2nd week: Majors/Minors

My first stop at the majors/minors fair was at my Major's table, Environmental studies. I was the first one to approach them, so I ended up getting a lot of talking time with my adviser. First we discussed the difference between a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in the field; turns out, a Bachelor of Science degree open many more doors, and is more useful in the long run. Looks like I'll be changing from B.A. to B.S. Next we talked about which classes to be taking. I thought I had sorted out all my classes so that I could graduate in 3 years, but my adviser showed me a way to get there quicker! Instead of taking Geography 3B in the fall, he recommended I crash Environmental Science 1. We also talked about some careers that are offered in my field: it's not all just white lab coats. I can go into Environmental Law, or become a park ranger. My second stop at the fair was at the feminist studies table. I would strongly consider this as a minor. I am very passionate about women's rights, and if environmental law doesn't work out, I could try going into Women's Law and protecting the rights of women. My third stop was at the Art History table. I am an avid lover of art, and giving it up after high school so that I could major in something useful was incredibly difficult. At the art table, however, they told me that I could take any of the classes regardless of my major.

Meeting people and being resourceful are important in any career, but especially in the ones where interaction with new people occurs on a daily basis. I don't want an office job, or a job looking into a microscope; I want to get out and explore. Meeting new people helps to open doors and attain opportunities. If I want to work in Environmental Science, I will be doing a lot of projects where I will be working with other people. It is important to get along with them, because everyone around me is a resource for information and help.

My visit to the SRB was also very informative. There were lots of bulletin boards and flyers! At the Office of Student Life, I found a few resources for the year. There were flyers with numbers to call for assistance in almost any emergency, resources for EOP students, and a schedule for the UCSB radio station. On the top floor were CLAS classrooms, which I will most definitely be needing in the fall when I have to take Chemistry AND Math 3A. There was also a Women's Center, where I got a rad "This is what a feminist looks like" sticker. In the Center, they offer resources for women's emergencies such as domestic violence and rape. In college, it is important to have someone looking out for you--the Women's Center makes me feel like I have a place to go if I need serious help. And even if I don't need immediate assistance, there's a massage chair in there!