Let Gil Esquivel ’06 explain why he turned down admission offers from UC Berkeley, UC San Diego and USC to attend Occidental: “I liked the fact it’s a small school. Whenever I need help from my professors, I can go directly to them, where at a big school the professor probably wouldn’t even recognize me.”

A biology major from Eagle Rock, Gil has lived in the area his entire life. “I’ve been around Oxy so long I knew what I was in for,” he says. “I wanted the best education possible.” And, ever the bio major, he can’t ignore his surroundings. “It’s a beautiful campus, too,” Gil says.

In the classroom, Gil’s favorite subject is organic chemistry, but the liberal arts experience also has exposed him to unforeseen interests. He took a sculpture class his sophomore year that was a rigorous but rewarding introduction into the world of art.

Gil is the first member of his family to attend a four-year institution, and he’s making the most of his experience. He’s been a senator in student government and webmaster for several campus organizations, including KOXY, the student-run radio station. He also is a member of the Blyth Fund, a six-figure student-managed stock portfolio that contributes to Occidental's endowment. Gil says he plans to pursue an MBA.

“People are here because they like to learn and they like the intimacy of the campus,” he says, adding one other important factor. “The food is great, too. Whenever I have visitors, they can’t believe it.”