Cal Poly sucks, right?

Cal Poly sucks. I mean it does, right? It must, because that’s what I hear from so many of you.

During this introductory week of classes, one of my professors asked us to stand up and say our name, major and what we liked about Cal Poly.

The first few students answered the question as asked, then one guy stood up and responded “my name is [redacted], my major is [redacted] and I don’t like Cal Poly.”
And there it was.

The parasitic comment that swept through the room faster than mono spreads through the dorms. One by one, nearly every next student cited a variation of the “I don’t like Cal Poly” statement.

I think this example is fairly representative of the student body in general.

The second students here realize our school doesn’t compare with UCLA or USC, they jump on the “Cal Poly Sucks” bandwagon like their feet are on fire.

All I can think is, “Then why are you here?”

Seriously, ask yourself that question.

If you had an option to go somewhere else, why didn’t you take it? There obviously must have been some reason you answered Cal Poly’s acceptance letter with an intent to enroll.

I think the problem is that so many see this university as some sort of college experience ATM machine that spits out all of the components they need for that quintessential college life they see in the movies.

And when it doesn’t fit the typical college life you were expecting, you criticize all aspects the first chance you get.

Well guess what: this isn’t Van Wilder and you actually have to work to get something out of your time here. 

Admittedly, I was a bit disappointed (OK, a lot) when I first arrived at CPP and wasn’t immediately overwhelmed with a sense of campus community and pride.

As a transfer from a Division I university where the school colors practically coursed through our veins, it was an adjustment to say the least.

But after about the third phone call home complaining about my situation, my mom gave me some very sage advice which I will now pass on to you: “You’re not transferring, Brittany, so you better do something about it.”

That’s it.

Do something about it.

And I did. Three weeks later, I, along with several other impassioned students started an organization called Students for the Acceleration of Campus Culture, or SACC.

Through this organization, we sought to spread campus spirit and pride by connecting those of us who wanted to make the most out of this time in our lives.

And while SACC has since disbanded and we have all gone our separate ways, the uniting characteristic we all shared – that desire to seize these moments, whether or not the rest of you were along for the ride, has allowed each of us to go on to do what I consider remarkable things not just within the confines of this university, but in our lives as well.

Throughout my time here, I’ve actually grown to love Cal Poly. When you open your eyes to its endearing characteristics, it’s not at all difficult to do. I could spend pages touting its most valiant qualities, but the bottom line is that it really is all I could ask for in a university.

Quarter by quarter, I see change stirring. This campus is much more united than it was two years ago when I arrived. From subtle changes to grand ones like last Thursday’s rally for the basketball team, Cal Poly is on the rise.

So please, if you’re unhappy here at Cal Poly, I urge you: do something about it.
But if you choose to remain miserable, wasting away thousands of dollars and years of your life while you unhappily trudge through higher education, stop projecting your negativity on the rest of us.

Your infection is just unsightly.

Reach Brittany Spangler  at  brittsbits@gmail.com