Occidental College

Date: May 08 2003
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Well, fellow friends in cyberspace, I want to tell you a story about the girl who learned to love Oxy, despite the problems that the school has. First of all, I chose Oxy over Davidson, Colby, Tufts, NYU, and even Duke because of one thing…parents. It seems that they weren't to keen on my leaving happy sunny California. Pissed as hell, I spent my freshman year at Oxy moaning about not being at blank, cause blank is higher ranked, and the student body isn't "smart" enough, and I am tired of LA, blah, blah, blah. Too bitter at the time to appreciate the small town charm of eagle rock, the beautiful weather, the gorgeous campus, and the quirky people. I was convinced that my happiness will be found at some east coast top 10-15 liberal arts college ( Liberal Arts Schools, best education in the world). But as time went by ( and the realization that most school will not give me the financial package that Oxy did) I found my place at the school. Instead of transfering, I decided to stick it out, to actively be involved in the school. The things that I had overlooked before began to shine like stars in my face. I became friends with ( agape folks…don't get any thoughts in your head) some of my professors. I found a group of intellectual, thoughtful people that could relax with. Pursued and won several research grants to travel to really wonderful countries. Finally, I found my place. Once in a while, I do feel a little out of place at the school, but that could happen anywhere. Do I still feel disappointed about my decision to not go to the bigger name schools? Not really? "Success" (my definition of it) will come my way with or without a degree from Duke or Davidson. Is Oxy the type of place where students would run around naked and have nude parties? No way! Why in the world would you do that when you could run around naked in the Mohave Desert ( 2hrs drive), Malibu (45min), Big Bear ( 90mins) and the other natural wonders that makes Southern California one of the best places to live and study. Besides that stuff only take place at schools in the middle of nowhere, since the student body has to find some way to keep themselves entertained. Los Angeles has so much to offer. Well, I that my three years at Oxy has been a growing experience, with plenty of anger, joy, excitement,tears, anxiety, and growth. My education ( including study and research abroad)has prepared my for the big nasty world. I want to encourage everyone to beyond the Ivies and the top 5 and find the school that you will enjoy. Oh, apply to Occidental

IO triumphe…..

MOANU