This student photography exhibit showcases the work of six students who participated in a collaborative research study with Dr. Jennifer Fricas (College of Nursing) during the Summer of 2021. The goal of the study was to provide an opportunity for BIPOC nursing students to creatively share their experiences of dealing simultaneously with the COVID-19 pandemic, police brutality and the grassroots protests against it and for racial justice, and their ongoing development as nursing professionals (RNs or ARNPs). The goal of this exhibit is to share these student-created photographs and their meanings with the larger campus community, to spur additional conversation and influence inclusive changes in our university policies and processes that would better support BIPOC students throughout their SU experience.
Students used the photovoice method to produce their photos and their titles and captions. Each student co-researcher has given their permission to use their real full name with their work appearing in this exhibit. In addition, they have given permission for use of the images and have secured consent from any identifiable people who appear in the photos.
The preliminary study analysis groups the photos and discussion into three themes, which are presented in this exhibit:
Coping with the Pandemic
The Importance of Community
Connecting Past, Present, and Future
This exhibit is jointly produced by the Seattle University College of Nursing, the Division of Student Engagement, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, with support from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
We want to hear from you! What did you think of the on-campus exhibit? What do you think of the additional photos found here? Would you like to participate in a similar participatory photography project on campus in the future? Please complete this short form to provide comments and/or indicate interest!
Coping with the Pandemic
DNP, Class of 2024
Vaccination Against COVID-19
Following CDC guidelines on safety measures is not solely enough to protect oneself from the virus. With the creation of the vaccine, it brought hope to the community. Seeing members of the community brought an ounce of hope that we can start to resume our lives while protecting ourselves and others.
DNP, Class of 2024
Friday Prayers (Jummah) during COVID
Men and women sitting during Jummah Khutbah (Friday prayer sermon) on the outside parking lot of the mosque. People have brought their own prayer rugs and are spaced out even though Islamically it is believed that if there are spaces between people during prayer, evil spirits will inhabit those spaces. Women are wearing hijab and the men are up front. Two empty chairs for elders are also pictured.
DNP, Class of 2022
A Little Taste of Home
Being away from my family and not being able to see them during the pandemic has been difficult and therefore, when I want a little reminder of home and some comfort food, I find myself getting Indian food.
BSN, Class of 2021
Adventure Days
My roommates Shaina, Elle, and I went on what we called “Adventure Days” to escape the mundane of staying home [during the pandemic]. On these days, one of us would plan where we would go and surprise the other two on the day of the adventure. This photo was from our adventure to “Paint the Town” where you can paint ceramics – something I heard about from one of my clinical group peers during post-conference.
DNP, Class of 2022
Running through Mud
This year has been hard, being away from my family, not being able to go back home for over a year, watching the riots, having the smell of tear gas in my apartment during the riots, being reminded of racial and health disparities every single day and being in school feels like I’m just running on fumes. Physically and mentally on overdrive, just running.
DNP< Class of 2024
New Reads during Changing Times
Girl is holding up a book titled Hood Feminism. As she is now quarantined, she has found herself reading more, especially books related to the current political and social climate.
DNP, Class of 2024
Pandemic Protest to Bring about Change
Different racial groups coming together as one to protest on recallInslee.com. Inslee is the Governor of Washington and the protest was held in Renton to bring light that Inslee went too far with his COVID-19 restrictions – violating religious freedoms by curtailing church gatherings, for example, or exceeding his authority by suspending the Open Meetings Act so government bodies could meet remotely via Zoom. They also question whether COVID-19 was an emergency.
BSN, Class of 2021
Still Contagious
For more than a year, we have all worn masks due to COVID. As of late, mask restrictions for outdoor events have been lifted, however, that does not mean that other contagious illnesses do not exist. At our outdoor, vaccinated graduation party, Shaina had to wear a mask and indicated that she had tonsillitis and not COVID, as to not alarm our friends.
The Importance of Community
DNP, Class of 2024
Awowe at Rose Garden
My grandfather at the Rose Garden near his home. With the pandemic, people are frequenting outdoor spaces as indoor unions are deemed unsafe. My grandfather is sitting on a lawn chair incorrectly wearing a mask. He is also wearing a dress shirt and a kufi on his head.
BSN, Class of 2024
Government Family
Note written in the Student Government of Seattle University office directed towards all members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quote reads, “SGSU babes y’all are my favs and I am stoopid excited for 2021-2022. [heart] Marrakech.”
BSN, Class of 2021
Spring Nights
Over the course of this last year [20-21], I moved into a new house with new roommates. One of the things that got me through the pandemic was listening to music on the porch and talking story with them during spring nights when we could relax and breathe in the fresh air. No responsibilities, just enjoying each other’s presence.
DNP, Class of 2024
Rebuild But Maintain
In the Chinatown–International District, community is everything. The support must be maintained and life must be given back to the community through openness.
DNP, Class of 2024
Hope and Inspiration to People that are Affected or Lost During the Pandemic
Hillside Church in Kent was opened despite the pandemic as safe precautions were still observed. This was a positive experience as the message was inspirational: to belong, believe, and become a part of the community which can provide support and help each other overcome the pandemic.
DNP, Class of 2021
Balutan
Growing up, family parties mean a lot of food that could feed over 20 people. For graduation, I was not with my blood family, however, Dharma invited me to her family’s house. We are both from island cultures, where food and family are very important and in these 12 hours, I felt like I was family.
BSN, Class of 2024
Dorm Dinner
Group of friends gather in the basement of dormitory to cook instant noodles together for the last time before moving out.
DNP, Class of 2024
Readjustment
In the Mt. Baker neighborhood, a beautiful mural stands in front of the local high school, depicting African American historical moments and individuals. Among the beauty are the struggles of the community. A man is collapsed over in the heat. With a simple adjustment the beauty is an illusion.
Connecting Past, Present, and Future
DNP, Class of 2024
Hope on the Horizon
Movement is necessary to continue forward to a new line of hope. Like the Seattle ferry, movement is constant.
BSN, Class of 2021
Generations
My friend Dharma and I are standing in front of the portrait of her great-grandmother and the rest of her family. I grew up in Hawai’i and Dharma grew up in Guam where matriarchal figures are instrumental in our families. On the fireplace, we see several photos of Dharma’s family as we are celebrating the accomplishment of graduating from Nursing School.
DNP, Class of 2022
Eye on the Prize
The reason that I moved to Seattle was for school to be able to work as a Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care Medicine. I drive by this Level I Trauma Center as a reminder of where I started and where I want to end up, for motivation.
BSN, Class of 2024
Expansion
Contrasting buildings at Harborview Medical Center. Older tower (left) and newer tower (right), depicting the growing and transforming nature of the hospital and its needs.
DNP, Class of 2024
Generational Knowledge and Beauty
An elderly African woman who showed courage during the pandemic by still practicing religion while being grateful. She was very inspiring and nice as she welcomed me and my husband. She instilled words of wisdom and elevated knowledge to us.
DNP, Class of 2024
Free Palestine
A man is hanging on a light pole in the middle of downtown Seattle. On the no left turn sign he has written Free Palestine. The man is also carrying a Palestinian flag.
DNP, Class of 2022
The Road Ahead
Moving to Seattle not knowing anyone has had its own hardships. However, Seattle’s surroundings look familiar. Being in nature is grounding and humbling and looking at the road ahead, I don’t know what the future has ahead but home looks close.
Jennifer Fricas, PhD 