If you think about it, Sacramento State is pretty much one of the coolest state schools in California. We have so much to offer the many prospective students coming into this school, minus a parking spot.

I have many friends attending state schools all around California and they always say how awesome it is that we have so many wonderful things going on around our campus.

If you sit on one of those benches near the fountain and just look around, you’ll definitely see a lot of exclusive, interesting things going on. So many students complain that there’s nothing to do on campus. Hello! Open your eyes, come out of the classroom and look the hell around! There’s a gazillion things to do.

We have sororities and fraternities lining up the walkways, sporting events, posters covering every piece of greenery on campus, interesting lectures, music-blasting performances, protests for about anything you can think of and we’ve even had Olympic trials held here.

“I think that it’s great that our school has the opportunity to host such important events. It helps to boost the school’s reputation and gives us recognition,” junior psychology major Jean Bonnet said.

I’ll admit Sac State wasn’t my first choice, but it’s come to grow on me. Our school has become host to so many national events that it has become an honor to actually attend a school where these things take place.

Whether it be hosting Olympic trials or having the only debate between the candidates for governor of California, Sac State’s name and reputation has been in the mouths of many. I have so much fun here and there is always something going on.

A huge aspect of Sac State that actually puts a lot of this together is the student board, UNIQUE Programs. They are the ones who get those artistic musicians and intellectual speakers to come to our school and put on shows for us.

UNIQUE program assistant and senior psychology major, Carmy Preston, said the overall goal for UNIQUE is to bring events that are low-cost to students, high-quality programs and as much student involvement as possible.

“Students can always count on UNIQUE to provide quality entertainment and educational opportunities that take place in the University Union,” Preston said. “We organize and produce a wide variety of concerts, “Nooners,” lectures, movies, performing arts, and multicultural programs.”

Criminal justice senior Oscar Barragan agreed that UNIQUE is a great component of campus life here at Sac State.

“The events give me a chance to forget all about the midterms I should be studying for, all those chapters I should be reading and all those boring classes I have to sit through.”

According to Student Activities, there are approximately 250 clubs at Sac State. There are numerous focuses including an ice hockey club, skiing club and multicultural clubs as well as a table tennis club.

Sacramento State is a gorgeous campus filled with so many different people involved with so many activities. Our school is definitely on top when it comes to new events. When I first came here, my reaction was wondering how long it would take me to get out. But I’ve learned to actually enjoy this campus.

“Our upcoming events include a concert with Sacramento’s own Jackie Greene, a lecture by renowned film director Oliver Stone, Loveline with Dr. Drew Pinsky and a hip-hop, Latino, urban mix concert with Ozomatli,” Preston said.

So, you think you’ll be having some free time this week? Catch David Faber, a Holocaust survivor, lecture. It has been described as “the most powerful I have ever heard in 25 years in higher education,” in the University Union Ballroom.

Or get ready for Halloween and scare yourself senseless and hit up the free movie screening of “The Omen” next Wednesday in the Redwood room and Pirates of the Caribbean next Thursday in Serna Plaza.

Believe me, there’s plenty to do. Sac State is full of events that will definitely fill your calendar.

Rosa Pastran can be reached at [email protected]