Q&A with Campus Tour Guide Monique Moyal

Honors student Monique Moyal (junior, English/French) encourages fellow honors program members to volunteer to introduce campus visitors to UCSB. Below, she answers questions about her experiences as a campus ambassador.

Q. Why did you decide to be a campus tour guide?

A. My roommate signed up freshman year and it seemed like something I'd be interested in, too. I was also looking for volunteer opportunities when I started at UCSB.

Q. What is your sense of the role of the UCSB Visitor Center?

A. I think the VCen is an amazing resource! Thousands of people filter through there each month, and the staff helps answer any questions people have about visiting our campus, getting in, admissions, and applications. But also, I see regular students coming in all the time just to ask questions about where to find people/things/buildings across campus. The staff is extremely friendly and always willing to help out. I really think that the VCen is an essential part of our campus, and is a big factor in determining what kind of reputation UCSB has.

Q. As an honors student, what special contributions do you think you make to campus tours, and specifically to encouraging prospective honors students to select our campus?

A. There's a part of the tour when we stop in between Campbell Hall and Cheadle. At this point, some people talk about the lecture system, Arts and Lectures, Letters and Science, Nobel Prizes, the chancellor, bike paths, etc. I usually talk about the honors program, because I've had such a great experience with it. I talk to students about the importance of Advanced Placement credit and ways to gear themselves for our honors program, in addition to discussing how students can apply if they aren't accepted into the program their first year. I try to convince students to look into honors programs, no matter where they end up going to college.

Q. Please describe your most memorable experience as a campus tour guide.

A. I think that being a tour guide made me open up so much more because of all the people we have to deal with day in and day out. Before starting as a tour guide, I had a huge fear of public speaking, and after a giving a few tours, I've more than gotten over that fear. It's improved my public speaking abilities and people skills 100%! I've also gotten some leadership opportunities as a tour guide and a lot of resume-building experiences that I've really enjoyed. And on a side note... I've never gotten lost on campus thanks to giving tours!

Q. What would you like to say to students who are considering coming to UCSB?

A. Be open minded. There is so much to do and experience on our campus. Some of my favorite classes have been ones I signed up for on a whim; on topics I never thought I'd enjoy before. The same goes for all the events and guest lectures we have on campus. If you choose to go to school here, take the time to enjoy and appreciate everything we have at UCSB.

Q. Do you have any advice for students who are considering becoming tour guides?

A. Don't worry about being shy! In fact, I believe this is the best way of getting over it. It's a really great way to meet people, fulfill your volunteer/community service requirement, and really benefit from your college experience. Being a tour guide is one of the best decisions I've made while at UCSB.

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