Before attending SPU, I was struggling with what path I wanted to take in life. I was set to go to nursing school, but something in my gut was telling me otherwise. It wasn’t until I looked deeper within myself and my faith that I finally understood what my calling was — Apparel Design and Merchandising. Though it is the complete opposite of what a nursing degree would have brought, I felt, and now know, that my purpose in life is to bring confidence and light to others around me in a way that genuinely makes me happy. It wasn’t easy making this life-changing decision, but I owe it to my family and friends for encouraging me to continue onto this new journey.
It has taken many, many failed ideas and attempts to finally be at a place I find peaceful and I honestly do not think I would have as big of a heart as I do now had I not chosen to attend SPU and be surrounded by the amount of love and care from my faculty and peers. Being a part of a community that cultivates love, acceptance, and (good) change helped mold me into the person I am today. The amount of gratitude I have for this educational experience at SPU is more than words can explain.
Reina currently owns her own internationally recognized children’s clothing line based out of º£½ÇÍø, kidswear, which gives back to the º£½ÇÍø-based nonprofit, Art With Heart, an organization that helps children overcome trauma through creative expression.