This is the fifth article in a series of interviews with current college students and past graduates, asking them about their insights and experiences in college. This series of articles aims to aid Ventura High School’s college-bound seniors. In this article, I interview Ventura High School alumni Sarah Mehrnia.

Q: What school do/did you go to?

A: UCSB

Q: What is your major?

A: Political Science with a minor in Music.

Q: What was your biggest surprise during your first year of college?

A: The biggest surprise during my first year of college was how quickly the quarter system goes by.

Q: What advice would you give to seniors that are attending college next year?

A: Advice I would give to seniors attending college next year is to try to have as much fun as

possible, especially your freshman year. Make sure you work hard but college is also about ‘

meeting people and having a good time so don’t get so bogged down on all the work you have to do. If you make a plan and stay organized, you will have time to balance it all!

Q: What do/did you like about college?

A: I love the freedom of being able to create my own schedule. I am able to go to class, get my work done, join clubs and organizations, and have fun on my own terms. I love that everything is in the same place, and I have the ability to be a part of a lot of different things.

Q: What do you miss about high school, if anything?

A: I miss seeing the same faces every day because you don’t really get to experience that closeness on a large UC campus.

Q: What advice do you have for juniors in terms of grades and extracurriculars that want to go to college?

A: The biggest advice I can give is do things that interest you and keep it consistent. Don’t just join activities and clubs because you think a university wants to see them on your application. Universities are looking for what makes you unique and sets you apart from other applicants. Stick to what you are passionate about.

Q: Are you planning on majoring on anything, if so what is it?

A: I am majoring in Political Science, hoping to go to law school after undergrad.

Q: What are you thinking you want to do after collage?

A: Go to law school!