The last few weeks before I have to decide where I will go to college are stressing me out. I have procrastinated acknowledging that I have to move past high school until I got into UCSD and immediately started romanticizing going to a school right by the beach. I finally went on a tour, and I’m here to share my opinions. 

My mom and I left early Sunday morning so we could have a day to explore La Jolla. I love a good road trip and enjoyed listening to great music driving along the coast. 

First, we got breakfast at Harry’s Coffee Shop, where I had the best espresso milkshake and strawberry pancakes. It was very Luke’s Diner from “Gilmore Girls” vibes. Then, we went to the cutest toy store and I really felt like I was reliving my childhood. Finally, to continue our little shopping adventure we went to a bookstore where I spent maybe a little too much time and was unfortunately limited to three books.

We moved our way down to what I was highly anticipating—the beach. We visited Children’s Pool, a beach occupied by seals, and I don’t think my mouth has ever dropped to the floor so quickly. The seals might singly handily convince me to go to UCSD. We drove around exploring all the beaches I might do my homework on and concluded our day with the best gelato and

beachy dinner.

The next day, I prepared for my UCSD tour by putting on a slay outfit. I was one of two people from in-state, and for some reason that made me feel superior. When asked what everyone’s majors of interest were, the tour guide hyped me up when she found out I want to be an English major at a primarily STEM school. She explained that she was terrified of her English-major roommate because she seemed so much smarter. During the tour, I learned I can rent a car, that the scooters make really horrendous screeching noises, and that there is a Cat in the Hat statue in front of the library (all of which I think is the most vital information)

After concluding the tour and taking a nice nap in the hammocks, I was almost starved and on the verge of an emotional breakdown until I was saved by the most beautiful tacos and the crispiest coke. As compensation

for my hanger, my mom took me to get more gelato and take one last walk along the beach. For our last stop of an incredible weekend, we made our way to the mall where I got the best chai latte of my life. After walking around in search of some new cute clothes for spring, we, unfortunately, decided we had to head back home.

Overall, I had an incredible weekend and did in fact cry as we drove away. I’ve always loved the beach, so it really did feel like it could be a home away from home, and am even making another trip there with a few of my friends this weekend. I can definitely say UCSD feels like my top choice, and even if I don’t go there, I will hopefully make many more trips to La Jolla.