Gooooo Banana Slugs!

It's official. I've posted it on Facebook, we bought the family t-shirts and sweatshirts, and my dad even bought himself a "Dad" mug. Oh yeah, and I accepted admission on the website. I am going to UC Santa Cruz in the Fall!

We visited the campus yesterday for their Spring Spotlight tour and I fell in love with everything about the school. I learned a lot during the tour and I'm now so excited for next year. Though I saw one in fifth grade at Outdoor Ed, I can't wait to see my first banana slug at Santa Cruz and give it a kiss! Their skin makes your tongue numb if you lick them and they have no known predators! Woohoo!

Here are some pictures from the visit. Credit for the photos goes to my dad, who snapped pictures during the entire tour!

College Nine. There are 10 colleges and every student is a part of one. They create smaller communities on the large campus. My first choice is Stevenson College, but a lot of them look interesting. The total enrollment at UCSC is 16,000.





At one point, the school's mascot was changed to the sea lion. Students were outraged and fought for their beloved Banana Slug mascot. Eventually, it was changed back. Every year, students paint these sea lions yellow and attach antennae, saying they're really banana slugs in disguise.





The campus consists of 2000 acres. For every acre they build on, they have to keep one acre of forest.

Our entertaining tour guide, Stephen.

Quarry Plaza, named for the limestone quarry that used to operate on the land where the campus was built

My dad with his new Banana Slug Dad mug


Thanks for reading!
Green Gal