Occidental College

Date: May 20 2005
Major: Fine Arts - Painting/Sculpture/Photography/etc (This Major's Salary over time)
Although freshman year at Oxy was the hardest year of my life in so many more ways than one, there is no other place that I would rather have been than here.

Arriving at freshman orientation was very difficult—I remember thinking over and over that I had made a wrong decision, that I should have gone with USC or UCLA. The ppl at Oxy are VERY different, very unique, and it was a hard adjustment coming from a prepy, homogeneous, sports-centered southern high school. Once you get over that fact and really get to know people, u see that there are some amazing individuals that attend this school.

The size is still a pain in the ass to me - 1,800 people is not a sizable enough population to sustain a healthy living space for 4 years of students. There is always going to be drama—mostly caused by the fact that the many pretty girls are left to fight over the few cute boys that aren't even worth it. Oxy beer goggles is all I have to say…Everyone knows who you hooked up with, etc, so that can get annoying after awhile.

Parties are ok…lame at times… I was very disappointed with them compared to my high school parties. However, after visiting my high school friends at their colleges, I realize that our parties are actually ok. There is always something to do on Friday or Saturday nites, but it gets boring by second semester. Oh, and reminder to the freshman girls at parties, the football players are not gods - they're D3. You're lucky if there's any alcohol, music, or dancing at anything … Club OXY parties are pretty fun if your wasted… and the sorority-sponsored parties are always good. Sex on the Beach is by far the best one of the year. There is also an alarming number of students that choose to stay in on Fri and Sat nites to work on hw… I still don't get that one cause Oxy's not THAT hard … but basically my point is, if you want to have fun, party, etc, there is always a party, and if you just wanna chill, you can do that as well and still have a good time.

I have met some absolutely amazing people through my sorority, my hall, and in my classes. Most people are very nice and accepting and overall there are just some great people here. With just one year at Oxy I know I can count on some of my friends here for life.

Classes are hard, but professors are always there for you and it is very easy to meet with them to get advice on your work. For a small school, there is a good selection of classes. The core program has basic requirements, not too hard. Senior Comps are basically a thesis that you have to write before graduation.

"Diversity" at Oxy is a big thing. The main problem with Oxy's focus is that they concentrate on skin color as the only element of diversity. This focus seemingly leads to reverse discrimination (esp. when hiring for the orientation team and tour guides - trust me - i've seen it). It can get annoying esp when you see that there are things like the "latino grads" who get another graduation aside from the main one to congratulate them on being "latinos" that graduated. There's also one for african americans. Talk about fair and excepting diversity, huh? Study abroad is deceiving because Oxy only accepts abt 1/2 of the students that apply, great diversity tactic, right?

The food is excellent compared to most colleges—it is easy to stick to a relatively healthy diet esp when stressed. The Freshman 15 wasn’t really a problem in terms of food, but if you wanted to work out, you were screwed cause the gym sucks.

The location and weather are major a major plus for Oxy - you can't get better than LA in any way. There is always someone to go exploring with, somewhere really cool to check out, and the beaches to relax at. It is easy to forget that you're in LA cause there's so much to do on campus, but when ur ready to venture out, it is amazing.

Overall, I guess that you could say that Oxy is definitely not for everyone. I feel, however, that everything I have been through at this school this year has been worth it - good or bad. I have grown so much in such a positive way. And that’s the point, isn’t it? No matter what school you choose, there is no wrong decision. You can grow up, be strong, and become the person you are no matter where you go. So in terms of deciding where to go (cause, trust, I know its stressful) listen to your heart and go where it just feels right. Because at least then there will be no regrets. :) Good luck!