For many students, it seems that Asher Roth’s song, “I Love College” is an anthem. The lyrics, “Do I really have to graduate? Or can I just stay here for the rest of my life?” express the uncertainty that many have about leaving college and getting started in what we know as the “real world.” Chessa Sanders, though, dances to somewhat of a different tune, as she is ready to graduate before most. She has loved college, so much so, in fact, that she dove in head first, and has completed her college requirements after just two years. You won’t meet a harder worker than Chessa Sanders, or someone with a sunnier outlook on life. Her quarters often consisted of a whopping 24 units and, throughout her college career, she has also remained incredibly involved outside of the classroom. She is a member of campus organizations such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Scholars Society, the Provost Advisor Committee, and the Salsa Club. Her academic interning and research experience includes interning for the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, conducting research in the Economics Department, and studying independently with a Literature professor. For Chessa, college has been a launching pad for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. While she has made the most of her time at UCSD, Chessa is excited for the life she will now pursue, and she is more than ready for it.
Why have you chosen to graduate early?
It’s one of those things I didn’t exactly plan on happening, but it just sort of worked out because I began UCSD with so many units. Lots of people have asked, “Why would you want to graduate early? College is the best time of your life!” but I don’t necessarily see it that way. I think that there’s going to be a lot of great things after college. It’s been a great two years and a quarter here, but I’m excited for whatever comes next!
What is your greatest takeaway from UCSD?
I really plunged into all of the different opportunities with research and different organizations. I like that I’m not leaving UCSD as an anonymous student because I was able to create actual relationships with several professors that now know me on a first-name basis.
What have been your greatest memories at UCSD?
My greatest memories would be involving the beach, not many specific memories of events, but rather a collection of really great memories that occurred from day to day. Also, learning the tango was really fun, and having to perform that in front of a class of many was really awkward, but really great for me! Everyone should take that dance class!
What endeavors do you plan to embark on upon graduation?
I have several projects lined up – one of them is an extension of a mathematical modeling project that I started this quarter, doing research, and I have had a few job opportunities that I’m looking into that grew out of my internship with the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus. I don’t have any plans set in concrete right now, and I think that’s partially because of the freedom of graduating early. I’ve let myself be a little bit more relaxed about finding jobs, and that’s nice!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Thinking globally, I’m hoping to do lots of traveling. I believe I’m going to London in April and maybe Switzerland and Germany later this year, so in five years maybe I’ll be in some other country! Career wise, I don’t know, to be honest. I think that sometimes opportunities just kind of come out of the moment and I don’t ever plan for them happening, but they’ll happen at the right time.
What advice would you give other college women?
Do math. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Really be confident about what your passions are, whether it’s math or communications. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to speak up, even if your bosses are all men and you feel kind of like you’re on the outside of it. As women, we’re taught to be a little bit more timid and not have as many strong opinions, but I would encourage you to stay true to yourself, as cliché as that sounds, and really examine why you believe in what you do.