10 Reasons to Love NAU
These are a few of my favorite things
Sawyer Cook — NAU ‘15
NAU: Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management; University of Vermont: Masters of Education — Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration
Six years ago this fall I embarked on four of the best years of my life thus far. Those four years were spent in Flagstaff, AZ at none other than Northern Arizona University.
I could not have picked a better place to begin my journey into adulthood then my favorite little mountain town. It was large enough that I felt like I could escape if I needed to but small enough that I felt like I could call it home.
Not to mention that it is nestled in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world leading to some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises you will ever see.
These are just ten of the things that made attending university at NAU so great:
1. The Peaks
The San Francisco Peaks are the crown jewel natural beauty seen from just about anywhere on campus.
Bonus: they also provide a certain functionality as they direct you north.
2. The People
The community both on and off campus is so kind and friendly. It’s a wonder Flagstaff was ranked as one of the happiest cities in America.
3. My Program
Between the faculty’s support, the familial vibe between my peers, and the professional development opportunities the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management was the best academic experience I could have asked for.
4. The Snow/ Weather
Having grown up in Arizona, I was so excited to finally live in a place where the seasons were more distinct than hot and hotter.
5. Mama Luisa’s
Flagstaff would not be the same without my favorite family owned Italian restaurant. It’s a 10 minute drive from campus but it is easily the best Italian food in the city!
6. Downtown
DTF (aka Downtown Flagstaff) is the center of the eccentric cultural that Flagstaff is known for. The character of which you can fully experience during a First Friday Art Walk.
7. Harkins
As a self-proclaimed movie fanatic, the fact that we have a brand new state of the art local cinema is exhilarating.
8. Location, Location, Location!
The environment that surrounds not just NAU but the greater Flagstaff region is stellar. We are within an hour drive of so much biodiversity that the area is a true haven for those interested in the outdoors.
9. Professors
The faculty and staff at NAU are second to none in my personal opinion. Not only are they experts in their fields but it is clear that they care about you as a student too.
10. Monsoon Season
Lastly, the afternoon thunderstorms at the end of the summer can be captivating and a metaphor for a refreshing start to the new school year.
These are just a few of the things that make this little mountain town so special for me. What makes it special for you?
Share your favorites with us at social@nau.edu
