All posts by Dela Cooke

Hi! I'm a forth-year student at the American University of Rome on a journey to share the highs, lows, and everything in between of my inbound exchange experience at Drexel University. Join me as I explore the vibrant city life of Philadelphia, one blog post at a time.

Philly’s Largest Turkey Giveaway: A Day of Collaboration, Community, and Cheer

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s an opportunity to connect with colleagues and contribute to meaningful community projects. Recently, I had the chance to be part of a remarkable event—the Tyrese Maxey Foundation’s Annual Turkey Giveaway. Branding by Phenixx Marketing, where I’ve been interning since January, this event was more than just distributing turkeys; ...

A Day in the Life Balancing Study and Simple Pleasures

My life as an exchange student at Drexel University is a whirlwind of design courses, a personal internship, and the hustle of city living. Amidst the busyness, I’ve discovered the joy of embracing life’s simple moments. Join me as I take you through a typical day in my shoes, starting with an early morning commute. ...

A Taste of University City

Exploring a city’s culinary scene is like embarking on a delicious adventure. In University City, I set out to find restaurants that offered plant-based options, had a welcoming ambiance, and were budget-friendly. My culinary journey led me to three delightful spots: Louie Louie, Greek From Greece, and Goldie, each offering a unique and memorable dining ...

An Afternoon in Center City: History, Mosaics, and Serendipity

My visit to Center City was prompted by a visa appointment at the Italian consulate, leaving me with four hours to explore the vibrant heart of Philadelphia. With the Liberty Bell on my must-see list and a yearning for historic architecture, I set off for an afternoon of discovery. As I stepped into Center City, ...

A Spontaneous Stroll: Discovering History and Beauty on the Locust Walk

Sometimes, the best adventures are the unplanned ones. On a sunny day with three hours to spare before my next class, I embarked on a spontaneous journey. The destination: the Locust Walk, a path that would take me from Drexel through University of Pennsylvania to the enchanting Woodland Cemetery. With an eagerness to explore botanical ...

Navigating Philly with SEPTA

My introduction to SEPTA, Philadelphia’s public transportation system, was through a family member who worked there. It didn’t take long for me to appreciate the convenience of SEPTA, especially the Regional Railways. The one-hour train ride from Newark, Delaware to 30th Street Station soon became an integral part of my daily routine. Initially, I was ...

From Rome’s Eternal Beauty to Philidelphia’s Urban Charm

Welcome to my weekly blog series, where I’ll be sharing my exciting journey at Drexel University, a stark contrast from my small university in Rome. I’ll walk you through my initial impressions and experiences during my first week in the city of brotherly love. My First Impressions As I stepped onto the sprawling Drexel campus, ...