Dear U.C. Davis,

I wanted to say thank you. The last two and a half years have been tough between moving to multiple different locations around town, working part-time at various jobs, all on top of being a full-time student. But I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The experiences I have had and the friends I have made helped to shape my time at Davis, and they make me grateful that I chose this school over all the others.

Many people will ask, why Davis? Out of the other UCs and the cheaper CSUs, Davis was the only school that I really wanted to attend. Originally, I thought I would be going to Davis for animal science. However, my paths changed and I transferred into the arts and humanities as an English major. But changing my major didn’t change the fact that I still wanted to attend Davis. For me, Davis has this small-town appeal. I have never lived in a big city, so UC San Diego, Santa Barbara, or Santa Cruz just didn’t seem feasible.

Along with being part of a smaller town, UC Davis has a large, sprawling campus that feels more like walking through a nature preserve than a UC campus. There are multiple large, grassy areas, trees everywhere, and a huge stream running through one side of the campus called The Arboretum. There is also an emphasis on biking and health, which is very important to me.

In the end I answer the why Davis question with, why not Davis? Davis has a lot of nicknames and things that it is known for – smelly cows, being small, and bikes, but these are the things that make the town and campus of Davis unique. The best part of being a student at Davis has been how kind and considerate people are. When I first stepped foot on campus I was absolutely lost. I only had to ask one person, and they were more than happy to help me find my way. This interaction cemented my desire to become a student at Davis, and I would never go back.

The culture of Davis is one of intellect and respect. I feel as if I am surrounded by a group of hard working, dedicated individuals who have a passion for education and their extracurricular activities. That isn’t to say that Davis students don’t know how to party, there are plenty of incidences involving frat and sorority parties. Picnic Day can also get rather rowdy, but overall Davis is quiet and genuine.

But most importantly, it has been the people I have met and the wonderful experiences I have had that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Being a photographer for The California Aggie was an amazing experience that I am thankful to have been a part of. Riding, competing, and volunteering with the dressage team allowed me to continue working with horses and I met some of the greatest people that I hope to remain friends with for a long time. Through a close friend I got to go behind the scenes of KDVS and be a radio DJ for a night. I participated in a leadership development program with the Center for Leadership Learning (CLL). I got to be a photographer for The Spokes at their 2016 HellaCapella event and the 2016 CLL Undergraduate Leadership Conference. The various job opportunities on campus have given me experience in fields I may not have otherwise been able to get. I have connected with people from different parts of the world in a way that I never would have if I didn’t go to Davis.

In the end, attending UC Davis has shaped my personality and views in a much different way, even more than I anticipated. Not only am I a much more educated person, but I am a better person because of the friends I have made and the experiences I have had. I know I still have a lot to learn, more people to meet, and cultures to be exposed to, but being a student at Davis has opened my mind and I am willing to challenge myself to experience new things like I never would have before.

So here’s to you Davis, keep on trucking you pokey little cow town!

Sincerely,

A Thankful UC Davis Graduate