All Four Christ
We often hear that college is a time to find yourself, to engage in self-discovery, and to grow in maturity. Freshmen step onto campus, eager to embrace their individuality and find their niche in a new environment. For four students from Tacoma, Wash., who started at Northwest University in fall 2015, creating their own identities on campus might be a bit more challenging than for most students. Not only are they siblings— they are quadruplets.
Growing up, Amy, Blake, Chad, and Caree Kulesza’s mom dressed them alike. For years, the siblings were even in the same classroom at school. Teachers and peers compared their looks, their grades, and their abilities.
“I’ll meet someone and introduce [my siblings], and then their perspective of me changes when they find out I’m a quadruplet,” said Amy, a psychology major. “Then they want to compare us all the time. ... We have different personalities; we are all different. They have this expectation that we’re one [person].”
While choosing a college, the siblings were prepared to go separate ways. Yet, the quadruplets were offered scholarships to NU and independently chose to attend, drawn to NU’s welcoming environment and dedication to the Christian faith.
“At other colleges, people seemed really independent, not as social,” said Blake, currently a business administration major. “Coming around here, everyone is waving.”
Chad, who is studying international business, is a Young Life leader and felt that attending NU was a positive step for his faith. Since starting school, the siblings have enjoyed prayers in class, the freedom to worship, and the authentic faith of their peers—all of which affirmed their initial impression that people at NU are serious about their walk with God.
Through meals, movie nights, or trips to Menchie’s, the quadruplets have formed friendships with other students. Amy and Caree live on the same floor in the dorms, and Chad and Blake are roommates. However, “we have our own friend groups,” said Caree, who is fulfilling her prerequisites for NU’s nursing program. “I feel like I never see my siblings on campus, which is surprising.”
Despite their desire to be known as individuals, the Kuleszas are confident that being at NU will further strengthen their bond, especially as leaving home has made them more independent from their parents and dependent on God. “Being in a small but strong community keeps everyone closer,” said Chad. “With all this, we will always be here for each other and won’t let anyone down. We’re always going to have a strong connection with each other.”