Senior Marisol Rosado grew up surrounded by three cultures, struggling to find her place and purpose within that realm.
Her father is Puerto Rican and her mother is Mexican-American. She also has two half brothers of African descent from her mother’s previous marriage.

“My dad was a city boy and my mom was from the country. It was different,” Rosado said.

She grew up around the Puget Sound, speaking Spanish until age five.

“I was told I could not speak Spanish anymore in school,” Rosado said. “I was very different. I looked different, I spoke different.”

When she was in high school, Rosado knew she wanted to go to college but did not know if she would be able to afford it. She heard about the Act Six Scholarship and applied.

“The Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative is the Northwest’s only full-tuition, full-need scholarship for emerging urban and community leaders who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities at home,” according to the Act Six website.

“Originally I thought that SPU was on the list,” Rosado said.

Seattle Pacific University was close to home would allow her to stay close to her family, yet she still felt compelled to submit applications for Whitworth and Gonzaga.

“Trust me, it was the hardest decision in my life,” she said.

The low amount of cultural diversity drew Rosado to Whitworth.

“I saw a huge need for people of color on this campus,” she said.

Growing up spread across different traditions has allowed Rosado to embrace all cultures as ASWU cultural events coordinator.

“For me it’s more geared toward Latinos simply because I am a part of that group,” she said.

Her family has been key in shaping her outlook and continue to support her as she moves forward.

“Plus the food is wonderful,” she said with a laugh.

Throughout Hispanic Heritage month the Whitworthian is featuring the stories of Latino students in the Whitworth community.

Contact Caitlyn Starkey at [email protected].