Coming to CNR
When I applied for college, I did not quite understand the whole “college within a university” idea. I had only thought that one school did that, but apparently I did not do my homework (nor did UCSD’s college system help). But I applied into the College of Natural Resources (CNR) because 1) it had my major (GPB) and 2) it had other majors I was also considering of applying into. Little did I know about the small college size and opportunities a small college can offer. Frankly, I thought my chances of getting into Cal were very slim, so why bother finding more about it?
So obviously I decided to come to Cal. What made me decide come to Cal and be a part of CNR? First of all, the packet they sent me right after I received my admissions was a huge factor. Before then, I had not done a lot of research on Cal (again, did not expect to get in), but it was a decent sized package, and I was amazed by the information they sent me. That was when I truly began to look into CNR. The small college in a huge university appealed to me because I could get lost in a huge setting, but still have the personal attention that I would need. But one of the most important deciding factors was e-mailing my major advisor Kyle Dukart. He was quick to respond to the questions and concerns I had, and just made me feel welcomed, as if I was truly wanted at the college.
Since then, being in CNR has been truly amazing. I think each student has to make the initiative to go out there to talk to professors and faculty (and I definitely know it’s difficult because I have trouble in that area myself), but I have received so many opportunities by being part of this amazing college. E-mail professors, faculty, and major advisors because they are always willing to answer questions from students.