Dear Future Cadets,

Where to begin, I don't even know! I will admit that I had a lot of hesitation about coming on this trip. In fact I almost canceled for several reasons, but trust me, no reason is good enough to miss this opportunity. Life on the Golden Bear for two months will change you in ways you never expected. Your outlook on life and who you are as an individual will be seriously reevaluated, but in a way that will be to your benefit. After seeing and experiencing what other parts of the world have to offer, you will be inspired to take a break, travel more, and just enjoy life!

When I first heard of all the modern conveniences that I would have to lose if I came, I thought there would be no way I could do it. What I learned, however, was that so many of those modern conveniences often shadow the individual within us. Form this trip I learned that all you need to have fun in life are good friends and a positive, optimistic outlook towards everything you do.

I can still remember when I first sat behind a computer screen reading all the letters from past cadets and thinking to myself; these people are crazy, there's no way all that can happen in just two months . Let me assure you, it not only will happen but more so than any letter could ever explain. If there's any disappointment from this trip, it's because it had to end so fast.

The best part of it all is that you'll make friends who will be a part of you forever. The fact that everyone spends so much time together allows you to know people on an entirely different level than if you just met them at Cal Poly. TSGB reunion parties are already in the works for next year, and everyone has exchanged phone numbers and email addresses to make sure that we all stay connected.

Even if you won't get credit for the classes offered, you still need to come. I would suggest that when you sign up for classes be sure to ask for a syllabus or talk to the professor before committing yourself to a course that could turn out to be not what you expected. Definitely consider credit/no credit grading as your ability to study tends to get downgraded with life on the ship.

Come aboard the Golden Bear for the adventure of a lifetime!