Over the past five years, the SCGA Foundation has awarded $230,000 to 37 college students. This year’s class of 25 students encompasses individuals who are role models in their community, hard workers at school and who have grown in character through their experiences with golf. Many of them entered college for this first time this September, so we checked in with a couple of those freshman to find out how the first bit of college has been going.
What was your first day of class like? What were your emotions? How did this differ from a day at high school?
I was actually a bit nervous on the first day of classes. It’s to be expected, but I didn’t think I would be. It was much different from a typical day in high school mainly because my classes aren’t scheduled right after one another and there are at least four times the amount of people in my lectures as there were in high school. I started the day off with my math discussion, and of course we started learning right away. About an hour later I went to my next class, Korean Civilization, which is a history class about Korea.
How is life in the dorms?
I absolutely love the dorm life. I’ve made so many friends that I know I can count on and hangout with. I love how I can just give them a text or a call to hangout and be within walking distance. I feel like most of these people will be my good friends for a long time.
Do you enjoy living on campus? Have you adjusted to life in L.A.?
I love living on campus. As I said in the previous question, I love the fact that I’m so close to my friends and everything is within walking distance. I come from San Diego, a place where you need a car to get around. Here in Westwood, I can easily walk or take a bus.
What are you looking forward to the most during your freshman year?
This year, I’m mainly looking forward to meeting new people and creating memories and trying new things. I’d like to maintain balance in my life, between my academics and my social life, which includes hanging out with friends, golf and other clubs. Of course my main goal is to learn a lot and stay focused on my studies.
Anything else you'd like to share about life as a college student?
I wasn’t sure if UCLA was going to be a good fit for me since it’s such a big school, but I’m extremely happy with my decision. I know it will be a tough year, adjusting to the new life and academics, but I’m already doing a good job figuring things out. It’s crazy to think that all the people I’ve met think of me as a social butterfly that loves to talk to people! When I tell them that I was known as the quiet girl back in San Diego they’re completely dumbfounded. It’s been a crazy first week, and I hope that the rest of the year will be just as great!
What was your first day of class like? What were your emotions? How did this differ from a day at high school?
My first official day of school at UCSD was not the typical schedule I was accustomed to in high school. I woke up earlier than usual so I could double-check my belongings, making sure I would not forget anything. My class lecture was not until 11 a.m., so I had a lot of spare time between the time I woke up and class. As I walked into the giant lecture hall surrounded by 300 students and my chemistry professor, I was definitely a little intimidated. But, as the class progressed my professor’s positive attitude made the lecture hall seem smaller and comforting. Since I only had one class the first day of school I was able to use that day as an opportunity to explore the six colleges within the campus.
How is life in the dorms?
Life in the dorms is definitely a different experience, but as I got to know my suitemates we were able to build a positive and friendly camaraderie. Especially since we're taking similar classes, so when it comes to schoolwork we are able to help each other in one way or another.
Do you enjoy living on campus? Have you adjusted to life in San Diego?
So far my experiences at UCSD have been great. I have been able to meet new people and learn more about what the campus has to offer. I feel that living on campus will give me the opportunity to become part of the campus in all aspects, whether it’s volunteering or simply participating in their events.
What are you looking forward to the most during your freshman year?
My goal for this year is to make new friends and join clubs that emphasizes my career path and other interest.
Anything else you'd like to share about life as a college student?
Life as a college student is more flexible as opposed to high school in terms of scheduling classes. Right now I am taking mostly general education classes but in the future I will be taking more classes that have to do with my major and interest. I'm excited for that.
What was your first day of class like? What were your emotions? How did this differ from a day at high school?
Before I started my first college class at UCSD, the nerves were getting to me. All the stories that make college so different from high school intimidated me as the new first year on campus. However, as nervous as I was on the first day of school, it turned out to be not so bad. The professors were funny, and the topics that were covered were very interesting. As soon as I ended my classes, I was excited to start in a new environment, and begin what people say is "the best four years of your life." It was shocking how different college is than a day at high school. My classes had up to 300 students, compared to the 30 students in a typical high school class. In addition to the classrooms, the campus is much more alive with spirit, clubs, and tens of thousands of students roaming the campus.
How is life in the dorms?
Life in the dorms is what every teenager looks forward to while growing up. In the one week that I have been staying in the dorms, I have made so many new friends and gotten a little taste of freedom and independence, while still having support and help from my parents nearby. Living in the dorms gave me the chance to make a family connection with my fellow students while I am away from home. While living on campus, I have my classrooms a few minutes away, great food places to eat and people just like me to live with. What else can a student ask for?
What are you looking forward to the most during your freshman year?
During my freshman year, I can't wait to learn new things in my lectures on topics I chose and are interested in. Out of the classroom, I hope to have a good golf season on the NCAA golf team and enjoy a new social life with amazing people. I am looking forward to the rest of my freshman year and the challenges that college has to offer.
