A Letter to the New Senior Class

Updated Published

Brooke Diab Student Contributor, University of California - Santa Barbara

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With only two weeks of Junior year remaining, I’ve done a lot of reflecting. I came here not knowing what the SRB was, not knowing the thrill of a dayge, and most importantly, not knowing how good buffalo chicken cheese fries are. Thankfully, I’ve learned the ropes and know every niche abbreviation and food combo there is to know here. However, I’ve also realized that I’m going to be a Senior. There’s now an imaginary countdown timer in my head, tracking the months leading up to graduation. It’s an eerie feeling, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to let go of this little college life.

My way of coping with this fear of growing up is making a bucket list. By this time next year, I want to be sitting at graduation, confident that I’ve been through every rite of passage before tossing my cap into the air. So without further ado, here’s my bucket list that I’m hoping to tackle before it’s time to pack it up and leave Isla Vista.

Dub’s Club

It wasn’t until this year that I started hearing the term “Dub’s Club,” and at first I thought it was really dumb. But, it turns out that becoming a member of the Dub’s Club is a very serious accomplishment around here. Dub’s Club is essentially a challenge that takes place every quarter, mostly between the Senior class. The challenge is to drink 40 days (not in a row) at Dublin’s throughout spring quarter. If you complete the challenge, your name is put on a plaque in the bar, and you’ll be remembered forever… within the walls of Dublin’s. So, for all my incoming Seniors, take on the challenge if you’re up for it, and split a good 40 pitchers with your friends. The task seems doable if you’re really committed, and the reward is obviously of great merit in Isla Vista.

land shark

I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to think about going on a Land Shark, but I know that I want to do it before I graduate. If you’ve never heard of the Land Shark, it’s a bus-like vehicle that then drives into the water and sails as a boat. Yes, you read that correctly. You can book a Land Shark for any event, whether it be for a birthday party, a girl’s night out, or just because! You’re surrounded by the beautiful waters of Santa Barbara, and you really get to enjoy the atmosphere we live in. I think a Land Shark would be especially fun if you possibly pre-gamed it beforehand or brought something fun to do onboard. This is a great way to get out of IV and spend time with friends somewhere other than a frat or the bars. Plus, you get to take some great photos along the way. You’ll definitely be seeing me on one of these things before the end of next school year.

soccer ball at empty soccer stadium — Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

intramural Sports

Once again, I don’t really know why I haven’t joined an intramural team yet, but I feel like it’s a rite of passage here. I’ve gone to a few intramural games to watch my friends play, and they’re always so unserious. Everyone has a great time and you get to be active without thinking about much else. If I were to choose a sport, I think I would join a flag football team because no one’s really an expert going into the game. But, if that’s not your style, there’s also basketball, indoor and outdoor soccer, indoor volleyball, and softball. If you want even more sports to choose from, you can also join a club sport. The club sports are a bit more serious and are separated by sex. The club sports include basketball, football, rugby, soccer, volleyball, and softball. Try something new your Senior year and start a sports team! I think this can be a great way to bond with friends, or to even meet new people. Senior year does not have to be stationary, and you can find some new people to invite to your next hangout.

cal poly soccer game

Believe it or not, I have never attended the big soccer game against Cal Poly. Each time it comes around I have some excuse not to go. Is this partially out of laziness? Yes. But also, it normally takes place during sorority recruitment, which I am incredibly busy during. This year though, I am making it a personal requirement to attend the game. Our school is not very spirited, and I think this is actually one of the few events that our student body really gets riled up about. I’ll see you at the next game!

Letter and envelope — Photo by Kate Macate from Unsplash

letters throughout the year

To close out my little bucket list, I wanted to add something wholesome. I saw a TikTok of a group of college housemates who wrote each other little notes throughout the year and stuffed them into a jar. At the end of their school year, they cracked open the jar and read each note out loud. I personally think this would be the perfect way to close out Senior year. You get to remember the good, the bad, and the absolutely ridiculous moments. Better yet, you get to keep the notes written to you and have a little piece of your friends for wherever you’re off to next. I will definitely be proposing this to my house next year, and I can’t wait to see the results.

Accepting Senior status is hard, but it gets better when you think of all you still have to look forward to. There’s big things ahead of everyone after graduation, but for now, let’s savor the last of our college experience and make the most of it. I’m wishing my new Seniors a very wonderful school year, cheers!