Dear Future Cal Poly at Sea Student,

First, I would like to congratulate you on your extremely good choice in considering the wonderful Cal Poly at Sea program. I am sure that you have heard this numerous times but this is an experience that you will never forget. Even if you are remotely thinking about being involved in this program, DO IT !!! You will not regret for one second the decision you made to embark on the great adventure that is Cal Poly at Sea. Before I decided to go on this trip I was worried that I wouldn’t make any friends because I didn’t know anyone going. From the very first day everyone banded together and formed friendships with everyone else. It is really inevitable living in such a small environment not to know everyone, and most people are just like you - nervous and excited to be there. At the end of the trip it was really like a big family. I would also like to say that even if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend you should still come on this trip. If your relationship can’t withstand two months apart (even with frequent email and phone calls) then you probably shouldn’t be together in the first place, but if you are willing to miss out on two months of paradise for someone you will regret dating in a year then maybe you shouldn’t be going on the trip anyway.

This trip is described as an adventure right from the beginning, and it truly is. Every port is unique and special and sharing these experiences with your friends is also just an added bonus. Life on the Golden Bear isn’t always fun and games however. We are part of the CMA community and so we have certain chores that we need to do, but I promise you that CC is not as bad as everyone will tell you it is. You should be pretty easygoing to go on this ship because with so many people it is sometimes difficult to communicate, but don’t sweat the small stuff and you will be fine. Don’t forget to east dessert on the ship, although I am not sure this is possible because you can smell Mom’s desserts from a mile away. Be very nice to Mom and I promise you, you will be very well fed! Besides all the friendships that you make with the Cal Poly people you will also be good friends with the CMA cadets. They may seem a little timid at first, but once they open up there really is no stopping them. These guys really made the trip worthwhile.

Be sure that you know what you are getting into when deciding what classes to take. You will have some extra responsibilities you will need to perform on the ship and making time for class is difficult, especially when you want to hang out with your friends in the lounge. The last piece of advice I can give you is to cherish every moment on the Golden Bear. Cherish every sunset and moonrise, every barbecue, every sunny day on steel beach, and even every clean sweep because your time will go quicker than you expected and you don’t want this experience to pass you by. You are in for an experience of a lifetime with friends that you will have forever. Good luck and HAVE FUN!!!!