The idea of going away for college has never felt
so real until I took the tour of California State University of Channel Islands
and I instantaneously knew that it was the place for me. Today I was able to
attend an orientation at CSU Channel Islands called Discover CI where I got
information on clubs, courses, student housing, and financial aid. The campus
itself took my breath away, when I arrived there was a cool breeze and you
could smell flowers all over the campus. The campus is the newest of the CSUs
but some of the buildings were built in 1934 so it has this beautiful old
architecture. CSUCI has character, only Channel Islands students can say
their college was once a mental asylum! This actually really attracted my
attention to the campus even though some people think it’s a little creepy, I
think it’s unique. Sitting on top of a mountain on campus you can see a huge
wishing well and it was the same well used in the movie “The Ring”. Some people believe the campus could be haunted, spooky.
The people I met were all friendly and The staff
was great. I wrote my information down for a couple of clubs to contact me. I
would really like to be a part of a religious group and the Rotary Club on
campus as well as get a job in the health office, so I am extremely excited
about getting involved. I was able to visit the nursing stimulation lab which
was really fun (in case you didn't know, I will be going into Pre-Nursing). I
guess the nursing students get to intern at CHLA (Children’s Hospital Los
Angeles) and it is a dream of mine to work in that hospital! This school was
made for me.
About ten minutes away from the campus is the
Beach and ten minutes in the opposite direction is the Camarillo Outlets! I don’t think
I could ever get bored at CSUCI, the campus has a recreational center, tons of
clubs, and the Residents Assistants put on activities all the time. Another
thing that caught my attention was this room where students could go in and
paint all over the walls, floor, and ceiling. It looks really fun and extremely
therapeutic.
The dorms got me nervous, they are small and
house six people! I am sure it will be a lot of fun but we are girls and girls
need to get ready in the morning, in front of one mirror. I need space, so I am
praying I get a double room! Dorming will be great regardless, I know I am
going to make a lot of new friends.
My mom,
grandma, and I all went up to the top floor of the Broome Library and the view was
to-die-for. I sat with my mom and she has always been sensitive about me going
to college because I am her youngest and I will be far away from home so it got
a little emotional. I am really going to miss her a lot. I know she’s really
proud of me.
Words can’t express how excited I am to start
this new chapter in my life. I have to admit I’m pretty scared. I know this
journey won’t always be easy but I am ready to take on the challenges of
college and make this year one to remember at CSU Channel Islands. Wish me
luck and let me know if you have any questions!
