Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - End of a College Era

As my college experience has finally come to an end, I wanted to share some of my favorite memories from this past Spring Quarter at Cal Poly located in San Luis Obispo, CA.

This is one of my best friends Riker McClaskey. He is one of my oldest friends, fraternity brothers, and recently just graduated from Cal Poly with me. Back in 2010 during the fall of our Senior year of High School, we both had a common goal of attending Cal Poly just as our parents did before us. Luckily, this goal became a reality and we ended up attending California Polytechnic State University together as freshmen roommates in the Sierra Madre Dorms. We quickly formed a close group of friends in the dorms that we have been close to ever since. Some notable characters from dorm life included: Matty Terrell, Chris "CT" Taylor, Tim "Tom" Pernice, and Lucas from the Dorms of course. After 4 years of being college roommates and 5 years of college together, we are still the closest of friends and now get to embark on a journey to Europe together.

Pictured: Riker McClaskey

Location: Boathouse

These are my roommates, best friends, and pledge brothers. We had the opportunity to live on Chaplin Lane at "Boathouse" this past year all as 5th years. This year was one of the best years of my life and am so thankful that I was able to form lifelong friendships with all of these guys. Thank you to you all for everything and I look forward to the good times in the future.

A special thanks to Gigi McClaskey for the awesome shirts!

Pictured from Left to Right: Luke "Fupa" Mcdade, James "Milk" Pilkington, Riker "WRONG" McClaskey, Jack "Wacky Bill" O'Neill, Lane "Lenny" Armstrong, Kyle "Myles" Ellis, and myself or "Chorn" as some people refer to me.

Not Pictured: Lucas from the Dorms

Location: Boathouse

My parents have been my biggest role models since I was little. During my first visit to Cal Poly as a child, I knew immediately that it was the college for me. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to follow in my parents footsteps by attending Cal Poly and am so thankful they were there for me every step of the way. Thank you so much again Mom and Dad, I love you both so much!

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

This is my beautiful girlfriend Madi and she is about to be a 4th year Economics Major at Cal Poly next year. I was lucky enough to meet her during October of last year and she has been by my side ever since. Thank you so much for everything you do and for all the amazing times we've had together. Although I'll be missing you a lot this summer, I wish you the best of luck for your internship in San Francisco. I can't wait for you to join me in Croatia and Greece this August. I'll see you on the beach, I love you Mads!

Pictured: Madison Cox

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

From Kindergarten to college, this group has stayed closely connected. All of us grew up in Alamo, CA and attended Rancho Romero Elementary. While attending this fine establishment, we all happened to be in the same Kindergarten class. It's been crazy to see how we have all grown up and succeeded in different areas of life. I love you guys, I look forward to post grad life with you, and I will see you back in the MO!

Pictured Left to Right: Taylor "T Will" Williams, Mike "Big Sauce" Harris, myself, and Dane "Dabo" Turner.

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

It's always special when family you don't get to see very often comes to visit you. These individuals surrounding me have watched me grow up from when I was just a baby (except for you Davis). I love you all very much and am looking forward to Davis' graduation in the future. Thank you so much for everything, I'll miss you guys!

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

Definitely one of my favorite photos from the day. This was right after we had all accepted our commencement certificates from the stage at Cal Poly from President Jeff Armstrong. These guys have been through it all with me and wish them the best of luck in the future.

Pictured Left to Right: Lane Armstrong, myself, Tyler Molnar, and Brandon Shaw.

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

Every time I look at this photo it gets me stoked no matter what I'm doing. You can tell that Lenny was having a great day and that all of our hard work had finally paid off. I'm sure Nicole Korn, Paige Cross, and all the Boathouse boys will appreciate this one!

Pictured: Lane Armstrong

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

My Certificate of Commencement received from Cal Poly.

Location: Cal Poly Football Fields

Often times, it's easy to forget how many amazing places and things are near San Luis Obispo. A few weeks ago, a few graduating seniors and I packed up our cars and drove to Big Sur for a night of camping. It was nice to get away from everything, turn off our phones, and enjoy being in the wilderness. We had the most killer view overlooking the clouds below us while sipping on some cold beers. A special thanks to James Pilkington for finding such an epic camping spot.

Pictured Left to Right: Tim "Tom" Pernice, Chris "CT" Taylor, and Kelly "Kelgy" Palermo.

Location: Big Sur, CA

The cotton candy clouds seen from our campsite later that evening.

Location: Big Sur, CA

Since I was young, skating has always been a huge passion of mine. Recently, I have gotten back on the board and have still been able to pull some of the same tricks I grew up loving. This is one of my personal favorites, a backside 180 kickflip.

Location: San Luis Obispo Skate Park

This was a ditch that I randomly saw one day that I knew I needed to skate eventually. Nothing special here, just having a good time and enjoying the ride on my 1970's Tony Alva Board.

Location: Los Osos, CA

Coachella Weekend 1. This is an event that my friends and I will always attend. It's a place where we all have a great time and listen to music that we have come to know and love. This is Luke McDade; we met in our class within our Fraternity and have been best friends ever since. We will be traveling all over Europe together for the next 3 months and will get to know each other even better than we do now. This is a guy who has been through the thick and thin with me and I could not be more excited to travel the world with him. It's going to be quite a journey this summer man, let's take advantage of the opportunity we have!

Pictured: Luke McDade

Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA

Madi and I right before entering Coachella Day 1. This was her first Coachella experience as well as camping experience and I was happy to know that she enjoyed both.

Pictured: Madison Cox

Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA

This was a crew that I spent a lot of time with during all times of the festival. These are some of my best friends that I have shared many fun experiences with throughout college. To the left of me is my brother JOHN C that I will be working with full time at Protiviti in San Francisco when I get back from my Euro Trip. Brandon, to the very left, and Zach, to the right, have both been very close friends of mine since they joined our Fraternity. Looking forward to the good times in the future boys, see you at Coachella next year!

Pictured Left to Right: Brandan "Brenden" Shaw, Johnny "JOHN C" Castles, myself, and Zach "Paul" Pollard

Location: The Do Lab, Indio, CA

The Boathouse Crew will forever live on. This was taken on one of the best days of the year; The Chainsmokers Concert at Cal Poly. We decided to have the pre-party at our house for some of our friends before the concert on campus. Definitely one of my favorite pictures of the year and something I will always remember.

Location: Boathouse

A cool picture taken later that day before everyone left our house to go the concert on campus. In the background you can see the DJ group called Syence who are up and coming in the electronic music world and also happen to be some of our best friends.

Location: Boathouse

Lastly, this is my senior photo that was taken weeks before my graduation. I will forever be thankful for the friends and family that made my college ride the experience of a lifetime. For now, I'll be in Europe enjoying life!

Location: Avila Beach, CA