Humans of SLU Madrid

This is Angelo! He's from the Philippines, a culture that is actually a lot more present on SLU Madrid's campus than you might think! Look at this kid though, I mean, that smile says it all (and I think he was laughing the entire time I was trying to take these pictures). Angelo is a self proclaimed goofball, who rarely finds a reason to be overly serious about anything. "If one of my friends is in trouble or need my help, of course I'm going to be there. But other than that...you can ask them, I'm literally always joking around about something," he said. If this picture makes you kinda wanna pinch his little happy cheeks, then go find him!!!

This is Natalie! She's a semester student from USF, but that doesn't mean she's going back to California any time soon. Next semester she will be studying in Barcelona, and this summer she will be doing (to be determined) but definitely here in Spain. (We understand why you want to stay, Nat). If you talk to Natalie you will giggle a lot and probably walk away having been called "green bean," "peach," "qt," etc., which is the sign of a genuine lover of life and people. Natalie describes herself as one of those restless types that always wants to be on the move, which is obviously how she ended up choosing the most fun campus in Europe to continue her adventures, duh!! Go talk to this cutie pie fuzzy peach lemon drop! (as she would say, probably)

Does Michaela look familiar to anyone....? 😉 If you didn't get that joke, you might not know that Michaela is a visiting student this semester, creating all kinds of confusion because her twin sister is a permanent student at SLU Madrid. It might help you guys decipher between the twins if you know a little more about Michaela! She's tall and likes fashion...that much is easy. BUT maybe you didn't know that her main focus is on God. She runs a bible study on campus this semester, something that she was afraid would turn out to be a flop amongst the craziness of studying abroad. Ask her to tell you about it, and you'll find out it has been more of a blessing than she could have imagined. Ask her anything you want, except please don't ask if she has twin telepathy. (it doesn't work that way!!!!)

guys, I'm back! we survived midterms!!! let the SLUman hunting resume 😈

this is Jonas! you know Jonas. everyone knows Jonas. you can't very well walk around in a bright yellow rain coat and go unnoticed now can you? (especially since he's part of the .0001% of the population that can pull off a yellow raincoat???) there's more to Jonas than the european-boy vibe that oozes out of every pore, though. i could attempt to tell you some of the crazy stories he has, but i think they probably would sound better with his Swiss accent, so go find him!!!

this is anna. she’s cute and little and like, the most fashionable ever. BUT she’s also got a big story and a lot of passion bouncing around inside of her. it starts like this: anna grew up in a very rough neighborhood of Chicago surrounded by poverty. what she didn’t know when she was younger is that her parents CHOSE to live there, not because of financial circumstances, but in order to be fully immersed in the community in which they intended to love on everyone through and by the example of God. so, fast forward 23 years and we have Anna, kick-butt and absolutely overflowing with love for the marginalized. after she told me her story I had to ask her how she manages to stay so lighthearted despite having seen so much hardship. “it’s a business of joy rather than sadness” she said. her advice is to live among your neighbors, practice what you preach, and (as you can tell from the picture ((that one was her election)) don’t take life too seriously!! please go find her and ask her about this stuff, because wow.

This is Hama! If I were to write this post in Hama's voice, every sentence would have an exclamation point after it because Hama! is! so! happy! (I mean, he's literally giggling in this picture)

Hama is Kurdish, is 26 years old, and is studying to be an engineer. That sounds like a pretty serious combination, but he's the opposite -- in the best way of course. When I asked him what people likely would not know about him, he said "I'm completely transparent!" So I think that's him giving you permission to go find him and ask away!

This is Julio. Julio is a man of few words, but the ones he has are good. I asked him to tell me something that people probably don't know about him, and he told me about how "when he was dumb and 17" he wanted to get a tattoo with these lyrics: "I came to this world with nothing and I leave with nothing but love. Everything else is just borrowed." Good motto, Julio. Also, we applaud your choice to not get it permanently etched into your skin. 😉

Os presento a Rita. Maybe you've seen her in the art studio or maybe she's sold you a book at the book store. If you've spoken to her, you might know that her grasp of the English language makes even native speakers jealous, or that she's always interested in what you're saying. BUT I bet you don't know that Rita is studying to be the most kick-butt psychologist that ever lived, she loves her little brothers more than anything (even though they make her late) ((like, a lot))), and if you're sad over a boy she'll sit you down and tell you that he's really NOT worth it. And you'll believe her.
Get to know Rita!!!

"On this International Women's Day, I feel supported, seen, and happy for being a woman. I also think that it's a good thing that we've come so far, and that today, people are more aware of gender issues."

"Don't take a picture of me! Look at that flower! She's literally begging to be shot! She's come out in all her glory now that spring is here! Now that's pretty! Me? Exams are around the corner. My eyes are bloodshot and have dark rings. My skin is pale. I have pillow-hair. No... Not today... Just no... It's exam time. Let that flower be hope for students during this cursed time..."

"we may come from different backgrounds, cultures, have different interests and ways of thinking, even the colour of our hair is contrasting, but we have one most precious thing in common, the unbreakable, indescrptible bond, OUR FRIENDSHIP. :)) "

"When Capricorn and Pisces join together, on the surface, it may appear to be opposites attracting. Capricorn is down to earth, and regimented with a strong work ethic; while Pisces seems to be more emotional and dreamy, who takes on the needs of those around them. This couple is honest and can be devoted to one another. They admire one another. Capricorn appreciates Pisces' kind nature, and Pisces is drawn to Capricorn's quick wit and tenacity.
The relationship may develop slowly; the two not necessarily recognizing the progression.
(All this is accurate. We hated each other when we first met.)
The Capricorn - Pisces duo can really put their heads together and can be fullfilled by their partner. Difficulties can arise if Capricorn is too dominating for Pisces' sensative side. Pisces needs to understand that this is Capricorn's style and not a personal attack. Pisces might not take to well to Capricorn's stubborness, but can deal with it through patience and understanding."