Otters vs. Slugs

On another note, B. is really thinking about colleges. He appears to be (at last report, which was a few hours ago so it could have all changed by now - it's changed so many times, I really should just stop giving any thought to his latest idea because it won't be the same tomorrow...or the next day. Or whenever). Anyway.....

He's still thinking it through and wants to go to a state school that's close enough that he can drive home in a day but not so close that we'll make him live at home and commute.

I'm a big fan of Cal State Univ. Monterey Bay. It's beautiful, it's a good school, AND it's a real bargain at just over $10K per year including room and board, tuition and fees. Books and 'incidentals' extra - but THAT is a really reasonable amount. And it's a beautiful campus with ocean views. Close to home and some place we would be happy to visit as often as he'll allow. We are really encouraging him to set up a visit and we'll go down on a Saturday for a tour.

He's not too sure now. And it's not that he wasn't thrilled with the price - he will have to borrow some of his college expenses (possibly) and he's realizing that it's expensive to live in a dorm, etc. No, it's not the school itself that's leading to his hesitation. It's the MASCOT of the college. They are the CSUMB Otters. I mean, what else could they be? The Monterey Bay Aquarium is nearby - and otters are EVERYWHERE in Monterey. So now he's rethinking the school. Because of the MASCOT.

He HAD been considering going to UC Santa Cruz until he realized that it's mathematically impossible for him to qualify for admission there. And THEIR mascot is the BANANA SLUG. That didn't seem to bother him - but being an OTTER does?

Kids. Choosing a college based on the mascot? I don't even remember WHAT my college mascot was (I'll have to look it up later and report back).