School Information Email

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

Penny Garzon

Mario Ochoa

DATE: October 16,2014

SUBJECT: College life 411

Hey Penny! It is so nice to hear from the Garzon family again. Of course I remember your sister, Marguerite. She and I used to sit next to each other in French class. We would laugh

every time a new substitute teacher would pronounce her name incorrectly. Sadly, she and I

didn't keep tabs on each other outside of high school, but I am pleased to find out she is furthering he education at Ohio State. However, I did hear much about her younger sister, by the

name of Penny, who always wanted to put her two cents in. Unfortunately, your sister wasn't

very good at jokes. I am very happy to hear from you and would love to help you n:urow down

your options.

First, I am currently enrolled as a full time student at California State University, San Bernardino and it has been eventful, to say the least. I am majoring in Philosophy and Psychology and also working part-time off campus- As a full time student, you take an average

of about twelve units per quarter and most classes range between two to four units each. These

classes may range anywhere between one to four hours, depending on how many days a week

the class meets up. That being said, a part time employee usually works twenty hours a week or

more. As you can see, this can lead to a time crunch between finishing your school work and

trying to live the exciting college life you see in movies and television. Although this may sound

daunting, it is very manageable. I implore you to enroll in a freshman seminar class, seeing as

how they teach you very important skills you may need in college, such as time management.

Second, the instructors I have dealt with, here at CSUSB, have been very helpful and

understanding of the students educational needs. In fact, if you simply take the time out to email

your professor and attend class regularly, he/she will work with you and your concems. I once

had this management 306 class, with a down to earth instructor if I may add that I was on the

waitlist for. As I mentioned before, I attended class regularly, did the assignments that were

given, and followed up with emails to prove I wanted to be in the class; And sure enough, I received a response stating I could join the class even though it was al"capacity.

Third, if my life wasn't busy enough, I am also part of a fraternity recognized here on campus. I've been a brother for about three years now and have done my best to try and split

time between them, school, and work. They are part of my family and have been instrumental

with my success here at CSUSB. Having such a support group around while you are away from

your family, tends to make joining a fratemity or sorority a popular choice. They make college

life exciting and enjoyable by hosting numerous social events, community service opportunities,

and also networking outlets that you will need after you graduate and move onto a career.

Clubs and other organizations work roughly the same way. They also provide an outlet to

interact with peers your age that are interested in the same subject matter you are. I was part of

the debate team during my senior year of high school. I also took a debate course with Professor

Biggerstaffduring my first year in college, but I realized it wasn't for me. Find out for yourself if that is something you would like to immerse yourself in. After all, that is what college is about.

Overall, I am still studying and leaming new things everyday and have yet to find myself

bored here at CSUSB. I believe you would have an excellent time here and would enjoy all the

experice this university has to offer. I hope you do more research on the schools in your list of

options and go from there. Each university has its own specializations, but as our motto says,

"Come here, go anywhere!"