Dear Prospective Golden Bear Crew Member,

I am sad that I am approaching the end of my Cal Poly at Sea adventure. I will be leaving with numerous remarkable memories from the many ports as well as the life at sea. This has been a unique quarter/trip and I encourage you to join.

Boat life: You will become friends with the CMA cadets as well as the many Cal Poly students. Although you will spend many days on a rather small ship, there will be plenty to keep you entertained. In fact, I usually felt that I did not have enough time. School kept me busier than I expected, but I enjoyed getting to know the other students and the professors more than I would have on campus. Also, we often read outside in the sun or on the benches during sunsets. I have never seen so many spectacular sunsets in my life. We spent our scarce time playing board and card games, watching movies, taking midnight walks around the boat, and fulfilling our many duties. CC duty (kitchen) and clean sweep down were not fun, but they were not a big deal. daily life on the ship is difficult to describe because it was so different from what I was used to.

Rooms and Packing: I had more storage space than I expected, but I still would not recommend bringing more than you need. I would bring several tops to go out at night in as well as comfortable hiking clothes for the day. Bring a variety because you will do a wide range of activities. Ladies should also bring a skirt or two. I went to a ballet and a symphony, to museums and art galleries, hiking, snorkeling, sight seeing . . . However, you do not need that much because you will not have that many total days in port. I was glad to have sweats and shorts for the evenings on the ship.

I do not want to reveal all of the activities that they will plan for you because I especially enjoyed having some unexpected games and activities. I am a first year student and I joined not knowing anyone, so do not let that prevent you from going. This quarter has been an exceptional cultural and educational experience.