Zoa Lupton

Journey to GMercyU

My parents discovered Gwynedd Mercy University while researching schools. My mom wanted me to be in a supportive environment, so my dad made a list of all the schools that offered a place like that. GMercyU was on that list.

I loved my first visit to campus. It was in May 2022 and I loved the scenery and how everything was in very close walking distance. I met with the Assistant Program Director of Integrated Studies Zack Hulings. I first met Ariana Amaya, the Program Director of Integrated Studies, on Zoom where I learned more about the Integrated Studies program and how it works. Ariana and Zach are nice people.

I chose to attend GMercyU because I have never been to college, and I wanted to start slowly. The Integrated Studies program allows you to go at your own pace while working closely with support from your friends and professors. Plus, it allows you to start gaining independence and experience.

Experience at GMercyU

Move-In Day was insane! My sister and I moved in on the same day; she goes to a different school. I moved in at 11 a.m. and she moved in after 1 p.m. but our schools are in opposite directions. Before I left to go to pre-orientation, my dad was trying to lower the bed, and it landed on my sister's foot. I had to run to get ice, and then run to go to orientation. When I came back six hours later, my room looked amazing!

Orientation Weekend was fun and exhausting because I had five days of orientation (integrated Studies orientation, then regular student orientation). I loved mini golfing, it was so fun.

Getting involved on campus is important because you get to see what you like and don't like and have fun. I like attending Resident Assistant events and Bingo events. My favorite event was painting for mindfulness where we painted cityscapes.

My favorite memory so far was my second day on campus. We played this game at orientation where you had to balance as many cookies as possible in your arms. My job was not dropping the cookies. I smelled like chocolate the rest of the day.

Life in the Classroom

My favorite teacher so far has to be Kim Cooney, the Director of First-Year Experience, because she goes over topics slowly and gets on your level. I also like English class, because I enjoy writing and reading.

I’ve had a really great experience at the Student Success Center. The Career Development Center has helped me with building my resume for future opportunities and Tami Nosal, the writing specialist, has helped me with my papers. We have great discussions.

I have had a wonderful experience in the Integrated Studies program. I have a very supportive group. I meet specifically with Ariana once a week, where we go over my progress with my classes. Another resource we use is Microsoft Teams to communicate with mentors and advisors throughout the week. We also have the ability to see our schedules, as well as internship logs and other private files.

I have had four peer mentors that I've met with regularly so far in the program. Nancy was great and helped in Painting 106 when I was struggling. She kept me going. We followed tutorials together, and she helped me with the exam.

Peyton is a wonderful friend. He helped me a lot with my computer and going over what I needed for class. I'm able to talk to him if I'm having a hard time. Liz was also my biggest advocate, and I loved her as my mentor.

Looking Ahead

With Integrated Studies being a non-degree program, I explained to Ariana my desire to pursue my associate's and bachelor's degree. She told me I could go on that path eventually. So, now I'm working my way toward that.

The next steps are finishing this semester with great grades and potentially, if I am ready begin, taking associate's courses, then move to my bachelor's courses. I am still trying to figure out what my major will be. I'm looking forward to trying new things.

My advice for future Integrated Studies students is to work hard towards a goal. You never know where you'll end up. Plus, Ariana and Zach are supportive and care about your learning.