Letter to Prospective Students,

When first hearing about the Cal Poly at Sea program, I knew it was an adventure I could not miss. In just two months I have learned so much about myself, other people, and other cultures. Each port taught me something about the person I want to be and how important it is to travel and learn about the world. My travels to the South Pacific have shaped by career choices, reemphasized my love for learning about new cultures, and enables me to reevaluate my priorities.

In Fiji I was able to drift down the river solely in my lifejacket. As I did so, I experienced the most serene and peaceful moments of my life. More than all these new experiences, I have been taking the time to reflect about my own life. I want to travel and improve the quality of life for all people. In Fiji the clouds move a little slower, the sun penetrates you a little differently. I want to be able to feel these same sensations throughout my travels. I hope to continually reach farther, stretch my mind a little wider, and open my eyes to all that surrounds me. Rather than moving through life effortlessly, I strive for challenge and the ability to be inconsistent.

Upon visiting other cultures, often we contrast the differences between what we know to what we observe. The importance of learning about new cultures is that we are often reminded that we are not all that different after all. As an American, Australia taught me much about who I want to be and how to prioritize for my own happiness. Because if life is about living, shouldn't we be doing more of it?

I will always remember my travels to the South Pacific. These memories are ones that will dominate my college experience and help to shape the ever changing person that I am becoming. It is a rare opportunity to take two months from your life to develop your mind and spirit and to come away knowing more than you ever thought you could learn. I am grateful for the chance to have memories for a lifetime and for the ability to open my eyes to the wide world. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone.