July 22, 2025
Greyhound Summer Spotlight: Alison Willis '28
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – This week’s Summer Spotlight series is with women’s tennis student-athlete Alison Willis.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – This week's Summer Spotlight series is with women's tennis student-athlete Alison Willis.
Where are you traveling this summer?
- Japan
Please describe your trip.
- I had the wonderful opportunity to stay with my very close friend's family in Yokohama. We spent 12 days traveling around Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. During the trip, we went to places like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios in Osaka, and we visited many tourist sites, including temples and ancient shrines. It was an amazing mix of fun and cultural experiences.
What made this experience appealing to you?
- I've always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures. Photography is a hobby of mine, so I was excited to take photos throughout the trip. I've also always been drawn to Japanese culture and lifestyle, so this was a dream opportunity in which to immerse myself.
How does this experience relate to your career or life aspirations?
- While my career goal is to go into the medical field, I think traveling to Japan gave me a greater appreciation for how advanced their technology and healthcare systems are. It also inspired me to stay open-minded to working or learning abroad in the future.
What are you looking to personally get out of it?
- I want to expand my knowledge of other cultures and languages and grow my appreciation for different lifestyles. I think experiences like this help me become a more well-rounded and understanding person.
How has your athletics career prepared you for this role?
- My athletics career has taught me to stay level-headed under pressure. This is important while traveling, where things don't always go as planned and can certainly be stressful. I've learned to adapt quickly and stay calm to keep things moving smoothly.
What are you looking forward to for this upcoming year for your sport?
- I'm really looking forward to match days, especially when everyone is hyped up. The energy during a competitive match is unbeatable, and it always motivates me to play my best.
Is there anything else you are looking forward to this summer outside of this experience?
- I'm an avid concert goer, so I plan to go to a few shows this summer. I also love spending time at the beach whenever I'm not working or playing tennis.
Final thought:
- Overall, I am so grateful for this amazing experience. Traveling to Japan reminded me how beautiful and diverse the world is, and I encourage anyone to take every chance they can to experience the wonders this world has to offer.
