Sandor C.

May 23, 2011

Sandor C

What year are you?
Third year

What is your major?
History Major  

What makes Stevenson different from the other colleges at UCSC?
First and foremost the community here at Stevenson is unparalleled.  Whenever I walk back into my college I feel at home.  Whoever you are, and wherever you’re from, there is a spot for you at Stevenson.   I also have to say the two quarter core class, unique to Stevenson, is great because it helps you academically (two quarters of core knocks off a lot of GEs) and socially (you meet people throughout the college that might not have happened otherwise).  

How are Stevenson students different from other students at UCSC?
Stevenson students are active in every facet of campus life.  At Stevenson you’ll find NCAA Athletes, student government leaders, environmental activists, and aspiring playwrights just to name a few.   The friendships developed here last long into one’s college career.  The actual structuring of the dormitory facilitates interaction between students, with only seventy people in one house it feels and creates much more of a home environment than other dorms throughout campus which have several hundreds of students.  

Why did you choose Stevenson College? or, Why do you think prospective students might want to choose Stevenson?
I choose Stevenson because it has one of the most gorgeous views on campus.  From one’s own dorm room there is either a beautiful ocean view or stunning forest landscape.  It also tends to be a central location on campus by being a couple minutes’ walk to bookstore.  I also chose Stevenson because I can roll out of bed and literally be on the track that has a vast ocean backdrop in thirty seconds and be at the gym (including tennis courts, yoga and martial arts room, basketball courts, swimming pool, racquetball courts, etc) in one minute.  The natural beauty of Stevenson, combined with its central location in relation to the rest of UCSC made Stevenson the easy choice for me.  

What is the most important thing you learned in the Core Course at Stevenson College?
The most important thing I learned in core is the responsibility I have to make this world a better place.  While core does not explicitly say these things it does emphasize the relationship between self and society, and for me that said that I have a duty to try to make this world a little better than when I came into it.  

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 am a member of Stevenson Student Council, Captain of the UCSC Track & Field Team, member of the UCSC Club Soccer Team, part of the Residential Life team at Stevenson College, Stevenson College Relay for Life team member, Outreach Coordinator for Stevenson College’s annual music festival Rock “n” Roll on the Knoll, and member of the UC Santa Cruz Red Cross Chapter.  I love that there is always a group or organization or team for anything I have ever had the slightest interests towards in Santa Cruz.  And if there isn’t one you can create it. Since my freshman year I have seen a number of organizations get started by my friends such as the environmental group Path to a Greener Stevenson (PTAGS) which has continued to thrive over these past three years.  Just recently PTAGS was instrumental in creating our very own Stevenson garden.  Groups, clubs, organizations, teams, etc. are always looking for new members and what I have learned through my various activities is if I just put myself out there, maybe even just an inch, I will get a mile in return.  

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)?
One of my most memorable experiences in Stevenson was when I ran for a UCSC student government position.  I did not end up winning the election but during the campaign I never felt as loved or happier to be part of this community.  I received constant encouragement and words of support from fellow students, administrators, and Stevenson faculty.  It was surprising because that the results did not affect me because I am quite a competitive person. Throughout the campaign process, however, I found out the outcome did not matter as much as the experience.  The Stevenson community had rallied behind me the whole way, and would continue to do so whether or not I was part of student government, simply because that’s how Stevenson is.  

What is it like to live at Stevenson? or, How would you describe living at Stevenson to prospective students?
Hands down I could not have asked for a better living experience.  Stevenson became my other home.  Ask just about any other Stevenson student their experience at this college.  I dare you.  Because when it comes down to it there is no other UCSC college community as nurturing, rewarding, and passionate as Stevenson College.