Reflections of a Graduating Senior

Reflections of a Graduating Senior

Wow oh wow. That’s all, folks.

Just like that, my four years of college are at an end. To an extent, I am in denial -- I have not started to pack up my Isla Vista apartment yet, even though I move out in one week.

So instead of being productive, I have decided to procrastinate by writing some heartfelt advice to the baby Gauchos I leave behind. Here are some tidbits I have gathered over my years at this wonderful school.

Woodstocks in Isla Vista has trivia on Tuesday nights! Every week is a different theme, from Disney to beer to American pop culture trivia! The games start at 9pm but my friends and I usually arrive around 8:30 to get a good table.

DO NOT ride electric scooters (Bird, Lime, Spin) on campus! You can get fined up to $150! It is not worth it -- just be 5 minutes late to class.

The first 2 weeks or so of freshman year is when you’ll make the most friends. Everyone wants to meet people, so break out of your comfort zone and talk to everyone! Who knows, you may just meet a lifelong buddy!

Don’t feel pressured to be best friends with your roommates, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. You’re living with these people for three quarters, and you should feel comfortable in your own room.

If you are ever looking for an extra Area F GE (Arts), I recommend Theater 5: Introduction to Acting. It will help improve your English skills and you will instantly bond with the other students in the class, regardless of nationality. Plus, you play games all day long, and it’s an easy A.

GO TO THE BEACH. It’s easy to say, but harder to do, especially as the quarter goes by. But try to go watch the sunset at least a few times a week. Don’t put it off. The universe gives us a miracle twice a day when the sun rises and sets over the ocean and we shouldn’t waste it.
Campus Point is a gorgeous place to watch the sun rise. Much fewer people get up to watch the sun rise, so depending on the day of the week you may be on the cliff by yourself!

You WILL get tar on your feet when you walk barefoot on the beach. Don't freak out! It can easily be washed off with soap and water or baby oil.

This class does not cover any GEs but it’s a UCSB rite of passage: Sociology 152A: Human Sexuality. It’s taught by an older couple who are just the cutest.

If the library is full and you have to cram, take advantage of other fun study spaces on campus! The SRB, UCEN, and SSMS all have nice space for students. My personal favorite place to study is outside! Bring a blanket and lay out on a lawn -- any lawn -- or the beach. Get a tan and an A+ at the same time!

There’s a balcony on the 4th floor in the library. It’s a nice outside place to study, but I wouldn’t recommend tanning there -- lots of students can see you there!

There are “pay-by-the-pound” goody bins in the IV Co-op and at the Corner Store on campus. You can get snacks like granola, chocolate pretzels, and gummy worms for a nice study treat.

The 7/11 store in Isla Vista sells plastic tubs of cookie dough that is safe to eat without baking in 3 flavors and I am OBSESSED. The Isla Vista Co-op also sells vegan cookie dough (vegan means no egg, so you can eat it raw!)

Unless you have a test or a paper due the next day, ALWAYS SAY YES TO RANDOM INVITATIONS. The best memories I have in college happened because someone said “want to go get pizza?” at midnight.

Go to events hosted by the MultiCultural Center (MCC) and the Pollock Theatre by the bus loop. They show movies and host discussions nearly every week. Also, Magic Lantern has $4 movies on Friday and Monday nights in Isla Vista Theatre and AS puts on free movies on Tuesday nights in the IV Theatre. Thanks to these programs, you can watch all the films nominated for Academy Awards.

Do not worry about making yourself cute for dead week and finals week. Everyone feels awful. Don’t pretend you don’t.

Go downtown! I feel as though I didn’t spend enough time on State Street. Downtown Santa Barbara is truly breathtaking, with the mountains peeking between the white buildings and the smell of the sea in the air.

When you’re downtown, climb to the top of the Courthouse. You get incredible views of the terracotta roofs of Santa Barbara, and the building itself is historic and gorgeous. You may even spy a wedding or two!

Don’t be afraid to fail. Apply to scholarships and positions and join clubs! People want to make friends and they want to make friends with you, if you let them.

Go to at least one game of each sport. We have so many sports on campus, and this is a great way to really feel like a Gaucho!

Sign up for a Gaucho Rec class at the Rec Center. Heck, GO TO the Rec Center. You’re paying for this gym, you might as well use it! There is a great wine tasting class for 21+ students.

Being a Gaucho has been one of the great honors of my life. Live it up, because once college is over, real life starts. When you walk the streets of Isla Vista, listen to the bass pump from all the street parties; smell the beer and marijuana smoke, but also the eucalyptus trees and the salty ocean air; take morning walks to Coal Oil Point; learn to surf! There is no limit to the things you can accomplish. Think of all the Gauchos who came before you, and all of them still to come! We are all Gauchos here and now. ENJOY your time here, because it will truly go by faster than you ever could imagine.

All my love,

Meg