What year are you?
I’m a freshman
What is your major?
My proposed major is politics, but I’ll be declaring next year.
What makes Stevenson different from the other colleges at UCSC?
Stevenson really gives students that feeling of being in a community—everyone smiles at everyone, and it’s easy to know everyone.
How are Stevenson students different from other students at UCSC?
I’ve noticed that Stevenson students seem to be particularly friendly. When I first arrived at UCSC, which was undoubtedly an intimidating experience being that there are 16,000 students here, the Stevenson community welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like an individual.
Why did you choose Stevenson College? Or, Why do you think prospective students might want to choose Stevenson?
I chose Stevenson College because of its focus on “Self & Society,” which is also the title of the core course. I have completed both my fall and winter quarter of “core” and I must say it has been my most helpful and influential class. The teachers at Stevenson are phenomenal—I couldn’t have had a better experience. Rarely do I hear a negative word about the teachers here at Stevenson.
What is the most important thing you learned in the Core Course at Stevenson College?
It’s really difficult to choose the most important thing I’ve learned from the Core Course at Stevenson. Other than the extraordinary assistance each student receives in developing his or her writing skills, I’d have to say that I’ve learned a lot regarding the relationship between myself, as an individual, and the chaotic world of society. For the first time, I’ve truly acknowledged that the two are very separate. Every student will take something different from the Stevenson Core Course, but for myself, I’ve learned how to detach myself from the influence of society and to think as an individual; I’ve learned to make my own conclusions rather than take everything for what it is.
What activities at Stevenson College or UCSC are you involved in? How did you get involved in this activity and what do you think you've gained from the experience?
I’m involved in coordinating many academic activities and events that occur at Stevenson as a Student Assistant to the Provost Office. Additionally, I’m going to be a Residential Advisor next year, an idea inspired by my RA’s themselves, who are both absolutely amazing! Lastly, I’m in the Global Studies Club, which is something that caught my eye around the college. Stevenson is great at advertising all of the fun activities going on—I encourage any prospective or current student to get involved right away!
Can you tell us about a particularly positive, memorable or special experience you've had with a Stevenson community member (faculty member, staff member, or student)?
There have been so many wonderful experiences with my fellow community members; I couldn’t possibly list them all. Therefore, I will tell you about my very first experience with a student here at Stevenson. My father and I visited Stevenson for the first time and went to the Bay Tree Bookstore to purchase my core textbooks. We asked the student who helped us, named Sarah, to tell us about her experience at Stevenson. Immediately, Sarah placed her two hands over her heart in a fit of enthusiasm and exclaimed, “I love, love, love Stevenson!”
She was such a pleasant girl, and so excited to share with us her experience of being with Stevenson for four years—I’ll never forget it!
How has Stevenson challenged your expectations about college life?
So many times before I came to college, friends and family constantly reminded me: “professors don’t care about students in college—there is no longer personal relationships between the staff/faculty and students.” Stevenson has absolutely changed this expectation of mine about what my college experience would be like! Stevenson staff/faculty consists of an amazing group of enthusiastic, helpful people. Although I’m a little bias, I’d say there isn’t a better group out there!
What is it like to live at Stevenson? Or, How would you describe living at Stevenson to prospective students?
In addition to that “community” feeling that you get while being a part of Stevenson, it is really a fabulous location for a college. Every morning, I see gorgeous trees outside my window and make my way to the dining hall, which you can only get to by passing the gorgeous view of the ocean! We’re located very conveniently next to the Bay Tree Bookstore and the gym—which is definitely awesome—and of course the knoll, which never fails to attract students who are involved in either intramural or club sports in rain or shine. I love living at Stevenson! And for a girl who is living seven hours away from a very tight-knit, loving family, it is a blessing for me to say that every time I’m away from Santa Cruz, I genuinely miss my second home at Stevenson College.
