Dear UCSB,
My time with you is unfortunately coming to an end. The two years I spent here as a first-gen transfer student were perhaps some of the most difficult but some of the most fulfilling moments of my life. In just a few short months I will be one of thousands of students who will cross that graduation stage, shake Chancellor Yang’s hand and say goodbye to this beautiful campus that gave me a home away from home. I have dedicated these past few months marveling over all the things I’ll miss most about UCSB, Isla Vista, and Goleta. Here’s a few of them:
The Sunsets
The sun rises and sets every single day, no matter where you are. Which is why I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should dedicate a few minutes out of their day to pick a spot on campus or IV, sit down, and enjoy the view ahead. Nine times out of ten, it will always be a breathtaking view. The times I spent watching the horizon above the sea, have been some of the most gradual, yet inspiring moments of my life. Moments of clarity and self-reflection.
The Food
Listen, I’m sure most of us are sick and tired of eating the same food in Isla Vista. But knowing that’ll be gone in a few months and will no longer have easy access to places like Fire and Ice, Southcoast, Woodstocks or Buddha Bowls are thoughts that I don’t necessarily want to think about.
The Free Shows
Thanks to UCSB, I was able to see artists like Vince Staples, Dillon Frances, Cuco, Young Thug and much more. Not only was I able to attend these shows for free and admire the artists I love, but I was also able to expand my music taste and allowed myself to listen to new artists I had never heard of before. Aside from the free concerts, one of my favorite things about UCSB are the drag shows that happen every year. The energy, the dedication and most importantly the outfits and choreo that goes into these performances, made for some of the most interesting and entertaining memories during my time at UCSB.