Student Spotlight: Monica Betz

Throughout the trip, I’ve thought it would be neat for me to create student spotlights, but I never made it happen. As the students were working on a group project last night, they were trying to figure out how they’ll make their mark on social media. They jokingly asked me what I was going to do and it led to student spotlights. There are 12 students and 8 days left in the program. Here we go!

We’ll start with Monica Betz, a sophomore majoring in Energy, Business, and Finance with minors in Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). Monica is from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Before coming on Parks & People, Monica traveled to Jamaica with Neil Brown twice through LEAP.

It’s no surprise that Monica volunteered to be featured first. One would not describe Monica as shy. If I were to use three words, I would say “energetic, quirky, and positive.” Monica’s the most likely to ask a ridiculous question that gets the group laughing. She is most in her element when in a gift shop.

The biggest risk Monica took on this trip was snapping pictures of the great white sharks on her program phone. I’m happy to report that both Monica and her phone came back from that excursion unscathed. Monica’s top three Parks & People moments were:

1. Being in the first group to site a rhino in the Karoo. Without dung duty, this would not have been possible.
2.  Hearing children sing beautiful songs at the schools. Did I mention Monica was the lead kudu in our play? Her prancing is spectacular!
3. Traveling to TableMountain not once…not twice…but three times before enjoying its beauty.

For Monica, this trip will always be associated with the song “Are You with Me,” dubbed “Mexican Skies” by Parks and People 2016. I have heard rumors that someone keeps playing that song in the cruiser, but nothing is confirmed (It’s #8 on NOW 71 Disc 2 and #17 on Club Traxxx Volume 15 Disc 1).

Monica explained that she would pack differently if she were to relive the trip. She would not pack so many field clothes and would leave her yellow, bug-attracting, hat behind.

When I tried to conclude the interview, Monica felt that our time together was “ended abruptly.” When I asked what I was missing, Monica started rambling on about how this group is like little blushing ducks. When I asked her to explain for the average reader, Monica said, “I’m so glad we met in Parks & People. We became a family and I’m going to miss this. I’ve realized that I’ll never be in this country with the same group of people ever again.”

My favorite memory of Monica happened just last week, on March 15. We’d spent the day putting on the Science Fest for local kids and it happened to be Ray’s birthday. When I returned to our living quarters with Danielle in the afternoon, I heard Monica rapping from across the courtyard. I went over and got to hear the birthday rap she was perfecting for Ray’s birthday dinner. Partway through dinner, Monica gets up with sunglasses on and hair braided, and starts rapping for Ray. When I get the chance, I’ll upload the video for all to see.

Want to know more about Monica? Follower her on Instagram @shoesthatwalk