By: Juan Carvajal, Contributing Writer
At Saint Leo’s University Campus, as well as in nearby Dade City and Wesley Chapel, there are many activities that are attractive and engaging for students.
For example, the Wiregrass mall—which is less than thirty minutes away from campus—is a great place to hang out with friends, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. In Wiregrass, stores like Hollister and Barnes & Noble are ideal for buying new clothing or digging deeper on a particular interest. Places like Le Macaron and Menchie’s are excellent spots to have a dessert. Additionally, Pinchers—a seafood restaurant—has a variety of seafood preparations as well as scrumptious desserts. Wiregrass is a great option to hang out with friends.
Another activity that is equally energizing is the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, which is located in Dade City. This museum honors the farmers and craftsmen that had a role in building the Sunshine State and is a symbol of the roots of Florida. The Village features the restored Overstreet House, a one-room school house, a church, the Trilby depot, and a train engine, and displays how life was back in the early days for farmers, craftsmen, and other types of manual laborers.
Also in Dade City, the Giraffe Ranch is a popular attraction and perfect place to visit with friends. Comprising a land of 45-acres, this ranch is the home of giraffes, hippopotamus, camels, and other wild animals. At the ranch, two tours are carried out per day by expert guides. Throughout each tour, visitors are allowed to feed the giraffes and pet the camels.
On the other hand, University Campus is also home to many activities and organizations, where students can meet new friends.
Students who wish to learn about other cultures can join the Intercultural Student Association. One of the most popular clubs on campus, the ISA informs and educates students about issues that different populations face and the lifestyles of different cultures, and helps students build an appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Students who love sports video games are welcome to join the E-Sports Club, where they can challenge themselves to compete against the best gamers on campus.
Students that like to work out or play sports on a daily basis can enjoy the pool, the basketball court, and the beach volleyball court. Additionally, the lakefront area is ideal for those students who like to spend time outside; students can go kayaking on Lake Jovita.
Overall, the campus, as well as the city itself, has numerous activities that are not only engaging, but also make it possible to meet new people and strengthen present friendships.
