With orientation just a week away groups of Anderson students went on various excursions across the State from Yosemite to the Sierra Nevadas to Santa Cruz Island. I was lucky to be able to join fellow blogger Britney Sussman (see her comments below), along with eight other Anderson students for a two-day camping trip to the wonderful Santa Cruz Island. After a 1-hour ferry ride, we arrived at Scorpion Bay with pristine blue water and dramatic kelp forests. There was plenty of wildlife to spot from sea lions to foxes to whales (pictures below). Kit Hansen (Anderson ’15) answered all our questions regarding life at b-school so a special thanks to him. And thanks to our UCLA undergraduate guides, Spencer and Kaitlyn, for organizing action-packed days of hiking and snorkeling, as well as feeding us the best camping food ever.
The BS POV – I wasn’t able to attend A-Days, the official preview weekend for admitted students held back in March. Therefore this pre-orientation camping trip was my first opportunity to interact with my new classmates. I’ll admit that I was a little nervous heading into the excursion. What if we didn’t click right away? Would camping with complete strangers on a deserted island for three days be awkward? Would we bond over the lack of showers? Luckily my worries were squashed before we even boarded the ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Within the first hour, I realized that I was among an exceptional group of people. As Zafeer mentioned, there were only 10 incoming first-years on the trip, but I was immediately stuck by each person’s diversity, intelligence, passion, and all-around coolness. Our group had flocked from far corners of the earth: Chile, Japan, Bangladesh, Canada, New York, Atlanta, etc. Each had accomplished serious career milestones and had distinct visions for how he or she wanted to impact the future. It was great to share stories while we trekked all over the island, and despite all of our differences, there existed a special like-mindedness. The trip further confirmed why Anderson felt like such a good fit; it’s the people it attracts. And if the people make the place, this is going to be a great two years!
ANDERSON 16 – watch out, here we come!
Striking crazy poses
Local wildlife…whale!
We were told to hide our dirty socks from these guys…unless you wanted to see fox in socks!
Our awesome guide Spencer….after two great days of camping.
