My name is Brandy Bandaruk and this is My Beach Experience…
My Beach Experience has been about taking opportunities. I have had the most AMAZING college experience! Former President Maxson once stated, "If all you do is go to class, you're not getting a full education." I have lived by this quote since my first semester at CSULB.
Getting to CSULB
Funny story…I never had any intention of attending CSULB. However, towards the end of my senior year of high school, I found out that I had been accepted into the President’s Scholars Program. After a campus visit and discussion with the current Scholars at the time, I was sold! Something just drew me to the campus. I fell in love with the beauty of this university, the diverse student body, the prestigious academics, and of course, the unique opportunities to develop as a person and a leader. To this day, almost four years later, I have not once regretted my decision to attend CSULB.
Taking the Opportunities
College is supposed to be the best time of your life. Therefore, from the first day that I stepped onto campus, I have taken every opportunity that has been presented to me. I become involved in a number of clubs and organizations on campus, which has helped me develop my leadership skills and make lifelong friends. I have traveled to twenty countries and participated in four short-term study abroad programs throughout the world, which has broadened my cultural knowledge. I have written my honors thesis about the effects of studying abroad on young adults, which has given me the chance to creatively study something I am so passionate about. I have even had the chance to dance at some amazing venues, including the Los Angeles County Fair. Overall, college has been the best time of my life because I have taken each and every opportunity to grow and learn through academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and travel.
My Beach Beyond The Beach
During the summer, I will complete a 400-hour internship for a travel and tourism company somewhere abroad. After that, my dream is to join the Peace Corps in order to serve the citizens of another part of the world. Eventually, I hope to obtain my Masters of Business Administration (MBA). From there, I would like to work for a travel company and perhaps even open my own Polynesian dance studio. No matter what happens, however, I know that I will be ready to take on the "real world" because my education and experiences at CSULB have taught me to be a leader today and in the future.
I am so excited and grateful that I have this chance to represent the senior class through the My Beach campaign. I encourage each of you to show your support and appreciation for the best university around by joining the Alumni Association or contributing to the Beach Fund. I know I sure will!
Class of 2009: congratulations on your achievements, good luck with your future endeavors, and GO BEACH!
~ Brandy Bandaruk, ’09
