As I am filling out college applications, I reflect on the majority of my spring break I had spent hunting for a feeling of comfort from a college campus. When looking for the glass slipper fit—It is essential for me to have a connection with the campus itself; not only is the student body’s school spirit important to be, but it is just as vital for me to feel an essence from the campus that ties me into it.
The first campus I set foot on was UCSB and not only did I feel warmth from the SoCal sun, but I felt the warmth from the campus luring me into the Gaucho lifestyle. The light colored buildings surrounded by an array of palm trees make the campus feel like paradise. Not to mention—even as you step off of campus, through a tunnel filled with lights, you are still being coated with Gaucho spirit and campus love. The college town, the committed students, and the captivating campus preserves my love for UCSB.
Next came UCSD, a merited college nonetheless, did not bring me the feeling of the camaraderie. The campus was too industrial for me. It perpetuated feelings of individualism, competition, and inferiority. I feel as though a few of these values are significant for those looking for a campus that will have students challenging each other, but to the point where one feels that they cannot commend the others success for their success is another’s lost opportunity. UCSD is an advanced and proficient college, however, it lacks the solidarity that I long for. I appreciate the sophistication of UCSD, but could not find the bridge between us two.
To turn the tables I was pleased in visiting SDSU: a breathtaking campus with a student body that breathes spirit and bleeds Aztec love. What I appreciated most was the similarity between buildings, the flow of the Spanish-themed buildings tied the campus together. I felt hypnotized by the beauty between buildings and the connection I could feel between each one. “The Show” from the student body gushes the companionship and openness that I hope to shower myself in.
Next stop:USC. Now prior to visiting USC I had a few belittling looks from friends and family because of its abstract location in South Central Los Angeles. Regardless of its untraditional scenery, the campus was gorgeous and the red brick walls run through my mind. I could see the connection between students and campus and it truly influenced my take on USC. I adored the campus and would be honored to take place in its student body.
Overall—by walking miles over college campuses I found the significance in loving the campus that you will call home. By building bridges between where you live and what you love you find just what you need: a home. I cannot stress how much value this experience was to my future. Thanks Mom and Eric. I am so hopeful for what the future has in store for me. The passion I have for these campuses pushes me to trying my absolute best to seal my fate into their freshman class. Nothing is more dangerous than a women who knows what she wants.
