Things I wish I had known before coming on the TSGB:

What to bring that’s not on the list:
- Going out outfits and closed toed shoes that can go with them (you go out every night in port)
- Cheap bath mats for your room, or a cheap rug
- Slippers
- Liquid hand soap (not antibacterial)
- Lysol wipes
- Lots of snacks (buy them in Vallejo and stock up)
- Long folding chair
- Digital camera (take TONS of pics!)

Don’ts:
- Take hard classes (like Genetics and Environmental Chemistry) at the same time
- Worry about silly stuff like makeup and clothes

Do’s:
- Take advantage of EVERY opportunity!!
- Get up for Sunrises and catch the sunsets
- Ask around to see what people are doing in each port and see what is best . . . port time is so short
- Be respectful of CMA-ers
- If you are lucky enough to get Mom and Gill . . . appreciate them!!!

Boyfriends and CMA Guys:
- First of all, let me tell you it can be done!!!
- My roommate and I both came with boyfriends and we are leaving with the same ones with no regrets!!
- However, it is not easy . . . there are tons of hot guys and it is very tempting . . . Stay Strong!!!
- The majority of the CMA guys are not the sleaze bags they were made out to be before I came
- They are definitely a different breed, but they are awesome people and you can learn so much from them and they are so much fun!
- Of course there are a few to watch out for - just figure out who they are and avoid them

Look forward to:
- THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!!!
- An experience like nothing you’ve ever had before or ever will again . . . seriously!!
- Becoming like family with people you might never have encountered in your normal social circles

And finally, if you are even remotely thinking about going DO!!!! Seriously, I can’t stress this enough, I was so nervous about coming but it has been the most wonderful experience of my life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.