SLO Days 2019

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Editor's Note Welcome to the beginning of your college adventure.

These next few days will serve as your compass as you begin to navigate Cal Poly. You will learn about the layout of the school, important campus resources and be introduced to our Cal Poly culture.

Few schools have the immersive experience that is SLO Days. You will feel confident going into the school year in September already having made friends and connections with mentors who can help you in those first months. College is an entirely new world to explore and I am still grateful to have had this experience before I moved in for good.

It is so important to remember that everyone around you is going through all the emotions, fears and feelings that you are experiencing.

That mixture of excitement and nervous butterflies is completely normal.

You are not alone. It all falls into place once you unpack your dorm and attend those first classes, trust me.

This special edition, provided for you by Mustang News, will serve as your initial guide to our beautiful university. This experience will be what you make of it. As I go into my fifth year, all I can tell you is to get involved, stay focused and, like my mom still tells me, take care of number one (you). College will be one of the best times of your life if you choose to make the most of your time here.

Welcome to San Luis Obispo, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever Cal Poly path you choose!

Carly Quinn Special Editions Coordinator

Table of Contents

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8 things I wish I knew before starting my freshman year at Cal Poly I'm a transfer, how is SLO Days different for me?

What you need to know before staying in yakʔitʸutʸu for SLO Days Resources and platforms for students of color on campus 'Which beach is best for you' Quiz

Advice from a SLO Days crew member

7 restaurants to try for your first (or second) time in SLO How to deal with your empty nest

RA: friend or foe?

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8 things I w

before starting my freshman year at Cal Poly | Sophie Lincoln

Moving away from home and learning to navigate the world by oneself in a totally new environment is both very exciting and undeniably intimidating. Personally, my transition as a Cal Poly freshman was remarkably smooth. Despite how prepared, eager and assured I felt going into my freshman year, however, there are without a doubt certain bits of advice and insight that I wish I had known at the time. Here are a few of them:

1.

Campus Dining Resources

Until meeting with Cal Poly’s on-campus registered dietician Kaitlin Gibbons, who is available Monday through Friday in the Campus Dining office located next to 805 Cafe, I was hardly aware of the multitude of programs and resources available to Cal Poly students regarding individual diets and food preferences. As most students already know, 805 Kitchen’s “Sustainedibility” allergen-free food station offers meals that have been prepared in a “dedicated allergen-free zone” and are free of the “great eight” most common allergies in the U.S. according to Gibbons. Less known to most, however, are Campus Dining “FriYay events”, where students can enjoy higher-caliber cuisine in Poly Canyon Village, and 4 Mustang Media Group

2.

the “Eco-To-Go” program, which allows students to get food from 805 Kitchen to-go in a sustainable way. A new up and coming program that Campus Dining has in the works is “Wellness Ambassadors”, wherein student employees will be present during popular meal times to help students discover different meals available to suit their varying diets. Lastly, Gibbons encourages students with more specific diets or allergies to come meet with her as she does work with students on an individual basis as well; “if [a student] is looking for more variety or something that’s more conducive to their schedule, our chefs will prepare them individual meals based on their preferences and their food sensitivities or food allergies”, Gibbons said.

Health and Wellness Resources

More than just a place to get your temperature taken and pick up your prescriptions, Cal Poly’s Campus Health and Wellbeing services offer support and assistance regarding mental health, crisis intervention, health education, and so much more.

Inside the health center, you can find labs for blood testing, X-ray rooms, the campus pharmacy, counselling services, and PULSE, or Peers Understanding Listening Supporting Educating - a health services program designed to give students support and education from fellow Cal Poly students hired by the health center.

Unbeknownst to many are

wish I knew the various free supplies offered

by PULSE, which include relax chairs, a food pantry, and various educational events. The health center also provides different health education workshops, hotlines, and after-hours nurse advising.

3.

Front Porch

Located directly behind the Recreation Center is Front Porch, a volunteer-run student coffee house where students are encouraged to come and enjoy free coffee and study space. The majority of its funding comes from the Presbyterian Church of California and their mission statement is to “create an inclusive community for Cal Poly and Cuesta students”, as can be

found on Front Porch’s official website. Front Porch also organizes camping trips, weekly Wednesday night dinners and Saturday night worship gatherings, monthly volunteer events, and occasional open mic nights and pancake breakfasts for students to participate in.

4.

The Writing and Rhetoric Center

Inside of Kennedy Library, the Writing and Rhetoric Center offers free consultation to any Cal Poly student on any piece of writing, whether it be an essay for a class or a cover letter for a job. “Sometimes when you have family or friends edit the essay they are a little more

tentative, but the [Writing and Rhetoric Center] really provides helpful, constructive feedback,” rising business sophomore Jocelyn Overmyer said. The Writing and Rhetoric Center also provides tutoring and assistance in preparing for the Writing Proficiency Exam as well as the Graduation Writing Requirement.

5.

The Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC), which can be found down next to Spanos Stadium, is a really great resource for students with any type of academic inhibitor - this can mean having more minor im-

Shea5Irwin SLO Photo Daysby‘19

Photo by Shea Irwin

pairments, like attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, debilitating mental health disorders, like Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, or having physical disabilities, such as deafness.

The DRC offers all sorts of accommodations, ranging from alternative testing - testing in an alternate setting and/or obtaining extended testing time - to receiving on-campus transportation, additional housing or meal plan accommodations and much more. A full list of general accommodations and services can be found on the DRC website. The DRC also offers a peer mentor program called Access Allies wherein more experienced students may advise on navigating Cal Poly with a disability.

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6.

The Mustang Success Center

In addition to you college-specific assigned academic adviser, the Mustang Success Center, located in Building 52, provides supplemental readily-available advisers so that students can easily drop in between classes. Architecture sophomore major Emma Schulz found the Mustang Success Center to be particularly helpful last quarter when registering for classes last minute; “when I arrived at the Mustang success center, they immediately asked me what problems I need help with. They then directed me to a counselor to assess my issues and help me to solve the problem,” Schulz

said. From planning out your class schedule to changing majors, declaring minors to tutoring and academic probation support, the Mustang Success Center is a great resource for any students in need of assistance, especially those trying to navigate their first year of college.

7.

Classes at the Recreation Center

Did you know that Cal Poly’s state of the art recreation center offers exercise classes including body combat, Zumba, yoga and more. The recreation center and its different activities made it a lot easier for me to stay active and fit my freshman year. The

classes offered can provide a where students can sign up to more stimulating and engaging go on short day or weekend exercise if running on the trips to surrounding areas, such treadmill or lifting weights isn’t as backpacking in Sequoia or really your thing. Moreover, hiking Bishop’s Peak at sunrise anyone can sign up for a class. to do yoga. Altogether Cal “The instructors are great, super Poly’s Associated Students nice and it really seems like Incorporation in charge of the all levels are welcomed in the recreation center have created classes. You don’t have to be a very holistic and engaging an expert to sign up, it’s great!” environment for students to be rising wine and viticulture active in a way that is interestsophomore Devin Miller said. ing and enjoyable.

Of course, there are various other features and amenities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, climbing walls and so on for students who prefer to lead their own exercise routines Of the many different resources too. Arguably most exciting available at Kennedy Library about the recreation center - which, by the way, I would is the Poly Escapes program

8.

Therapy Dogs at Kennedy Library

also suggest taking advantage of - my personal favorite is the therapy dogs that visit us students almost monthly on the Kennedy Library lawn. The dogs are typically available during the weeks prior to midterms and finals, giving students the opportunity to take a study break and walk right out onto the lawn for some much needed puppy love. The dates where the dogs are scheduled to visit, along with the dates of other events including cat visits, can be found online at the Kennedy Library website.

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I'm a transfer,

how is SLO Days different for me?| Peter Gonzalez

Transfer students are both coming to into Cal Poly with advantages and disadvantages that are unique to them. As a transfer student you are both a freshman and a junior at the same time. A lot of the advice that you’ll get during SLO Days and Week of Welcome (WOW) is geared toward freshmen. These students are typically younger than a transfer student and are in a different headspace when it comes to college. Here a couple tips directly from transfer students who were also coming into Cal Poly.

Kacey Cadwell, an agricultural sciences graduate and transfer from Irvine Valley College has literally thrown herself into Cal Poly. Cadwell is involved in New Student Transition Programs, where she has been a WOW leader, a facilitator for WOW training and will be leading a group of transfer student for Week of Welcome for the second time. She said “My advice, although it’s probably been said many times, is to get involved in other programs and accept all opportunities you are given.”

Cadwell herself recalls hearing the common phrase “school is going to fly by” and uses it to remind her to “embrace the opportunities and create friendships with people that could last a lifetime.” As a transfer student, you get two to three years to create a new chapter and then you’ll be walking across the stage to receive a diploma. Cadwell is

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pursuing her master’s and teaching credentials, so she’s getting extra time to continue to create opportunities.

Louise Ibuna, software engineering junior and transfer from Allan Hancock College said that coming in as a community college student gives you a fresh perspective when it comes to age. “Some people think college is limited to 18-22 year olds. But when you start off as a community college student, you realize people come from different walks of life. Regardless of where others come from, their opportunity of pursuing higher education is still there.”

An advocate for taking one’s time in the speed force that is the quarter system, she appreciates the

“…accept all opportunities you are given” connection that transfer students share and said, “you’ll meet a lot of young individuals who are close to getting their degrees than you are.

Don’t let it take you seriously. Take your time in graduating, but don’t waste it.”

Lastly Miguel Becerra, mechanical engineering senior and transfer from East Los Angeles College said that an open mind and collaboration are key to transfer students because, “we tend to do a lot of group work at Poly, which

Photo from MN Archives

can be overwhelming for those that like to work alone. I know I was a bit overwhelmed when it came to having to work with others.”

He said that through collaboration, he grew and was provided many opportunities. “At the end, I gained so much knowledge and insight by working with others. I improved my methods of working by learning from others, I gained experience in communication, and I made new friends. Working in teams at Poly will open many doors for you, from meeting new people to getting that extra push that you need to be successful in your classes.”

These three students shared from their own personal experiences and they’re all different.

The transfer student experience isn’t the same as an incoming freshman and that’s part of the experience. As a transfer

“Take your time in graduating, but don’t waste it” student you get to write and make your own rules for the next two years. The choice is up to each student and with the quarter system, it’ll fly by.

Photo from MN Archives

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This is the first year that both students and crew members will be staying in the yakʔitʸutʸu residence halls for SLO Days.

Before staying in this community this summer, it is important to understand the significance behind the buildings and also learn ways to be respectful toward these buildings and the culture.

Cal Poly’s land carries the heritage and culture of the indigenous people of San Luis

Obispo County, the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini, Northern Chumash Tribe. This community was built as a partnership

“We view the Cal Poly housing project as a partnership between the yak titʸu titʸu tribe and Cal Poly,” added Leah Mata, a tribal

between the indigenous people and Cal Poly as a way to share their story.

member who worked closely with Cal Poly’s housing staff to name the development said in

"…to some people it might just seem like buildings with weird names and no one is going to care, but you should care"

yakʔit

What you need to know before staying in

a press release. “Our goal is to provide a narrative using our own voice and world view to share how we view our places that matter.”

It is important to recognize that we are uninvited guests on this land and we need to respect this culture. During your SLO Days session you will hear many land opening statements similar to this acknowledging the indigenous people and their land. This is one way that Cal 14 Mustang Media Group

Poly orientation shows respect the Northern Chumash Tribe and there are many ways that you all as new students can do this as well.

Make an effort to pronounce the names of the buildings correctly

While the names of these buildings may seem daunting at first glance, they are really easy to pronounce with a little

practice. By taking the time to learn and practice these names you are showing respect for the community.

Liberal studies senior and SLO Days Summer Crew member Conner O’Neil stressed the importance of taking the time to pronounce the names correctly.

Last year O’Neil was a Resident Advisor in tsɨtkawayu and recalled an experience where he was able to witness the impact of correctly pronouncing the names.

tʸutʸu

Photo by Shea Irwin

for SLO Days | Lauryn Luescher

O’Neil said that after giving a housing tour of the yakʔitʸutʸu community and explaining more about the building, there were people in the group in tears.

“At the end [of the tour] they were in tears and I was so confused and they said, ‘we are actually tribal elders from the yyak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini tribe and just hearing our language in the mouths of non-native people is phenomenal. Just the

respect we feel is overwhelming,’ O’Neil recalled. “That impact you can have as a first year student by just saying a name correctly is so cool.”

Avoid abbreviations or nicknames for this community

Along with taking the time to learn how to pronounce the names, it is also very important

to avoid abbreviating or using different names to refer to the buildings. These buildings are a symbol of an entire culture and should not be made fun of in any way. Even if it may be easier to text, “ytt” instead of “yakʔitʸutʸu,” there is a much greater impact on the community. The housing website has the names spelled out so you can copy and paste them for messages and emails and with conversations among SLO Days ‘19 15

friends work to always use the correct pronunciation.

“It is really important to take this into consideration and respect that culture and not belittle it or make fun of it because to some people it might just seem like buildings with weird names and no one is going to care, but you should care,” Psychology senior Kenia Alba said. “Even just being respectful enough to learn the names and say them correctly and show that you want to do something about it.”

Respect the structure itself

"Our goal is to provide a narrative using our own voice and world view to share how we view our places that matter.”

“For freshman coming into yakʔitʸutʸu I think it's really important for them to recognize the privilege that they get to live in such a cool community,” O’Neil said. “They did not spare a single second when they thought about designing this building. It’s accessible for everyone and it's beautiful inside and out and they are truly so lucky to be there.”

Another way to show respect is to take care of the community so that classes years later can experience the same community You are not expected to be able and learn about the yak titʸu to perfectly pronounce this titʸu yak tiłhini people.

Photo by Shea Irwin

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Don’t be afraid to ask questions

native language correctly right at the start, but there are so many people that can help you.

Your orientation leaders and Resident Advisors can always help you with information about the Chumash culture and assist you with pronunciation along with the yakʔitʸutʸu resources available on the housing website at: www.housing.calpoly.edu/ytt.

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Resources and platforms for

Students of Color

on campus | Dominique Morales As a person of color (POC), it can be overwhelming to navigate through a campus that is a predominantly white institution.

However, it’s important to understand that people of color do not stand alone on campus, and there are Cal Poly resources designed to provide a sense of community that is inclusive and welcoming.

Cross Cultural Centers

As a student of color (SOC) myself, I found that it was extremely challenging for me to find a group of people that I could relate to and feel supported by. However, one place I found myself right at home was the Cross Cultural Centers (CCC). The CCC consists of the Multicultural Center (MCC), Gender Equity Center and the Pride Center.

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The MCC is an educational space that promotes diversity and uses social justice as a foundation for the success of underrepresented students.

The center provides a space for students to communicate across lines of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, economic class, religion and citizenship.

In the 2018-2019 academic year, the CCC saw a positive change regarding resources and space. The MCC was located upstairs in the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU). However, the center’s popularity prompted the relocation, as it’s previous space was filled with students wanting to be part of the program. After collaborating with Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI) and student focus groups, the MCC’s new home is the former Cal Poly Rose Float office on the first floor of the UU.

One of the main objectives of this relocation is to make the MCC less hidden and more accessible to students.

“After the completion of this project, our hope is this space will create a gome for students and will create a larger footprint for the MCC in our campus climate,” Vice Chair of the University Union Advisory Board (UUAB) and agricultural business senior Dani Diele said.

The CCC creates spaces for SOCs and all other students alike to explore and express their identity while promoting a diverse and inclusive space.

However, they are not the only platform that Cal Poly offers for SOCs.

BEACoN Mentors

BEACoN (Believe, Educate and Empower, Advocate,

Collaborate and Nurture) is another program designed with SOCs in mind. Funded by the Office of University Diversity and Inclusivity, this program offers mentorship to diverse students across the Cal Poly campus. BEACoN’s main purpose and objective is to educate and empower underrepresented students and advocate for them as they complete their higher education at Cal Poly.

BEACoN Mentors, which consist of Cal Poly’s faculty, staff and professors, host mul-

tiple meetings and workshops during the year. These activities are aimed at building a sense of community, jump starting mentoring relationships, and provide and safe space for sharing experiences and ideas between all members.

DREAM Center and UndocuAlly Working Group Two resource centers, the DREAM (Development,

Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) Center and UndocuAlly Working Group, were recently added to Cal Poly’s campus. The DREAM Center offers a safe, inclusive space for all undocumented students who are from mixed-status families and their allies. Their mission is to support, empower and advocate for the academic, professional and personal development and success of all undocumented students. The center offers a range of programs and services

Courtesy of Multicultural Center

to educate the campus community and support undocumented students. This includes assistance with AB 540 (nonresident tuition exemption), the DREAM Act,

D.A.C.A. (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) and scholarship referrals, counseling resources, referrals to legal resources and UndocuAlly training (UAWG).

UndocuAlly is a group within the Office of University Diversity and Inclusivity comprised of faculty, staff, administrators and students whose goal is to make Cal Poly’s campus SLO Days ‘19 21

welcoming toward undomented students. UndocuAlly offers a three-part training series. Its training sessions “Foundational Knowledge”, “Taking the Next Steps” and “Becoming an Ally” focus on different aspects of supporting undocumented students. While the training sessions are meant to provide participants with basic knowledge, they also aim to define what it means to be an ally.

The DREAM Center and UndocuAlly maintain confidentiality of individual students while fostering a safe and inclusive community.

Also, while all these programs are specifically designed with students of color and underrepresented students in mind, they are not limited to these students. Any and every center is welcoming to having all students becoming allies and advocates.

Clubs Designed with SOC's in Mind Black Student Union (BSU)

A social club that works to promote Black culture on campus Courtesy of Multicultural Center

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by educating its members and the rest of the student body about the Black conscious.

Chinese Student Association (CSA)

One of the largest cultural clubs at Cal Poly that is dedicated to embracing diversity and creating a “home away from home.”

Chinese Cultural Club

A place where people interested in Chinese culture and traditions can gather and share their knowledge.

Imagen Y Espiritu Ballet Folklorico

A club that teaches people traditional Mexican folk dancing and educates people about different aspects of Mexican culture.

Japanese Student Association ( JSA)

Pilipino Cultural Exchange (PCE)

A club that members can join in performing groups, compete in intramural sports, connect with mentors in their major or find a lifelong family - an important aspect of Filipino culture.

Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlan (MEXA) A national student-run organization dedicated to promoting higher education amongst Xicanx/a/o identifying students, as well as giving back to the community.

Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) QTPOC exists to cultivate a brave space for queer and/or trans people of color to explore their identity, find support and build community.

A club with a focus on spreading Thai Vietnamese Student awareness, understanding and Association interest of/in the Japanese culture. An association that warmly welcomes people of all ethnicities Korean American Student to learn about and appreciate the rich cultures of Thailand Association (KASA) and Vietnam.

An inclusive social club that explores Korean culture while maintaining a fun and inviting environment for all members.

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Start here.

SLO BEACH

A beach trip is not complete without

BEST YOU?

The Central Coast is lined with many beaches, each with their own perks and quirks. Take this quiz to find out which one to check out while you’re in town.

Pick a lunch.

Â? Â? Â? Â?

Pick a beach vibe.

Â? Â?

 �

Are you surfing or sunbathing?

What marine life do you want to see?

Pick a beach activity.

Â

AVILA BEACH

PISMO BEACH

MORRO BAY

SHELL BEACH

You are likely to see a fellow Mustang or two at this popular beach spot. Just a 15-minute drive down Highway 101, Avila Beach is the closest beach to campus.

Expect beach volleyball nets and shops lining the street next door. The beach gets crowded on sunny days, but see it as an opportunity to challenge someone next to you to a game of spikeball.

You can whale watch in the summer and enjoy Friday Farmer’s Markets by the sea.

Just a few miles south of Avila Beach, this tourist destination features a bustling pier that was recently renovated. Right beside the pier, you’ll see a popular surf spot. You can simply watch or rent a board from one of the many surf shops in town. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a whale while eating at one of the restaurants overlooking the water.

It’s hard to miss the “three stacks and a rock� when you’re driving north of campus along Highway 1.

The town of Morro Bay is well known for its ancient volcanic mound located right on the water, Morro Rock — which stands at more than 550 feet. It’s worth a stop to see in person. While you’re in town, you can check out otters floating along Coleman Beach, surf at Morro Rock, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the bay.

For those trying to avoid the larger crowds, Shell Beach is a great dog-and-family friendly option situated right under cliffs and bluffs. The beach is located in between Pismo Beach and Avila Beach. You can expect to see tidepools and the occasional surfer with the right swells.

But if you do decide to paddle out, be mindful of the rocky shores.

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How to make the most of your SLO Days experience:

Advice from Days crew m SLO Days is the first step in your transition to college. It’s a time to meet new people and get important information to help make your transition as smooth as possible. The SLO Days team has been preparing for months for your arrival and we can’t wait to meet you. This session is only two days, so here are some important tips to help you make the most of your time at SLO Days.

Be Prepared

The morning of your SLO Days session can already be stressful enough with meeting new people and figuring out where and when you need to be places. In order to make your orientation experience even better, come prepared so you can focus on learning and meeting new people. Download the 'Cal Poly Now' app and get the Orientation 2019 guide before you get to SLO Days. This app has a detailed schedule and map for all of the events during the 26 Mustang Media Group

session along with checklists, packing lists, important arrival information, campus resources and orientation stories.

Keep an open mind

This applies to multiple aspects of SLO Days. Regarding the programming during the sessions, understand that everyone is entering college with different knowledge and this is ok and even vital to opening up discussion around different topics. It might seem uncomfortable to discuss topics surrounding mental health, cultural competency and knowing your limits. However, these conversations are necessary for your transition into college.

Psychology senior and SLO Days Lead Kenia Alba explained that the presentations are to give vital information needed for a successful transition into college life.

“Come in with the mindset that you are going to listen to the presentations because they are worth while,” Alba said. “They aren’t presentations given to say that they have been given, but it’s actually for a reason and it is to help transition.”

Be ready and open to meeting new people

While it may be more comforting to come to your orientation session with friends from high school or your new roommates, it can be more beneficial to branch out and meet new people. It’s great if you have friends prior to coming to college to lean on when you need support, but orientation is an amazing opportunity to branch out and meet new people.

Psychology senior Alyssa Perez said that her SLO Days experience was much more beneficial because she didn’t stick with anyone she knew.

m a SLO member “Go in and try to meet as many people as possible and just being open to new connections with people,” Perez said. “In high school people are very closed off so it’s good to come in with that mindset because that will only build during WOW.”

Have a growth mindset

Throughout the daily programing and while in your groups, it is important to always keep in mind what you can take away from each presentation and how you can better prepare yourself for your transition to college. It is important to understand that

| Lauryn Luescher

while you may be more well heard before, so don’t hesitate versed in some topics discussed to ask questions. Your leaders during your session, come in and the presenters will be more with a growth mindset and than happy to answer them and think about what you can add if you have a question it is likely to the discussion and what you that others are unsure as well. can get out of each presentation. Also use this opportunity During orientation, important to get to know your crew information is given during members and learn from many of the presentations. their experiences.

However, you can learn a lot in your small group discussion with “Our crew has so many different attributes to add and we have your peers and leaders. so many people we want to meet,” Perez said. “Above all else we have done so much training and we are so excited During the various sessions and to be one of the first faces of group activities, you’re going to Cal Poly that you meet and so get a lot of information thrown just reciprocate that action and at you. Much of the informabe open and excited.” tion will be things you’ve never

Ask questions

SLO Days ‘19 27

Courtesy of Cal Poly

7

restaurants to try for your first (or second) time in SLO

Lauren Walike

Exploring the city of San Luis Obispo is sure to be fun with many adventure spots. While doing all of that exploring, you may find yourself craving some delicious food. There are many places to eat in SLO that it can be difficult choosing. Here are some of the restaurants that Cal Poly students voted for as some of their favorite restaurants in SLO.

Whether you’re starting the day early, or a little later, Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe was voted the best breakfast by Cal Poly students in this year’s Poly Picks.

With their seasonal menu and locally sourced ingredients, including breakfast dishes like a Stuffed Croissant and Avocado Toast and lunch options like the Killer Grilled Cheese, it’s clear why Sally Loo’s is a SLO favorite.

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich for lunch, look no further than High Street Deli.

High Street offers a variety of specials including The 4:20 Daily Special where, according to their website, sandwiches are $6.99 from 4:20- 5:30 p.m. (about $2 off the regular price).

Besides the great deals, High Street has great seating inside and outdoors.

“It doesn’t matter whether you just want a coffee or a whole meal because they basically have anything you’re in the mood for,” Psychology junior Lauren Mahaffy said.

“My favorite part is getting the Dutch Punch and sitting outside to eat it with friends,” Mahaffy said.

The List

3. Bliss Cafe

2. High Street Deli

5. Giuseppe's

1. Sally Loo's 28 Mustang Media Group

If a sandwich just isn’t what you’re in the mood for, don’t fret; there’s plenty of delicious lunch places. Bliss Cafe has vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options and according to their website, their mission is to offer “nourishing & loving foods that heal, energize, and empower the individual and community.”

Hungry, but not looking for a full meal? if the midday is leaving you searching for a refreshing snack, The Neighborhood has variety of locally sourced juices as well as acai bowls. The SLO Bowl, one of the most popular acai bowls, is made out of a blend of Acai, Banana, Blueberry, Strawberry, House Made Apple Juice and topped with Hemp Granola, Blueberries, Banana, Strawberry and Honey.

6. Taqueria Santa Cruz

4. The Neighborhood 7. Nite Creamery

Once the sun starts going down, dinner might start to cross your mind, Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica has all your Italian fixes.

Manager and son of the owner Giuseppe DiFronzo Jr. said it is satisfying to have people come in and enjoy themselves at the restaurant. “We love having guests here, and we love making people laugh,” DiFronzo said.

Not in the mood for a sit down dining experience, somewhere more casual may be more your style. Taqueria Santa Cruz won the best mexican in SLO and based on the lines, people really enjoy it. With fast service and everything from burritos to enchiladas and options that fit into a vegetarian and vegan diet, you’re sure to find a dish that suits your taste buds.

Ending the night with a creamy scoop of ice cream is fun, but Nite Creamery at 570 Higuera St is ramping things up with their made-to-order nitrogen ice cream. With flavors like Strawdi-B (strawberry and banana) and Salted Caramel Crunch and a choice of a scoop, cone or waffle, Nite Creamery will leave your sweet tooth satisfied.

Photo by Kelly Chiu

Photo by Kelly Chiu

While this is not an exhaustive list of every amazing restaurant, these are a few that will leave you feeling full and ready to explore all the beauty SLO has to offer.

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Photo by Kelly Chiu

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SLO Days ‘19 31

empty How to deal with your

Becoming an “empty-nester” can be a very bittersweet time for many parents. A strong sense of pride is often entangled in sadness, because all of their children are independent and sent out into the world for the first time.

Mustang News reached out to several parents who gave their best advice to parents who are experiencing this for the first time. Here are their top tips:

If you can afford it, don’t go home yet Many parents said that they planned a small trip right after their kids left for college.

Cal Poly parent Michelle Ramirez said that her and her husband Bob met up with some old friends.

“Another thing my husband and I did after we dropped off our girls at college, we took an empty nesters vacation & traveled to the east coast & took a cruise through the Panama Canal! It’s been great to reconnect as a couple,” Flitsch said.

the first month or so,” Ramirez wrote. My husband and I went out every weekend, hiking or walking one day and to whatever free event we could find the next. We explored neighborhoods here in San Diego, browsed farmers markets, even went to a car show of Woodies down at the beach.

Betsy Belkin isn’t an empThe combination of exercise, ty-nester yet, but she wrote in being away from the house, an email to Mustang news that she has plans to keep busy after and doing something new kept our minds off our students. It she’s dropped off her daughter also gave us the opportunity at Cal Poly in September. to send them a quick photo, “I am a single mom so when saying, look at all the fun we are my daughter leaves I will be having! which always resulted completely alone,” Belkin wrote. in a text back.”

“It will be a challenge for me to stay involved socially. I plan on visiting my three children (one in NYC, one in Wyoming, and one in SLO) as often as possible. I work two jobs so I don’t have a lot of spare time It is very common for parents to but that may be a blessing!” adopt a fluffy puppy or cat. The

Keep busy

“We spent the first three days with some very good friends, who distracted us with lots of laughter, talking and allowed us space to cry when we needed it,” Michelle Ramirez wrote about all of the activities her and her Ramirez said. husband picked up.

Parent Tracey Savage Flitsch “Once you do get home, keep said that she also went on as busy as possible for at least a vacation.

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Get a pet, a golf membership, or both

New York Times contributor Jill Abrahamson wrote about why she chose to adopt a dog.

“Beginning and ending the day by walking Scout is, for me, a

y nest Michael Barros

spiritual tonic that goes beyond the pure pleasure of companionship,” Abrahamson wrote.

“Watching her chase errant leaves or dig at root vegetables past their prime, I notice the different phases of fall in ways I didn’t last year.”

Cal Poly parents Rick and Colleen McKinley said that they found creative ways to stay connected to their son in San Luis Obispo.

“Spoil your dog, get a membership to a golf club, work more, and most importantly subscribe

to a winery at SLO so you have an excuse to visit your son,” the McKinley’s said.

Host a dinner party!

Michelle Ramirez wrote that she attended consistent dinner party with her friends.

“When we became empty nesters last year, we got together with friends & formed an empty nester “club”. We take turns hosting dinners once a month.”

Self Care

Many parents said that the most important thing to focus on was taking care of yourself, and discover activities that you love to do.

“Keep your student’s bedroom closed for as long as you need to.

There is no rush to go in.

Keep telling yourself that you will be OK,” Ramirez said.

Every day that passes, it becomes a bit more true.”

SLO Days ‘19 33 Courtesy of Carly Quinn

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SLO Days ‘19 35

RA: Friend or Foe?

We expect RAs to:

role model, through actions and words, a respect for human dignity and an appreciation for people of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender expression, and gender identities, and confront all acts of intolerance.

develop strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, time management, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to maintain them under stress continually challenge themselves to grow through the position and be open to change, new points of view, and constructive feedback from supervisory staff and peers

How long have you been an RA, and for what resident halls?

"Two years in Shasta in North Mountain and in Yosemite.

Shasta was my first year and the living theme was SLO Discovery and my tower in Yosemite was OCOB."

Do you remember what you expected an RA to be when you were moving in? How was that different from what they really do?

"I remember watching Pitch Perfect and thinking that the RAs would be like the scene when the lead is just getting out 36 Mustang Media Group

| Emily Merten

of the taxi – all synthetically Why did you want to peppy and a little bit too excited become an RA? to do her job. But I frankly had "I knew I wanted to be a RA no idea what they were there when I found out the role to do, other than make sure existed when I was 16. I was that we weren’t doing things we visiting a friend at UC Berkeley weren’t supposed to be doing. in the dorms, and it was cool to But after living in the dorms see the impact a RA could have and then becoming a RA, those on others. My specific RA took are just caricatures of who they a more hands-off approach, but are and what they do because another RA in the community it’s so much more than that. took a more directed approach The list is endless and there’s by putting a lot of effort into a running joke among RAs events and discussions with that the job is almost entirely others. Once I came to Cal Poly “other duties as assigned.” We and realized the demographic, I help with roommate conflicts, felt like I could really make an navigate PolyLearn and PASS, impact on the people I reach. advocate for safe drinking, the My first year coincided with whole gamut. Every RA has the 2016 election, and I would their own style, but generally talk to other people on my speaking I really try to dispel floor about socioeconomic and the rumors that we’re “out to political issues, discussing the get you.” implications of certain policies for others. But also, it just What did having an RA seemed like fun to me – do for your dorm experithe RAs were always having a ence as a freshman? good time and really helped "Ahhh… I love my RA. He build a community." graduated in 2018, but we’re still really good friends. I was What do you think are really independent my freshsome misconceptions about man year and didn’t really go being an RA? to him for help necessarily, but "I asked this very question it was definitely nice to have both years I was a RA during him around when something the first community meeting. happened. If anything, it was I heard some weird answers fun just to hang out with ranging from “you’re a nark” to him. He really tried to build a “you have free condoms,” and I community for us and basically worked really hard to address said you’re adults now, so act them directly. I didn’t think like it." avoiding it was going to build

the community I wanted to have, and it really helps to build trust from the first day. One of the most important thing a RA can do is build trust with their residents because without it, they may be doing the job, but they’re probably not doing the job. With that, sometimes RAs can come off as being nosy, but really, I just wanted to get to know my residents and let them get to know me. Like, I’m not this supreme authority figure or looking for things to get you in trouble for. It’s really about building a connection with you so that even if we don’t click or have anything in common, you know that you can come to me for anything, whether it be about school, about home, about a relationship and if it’s at noon or 5am. Admittedly, sometimes this does not go according to plan and the conversation is awkward or artificial, but really it’s about building that trust."

be friends with them, and you I would advise against it. One don’t even have to talk to them thing to know is that RAs are if you don’t want to. They may mandated reporters, so I’m not come by and at least get familadvocating for not talking about iar with who you are, but know it, but know that we are legally that they’re not necessarily required to notify our superiors." trying to learn your deepest What you can say to your RA: darkest secrets. Another thing "If something is not right. It can is the most RAs care more be from something going on about your safety than getting at home to your roommates or you in trouble; we’re not out to whatever, tell your RA. If you get you. A caveat to that is that recently became an Aunt, tell if you are rude or disrespectful, your RA. If you are preparing we remember. We do our best for a really difficult exam, tell to respect your boundaries and your RA. If you just want to we know people like to have talk about whatever interests fun in different ways, but if we you, tell your RA. If you think have to address a situation, it’s can’t remember what happened because we really didn’t have a the night before and you’re choice. There is so much paperconcerned, tell your RA. If you work involved in filing a report are having trouble with your that it’s more work for us; you sexuality, tell your RA. If you don’t want to get in trouble, ever feel unsafe, tell your RA. most of us don’t want to get you in trouble, so please respect that Heck, if you had your first kiss and you’re excited, tell your the RAs are doing their job it’s RA. We really do care about really not personal." what happens in your life, and What not to say to your RA: we are trained to be a one stop "That you have things you’re shop. And if we don’t have the What should an incoming not supposed to have. There answers, we can connect you freshman know about RAs may be coded language that with those who do." or dorm living? you will have to navigate but "Know how to share living spaces, know the importance of compromise, and know how to communicate. These are honestly the most common sources of conflict I’ve seen in the dorms. One person wakes up early, the other goes to bed late, one wants the room quiet, the other wants everyone in the dorm to know who they are" "For things to know about your RA is that you don’t have to

SLO Days ‘19 37

Courtesy of Bianka Pantoja

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