Students Speak Out On Overall Experience

“I love Wilkes, so yes, I would do it all over again. Wilkes gave me a great financial aid package, the most out of any school I applied to, and this was my top choice, so I knew they cared and wanted to have me as a student. The friendships made, faculty, and staff have helped me develop my skills not only as a student academically, but also emotionally, mentally, and physically—they have helped me find my ‘true-self.’ I have had many mentors here at Wilkes. They accepted me for who I was, and I remember that when I first came to Wilkes I was a shy, quiet, young man with a mustache that weighed 286 pounds. Now, one-and-half years later, I have more confidence, many friends, and many students know me. I am not shy or quiet, but the opposite: very outgoing and a social butterfly. Also, I have developed more self-confidence and have lost 136 pounds and went down 12 pant sizes—and shaved my mustache. I have become a leader on campus and a mentor for others. Many students and faculty tell me all the time how much I have changed for the good, and couldn't believe I was the quiet boy in the room that never talked and was hardly noticed. My parents couldn't believe how much Wilkes has helped me, and they tell me all the time that they are proud of me and are glad I found my true friends and self. My relationship with my parents has also strengthened, and we are closer than ever before. My parents are not only proud of me because I am the first in my family to graduate high school and attend college, but they are proud because I have kept up my grades, and realize that Wilkes has helped me become the happiest person I have ever been.”

“My overall experience is actually very positive. I think Wilkes is entirely worth it, and if I could do it again, I probably would go here. It's been a really great almost-four years so far. I've been very lucky with housing and roommates, and I've made great friends. My favorite parts were going out to bars after I turned 21 and watching movies with people I like to hang out with. In my sophomore year, it was the weekly ritual to get together and watch American Idol. That was so much fun! You basically get out of it what you put into it. If you want it to be a good experience, it will be.”