<p>“lovetocamp—I can attest to the same stories and worse coming out of Cal. As a California taxpayer, it makes me sick. We told our four kids—no apps to Cal. Period. And yes, I read I am Charlotte Simmons, and similar stuff happens at private colleges. But we as parents do not need to throw our children to the wolves. If I were this kids’ parents, I’d have him transfer out asap. And yes it is Berkeley’s fault.”</p>
<p>I happen to be a student at Cal and am very disturbed as to how naive some parents must be. First and foremost, from what I have heard from my friends and seen with my own eyes- private school kids are the ones who are crawling in drugs and other hedonistic behavior of that sorts. There are even university sponsored parties with alcohol that was bought with university money. Furthermore, it is the private universities that have a more relaxed policy when it comes to the dorms. I know plenty of close personal friends who admit to smoking and drinking with their dorm monitors. I don’t think it’s fair to blame Cal for the isolated incident that is being generalized as the “norm” at “public universities.”</p>
<p>But this brings up a good point, one that I think parents will benefit from reading. Part of the dorm experience is the fact that you will be thrown into the presence of various people and influences that you do not like or agree with. How you deal with these factors is up to you. You’re not going to be in your tiny little isolated bubble all your life, and the sooner your son or daughter starts to realize that, and prepare for it, the better. I’m not advocating people start sending their kids into potentially compromising environments, but there will come a time in “John’s” life when a co-worker, neighbor, or spouse engages in behavior that he doesn’t agree with. So instead of writing a teary eyed letter to his parents, John has to figure out a way to deal with his problem. Whether he chooses to confront his roommates, seek outside counsel, or move is a decision he has to make- if for no other reason than to mature and come to grips with life.</p>
<p>I personally have not enjoyed all my encounters living in the dorms at Berkeley, and for various reasons will choose to live off campus next year- but I am very happy I had that experience. There were a lot of people I did not like that I had to learn to deal with, and a lot of behavior I did not approve of that I had to learn to adjust to.</p>
<p>So in conclusion- no, it is not in any way “Cal’s fault.” The University of California upholds a very high standard for both academic and social excellence, and does its best to prevent behavior not consistent with it’s policies. </p>
<p>Have an open mind and the spirit to succeed- two qualities which Cal does a great job of instilling in it’s students. I am proud to say that I feel “Berkeley-fied” because my experiences at Cal have been so profound and dear to me. I recommend everyone to look at both sides of this issue, and employ some common sense. </p>
<p>And if all else fails, come see for yourself! :)</p>