Burch knows destiny lead to Occidental. The authentic community, ideal access to Los Angeles and exploratory benefits of a liberal arts education have created a fun and enriching college experience.
Burch Sainsbury-Carter
Hometown: Bellevue, Wash.
Major: Diplomacy & World Affairs
Minor: Critical Theory & Social Justice
What motivated you to apply to Occidental? What separated Occidental from the other colleges you were considering?
Oxy quickly rose to the top of my college list because it checked all of the boxes I was looking for: a small school, warm weather, and a creative, driven student body. What made Oxy especially unique was its ability to offer small classes and a close-knit campus community while being located in one of the country's largest cities, Los Angeles.
Walking the length of the quad, observing students selling clothes, hanging out with friends, reading what I could only imagine at the time being profound political theory, and looking like they knew exactly who they were. This was my destiny.
Describe the moment when you knew Occidental was your final choice. What are the reasons you decided to enroll?
After waiting until the last possible moment to enroll, I ultimately chose Oxy because of my tour on Admitted Students Day. Walking the length of the quad, observing students selling clothes, hanging out with friends, reading what I could only imagine at the time being profound political theory, and looking like they knew exactly who they were. This was my destiny.
What misconception did you have about Occidental when you applied or what is a common misconception among new students?
Before coming to college, I assumed that most of my friends would be people within my major. At Occidental, however, that couldn't be further from the truth. Because of the liberal arts model, I take classes with and interact regularly with students who have a wide range of academic interests and perspectives.
I was also surprised by how close-knit the Oxy community is. It's almost impossible to walk across campus without running into a friend, classmate, or even a professor you know.
I was quite nervous to live on an all boys floor as a gay student my freshman year at Occidental. In the past I have been alienated from all men's spaces (sports, school, etc.). However, my experience far surpassed my low expectations – some of my best friends lived on my floor, and the community was strong, so much so I would leave my door open all day and friends would trickle in and out. Some of my favorite memories include the pre-friday night music ringing through the hallway; what a time it was to be alive.
What would you tell a student who is considering Occidental right now?
If you have that gut feeling that Oxy is the place for you, similar to what I felt, lean into that feeling; it means something. Just know you're going to spend a ton of time outside, it's going to be a BALL, get excited!