For some students at Southern Nazarene University, answering the question “Where are you from?” is not as simple as naming a hometown. Many missionary kids (MKs) on campus grew up moving between countries, cultures and communities while their families served overseas. Their childhoods include experiences with different traditions, languages and culturally diverse friendships. These experiences bring a global perspective to campus and also shape how these students understand identity, belonging and home. Through the stories of SNU MK students, their experiences reveal how growing up overseas influences their lives on campus.
Olivia Dooley, who spent much of her childhood in Papua New Guinea, said being an MK shaped how others recognized her growing up and affected how she understood herself.
“For a long time, that was my identity,” Dooley said. “That’s how everyone knew me … the missionary kid visiting from Papua New Guinea.”
Dooley said that while she appreciated the experiences that came with that identity, transitioning to life in the United States required her to rethink how she defined herself.
“When I moved to America, I had to reshape who I was,” she said. “I had to make it about who I am in Christ and not just who I am to others.”
Like many MK students, Dooley said that adjusting to a new environment also meant learning to see home differently. At first, leaving Papua New Guinea felt disorienting. Over time, however, she began to see her life as connected to more than one place.
“I can appreciate having multiple homes around the world,” Dooley noted.
For other MK students, growing up overseas has shaped the way they interact with people and build relationships on campus.
Marc Jacques, who grew up in Haiti, said the strong sense of community in Haitian culture has influenced his friendships at SNU.
“Haiti is really relational and communal,” Jacques said. “When you see people, you say hi, you interact — even if it’s just for a short time.”
That mindset has carried into his life on campus. Jacques said that being surrounded by different cultures while growing up helped him become more aware of how people think and communicate differently.
“It helps you understand that other perspectives exist,” he expressed. “You want to learn more about how to better communicate or interact with different people.”
Jacques also said that growing up in a developing country shaped how he understands faith. Everyday realities such as inconsistent electricity or safety concerns made biblical teachings about provision and trust in God feel more concrete.
“When you read stories in the Bible about God providing, it hits differently,” he said. “Some things that are taken for granted here are real needs in other places.”
While growing up overseas shapes how many MKs build relationships and view faith, the transition to college in the United States can also bring new challenges. Some students begin their college years thousands of miles away from parents who are still serving abroad.
For SNU student Qaali Ali, whose parents continue to serve internationally, balancing life on campus with life back home can be difficult at times.
“It’s hard because they’re so far away,” Ali said. “But SNU does a really good job of having communities that make you feel included and loved.”
Staying connected across time zones requires intentional planning. Because of the time difference, Ali often schedules calls with her parents early in the day before classes, making sure she prioritizes her family.
“It’s always the first thing I do,” she said.
For many MKs, conversations about their childhood can be meaningful opportunities to connect with others on campus. Ali said curiosity and openness can go a long way in helping people understand experiences different from their own.
“Just approach with genuine curiosity,” she claimed. “Missionary kids are kids too, and we have experienced a lot.”
The experiences of MK students highlight the diversity of stories present within the SNU community. Their backgrounds span continents, cultures and perspectives, contributing to a broader understanding of the world on campus.
Photo credit: Qaali Ali