Savannah Rosenzweig, ’20, is majoring in psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Q: Why did you choose to attend UC Santa Cruz?

A: If I’m being honest, I chose UC Santa Cruz because of the location. It’s right in the woods and right by the beach, so pretty much the best of both worlds. I also really liked that the school is very into protecting the environment.

Q: What classes are you taking?

A: I am currently taking Film 80, which is the history of animation. I’m also taking Psych 20 and a Writing 1 class. Right now, I think my favorite class would be my film class because it’s completely open. Even though I’m a psychology major, I can focus on whatever I want in my film class. It’s really easy, but it’s also really entertaining.

What is your smallest class? How small is it?

A: I was expecting my Santa Cruz classes to be huge, but they’re actually fairly small. Both my film class and writing class are about 20 people.

Q: What is your largest class? How big is it?

A: My psych class is the biggest with about 80 people. I think it’s probably bigger because it’s a major course requirement, but I’m not entirely sure.

Q: How do you feel about your first year in college being on Zoom?

A: That has definitely been the hardest thing for me. I really thrive off of human interaction, even if it’s just attending a lecture in person. I know it would be much easier in person because it’s hard to stay motivated online. It’s harder to wake up in the morning and go to classes, knowing that it’s just going to be sitting and listening to a lecture on Zoom. Even in my writing class, which is a discussion class, everyone keeps their cameras off. 

Q: How are your professors over remote learning?

A: Well, at Country Day when we started remote learning, we already had a connection with our teachers, so they were always reaching out and trying to help. Whereas, your professors in college are not reaching out as frequently, so there is a lot more working on your own than there is working with a mentor. If you attend office hours, it’s a lot easier to bond with professors, so that always helps.

Q: How was the transition from Country Day to college?

A: It has been the smoothest and easiest transition ever. I think Country Day prepared me for college in every way possible. Even though we are online, I am still doing well in my classes, which is great.

Q: How have you been getting involved within the school?

A: I joined a backpacking and hiking club, but we haven’t really done anything. We just kind of share our hikes because we can’t meet up. I’m also looking into joining a student media publication because I was on yearbook, but I’m not sure if I’m going to be in print or broadcast yet. I have also been in contact with the volleyball coach, and I’m looking into starting on their team. If I don’t end up pursuing that, I’ll probably just play recreationally. 

Q: Do you have any advice for the class of 2021?

A: I think it’s important to understand that things are going to be different, but everyone is in the same boat. Your professors will definitely be understanding as long as you keep yourself motivated. Just make sure to be assertive, be patient and don’t panic. Country Day has prepared us very well academically for all of the challenges that may come our way. Just make sure to finish off your senior year strong and start freshman year even stronger.

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— By Simone DeBerry