever shrinking world where the media brings what is happening half way across the world right into our living rooms, we have actually spent time trying to understand the complexity of the religion and culture of what many people assume are the most dangerous parts of the world because they just don't know....read more

Polarized - Angela Uno

My identity has always been determined as a dichotomy. Japanese and American, Girl and Tomboy, Calm and Hot-headed. Can this be neatly put into the box of bipolar disorder?

No, I don't know Spanish - Danielle Palomo

The Rio Grande Valley speaks a different kind of Spanish. If you don't learn it at home, my school was not going to teach you. This is a story of why I never learned, and why you shouldn't assume I know it. (Or judge me for not knowing it).

Out of the Closet, Into the Streets (and I feel like dancing) - Artemis Rose (aka Sammy Partida)

Artemis Rose is an amateur drag queen. And from stomping the stage and strutting the streets of the DFW Area, what has she learned? With make-up tips galore and queer politics for good measure, this SMU queen has more than a few things to say...

Start from Where You Are - Khaled Almahmudi

The biggest challenge I have faced, was when I was here starting my Master's Degree and civil war was going on in my country, Libya. I've also endured challenges of living in the USA by myself, and insisting on achieving my dreams.

Prayers for an Atheist - Karen L. Click

A backpacking journey to India leads to unexpected, multi-faith, encounters new to this Atheist. As a life hangs in the balance, and strangers pray for a miracle, the lessons learned change a life.