Part 1 by Lien Do
WAIT! Am I leaving Arizona already?
WOW, did these last three months fly by fast. The amount of things I was able to accomplish this semester were unreal – road trip to San Diego, Grand Canyon, hiking for the first time, and many many more, and all of this after bonding with the faculty and the other SiMesa students.
SiMesa students Megan, Marc, and Lien with Wilkes staff Patti Naumann
Our last and final trip this semester was to go to the Grand Canyon with Patti Naumann. We almost gave Patti a heart attack because Megan, Marc and I decided it would be a fun idea to stand on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is a must-see for its natural beauty. It is breathtaking, and trust me when I say this – pictures do not justify how beautiful it is.
The things that I am going to miss about Arizona are countless, from the people to the food to the
people, it couldn’t have made this trip any better. I got to spend time with 3 amazing people (Marc, Megan, and De’Von) and bond great bonds with them! I am so grateful and thankful for this experience and for the people who made it all possible. Mike, Jen, Patti, Ryan, Dr. Liuzzo and the professors at Wilkes University in Mesa have put their hearts into this place. Working with Ryan this semester was a great resume builder and a really fun time. During our time in Arizona, the faculty worked to make sure that we were going to make this trip worth every penny, and I can never thank them enough. During our time in the Marriott, we built relationships with the staff. They were excellent, and worked hard to make sure that we had everything we needed. After spending so much time around the Marriott, it was hard to say goodbye to them.
I could not have imagine this trip being any better than it was. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to fly 3000 miles away, and all of the opportunities and people I meant through this program. My best advice for someone considering whether or not they want to go to Arizona is to just do it. There is nothing to lose and so much to gain.
Part 2 by De’Von Moore
OOOOOOOOOOO Arizona, I will miss thee.
If you’ve ever seen the TV show “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”, my life has been similar. Living in a hotel was an awesome experience. Getting to know the staff like General Manager Donald, and my favorite restaurant workers, Parker, Randy, Rikki and Daniel. Besides sitting by the pool every day, I think my favorite part about the hotel was meeting different people every week and listening to their stories. Everyone says we are lucky that Wilkes University allows us to come out here for a semester, and they’re right because it is an great experience.
I came to Arizona because I never got a chance to study abroad and it looks good on a resume. But who would have thought I would have a chance to get an interview with the Phoenix Suns, recruit for Wilkes, go to a free concert, go hiking with Dr. Rexer, Dr. Alves and Dr. Edmonds, or even help the locals around Mesa!
The things I will miss –
The Weather, In-N-Out Burger, Wilkes University Mesa Staff, The Hotel Staff, Scottsdale/Mill Ave, Yogi’s Teriyaki and Grill, Slickables, George’s Gyros, Wingstop, and Red Devil Pizza.
De’Von and his favorite model, Daphne Joy
Come to Arizona so you can see the beautiful weather, landscape, Dr. Liuzzo, Mike G, Patti, Jen, Ryan, Sean, Carl and the rest of the faculty at Wilkes U in Mesa. If you are lucky you might be blessed to meet your favorite model Daphne Joy in Scottsdale, or see Odell Beckham Jr. on Mill Ave.
The only thing I would change is not being able to stay longer.
Thank you Arizona, Wilkes University-Mesa, Wilkes University
Final Tip: COME TO ARIZONA and a reminder: “Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring. Write something worth READING.” – Beyonce
Part 3 by Megan Powers
As I sit on the airplane on my way back to Pennsylvania, I have had the time to really sit back and think about how great of an experience this was. I made so many new friendships that made this whole trip worth it.
Megan and Marc at Chase Field watching the D-Backs take on the Pirates
As our time in Arizona ended, Marc and I were able to finally get to a MLB game, spending out last Friday at Chase Field in Phoenix watching the Arizona Diamondbacks play the Pittsburgh Pirates. The seats were awesome and it was nice to sit outside at a baseball game and not have to worry about humidity!
So to sum up my adventures as a SiMesa student… Arizona State baseball games, hiking in Sedona, viewing the Grand Canyon, MLB baseball game, and spending my nights & Fridays poolside. I’m pretty sure that sounds A LOT better than rainy Wilkes Barre.
Making the choice to come to Arizona was the hardest decision of my life, but ended up being the best. Take the risk, make the best of every opportunity given to you, and let yourself experience a journey that will leave you with unbelievable memories.
See photos from the SiMesa Student Adventures for Spring 2015 on our Facebook page!
Any Wilkes University current or potential student who is interested in the Semester in Mesa program, please contact:
Bridget Turel
bridget.turel@wilkes.edu
Wilkes University in Arizona 