Activities
prove there is beauty at The Beach
Bradley
Zint
After
years of careful research and keen observation,
it’s become apparent to me that
most of Cal State Long Beach is actually
parking lots. Indeed, much of our dear
campus is either a parking lot, a parking
structure or fields for athletic play.
But let this not dampen our spirits, for there is more to The Beach than meets
the eye. Sure, after walking the heated asphalt to class on a summer’s
day, school seems pretty grim. In reality though, it’s simply not and
we here in mild-weathered coastal southern California know nothing of the words “It’s
very hot outside today.”
Our very-own CSULB is a place we can be proud of. Trees and grassy knolls adorn
and beautify our little land, providing we ignore that horrific sewage drain
that splits our campus in two.
Beyond the trees there is so much going on at this school for everyone that
it’s simply overwhelming. This place can take you on more adventures
than Disneyland and provide you with more experiences to dabble and taste than
a national chili cook-off.
And I don’t know where the best chili on campus — or in Long Beach
for that matter — is, but I do know The Beach has enough spicy activities
awaiting those who grab the opportunity.
Seizing that opportunity is the first step to creating a memorable college
experience. Never mind the days where we felt we had to join a club just to
get into college. High school is over and we’re here, so do the things
that make you happy and not just to please some stuffy admissions officers.
Are you a lefty-leaner on the political spectrum? Then a political activism
group and proclaim your views! Seeking a career in public service? Run for
a position on the Senate.
Play the saxophone? Audition for the band. Can you kick a ball well? Try intramural
soccer. Want to go Greek? Join a fraternity or sorority.
Want to embrace your cultural identity? Join the African Student Union, La
Raza or the Japan Club, just to name a few.
The point I’m getting at is that the fanatic frenzy of activity here
at CSULB is as vast as an endless ocean. There is no excuse not to swim out
into it!
Extracurricular activities, for better or for worse, are the things most of
us will remember long after we have forgotten those University 100 lessons.
We won’t remember much of sitting in class or a few cheesy jokes our
professors tell us.
We will remember the parties and the cute classmates and the trips that make
this place special. We should never allow our memories to be void of things
uniquely associated with The Beach.
Given the nature of our campus as a commuter school, getting involved seems
difficult in the weekly drudgery. With a basic routine of fighting traffic,
finding a parking space, running to class, taking notes, passing tests and
sleeping, what room is there for fun?
All I can say is that you would be surprised how much you can fit in a day.
There is room for fun and work, work and fun and maybe some fun and beer.
I live on campus so I’m not yet personally aware of the daily parking
troubles. I do know, however, that this campus offers much that is worth looking
for, worth working for and most definitely worth parking for.
It’s up to us to go Beach and go get ‘em.
Bradley Zint is a third-year journalism major and the opinion editor of
the Daily Forty-Niner.
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