By Anastasia M. (10th Grade)
Caltech
Intro
Leaving the familiar quiet of Saratoga for college is a massive leap, but as I talked to my sister, Annabelle, about her move to Pasadena, it was clear she hadn’t just found a school—she’d found a new identity. Moving into her dorm at Caltech, she isn’t just a student; she’s walking the same halls as 40 Nobel Prize winners. Yet, what excites her most isn’t just the brains; it’s the vibrant, “green” soul of the city she now calls home.
Me: You’ve officially traded Saratoga for Pasadena to start at Caltech. How does it feel to be living in the “Crown of the Valley”?
Annabelle: It’s honestly surreal. I knew I was coming here for the incredible science—I mean, there are over 40 Nobel Prize winners associated with Caltech and NASA’s JPL is right here—but the city itself has such a distinct energy. It feels historic but also incredibly alive.
Me: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your new home so far?
Annabelle: The food! I thought I’d be living on typical college snacks, but Pasadena actually has more restaurants per capita than New York City. There are over 600 places to eat. I also found out that the cheeseburger was literally invented here in 1926, and the very first Trader Joe’s opened here in 1967. It’s basically a foodie’s dream.
Me: You’ve always cared about the environment. How does Pasadena measure up in terms of being “green”?
Annabelle: That’s actually my favorite part. It’s a designated “Tree City” with over 60,000 public trees and 213 different species. Walking to class feels like walking through an arboretum. But it’s not just about the looks; the city is aiming to be 100% carbon-free by 2030. You see it everywhere—so many electric cars, people biking, and the massive Arroyo Seco restoration project. It feels like a place that actually cares about the future.
Me: You mentioned some big restoration projects happening nearby. Have you checked those out yet?
Annabelle: Yeah, the Arroyo Seco! It’s one of the largest ongoing ecological restoration efforts in the region. They are working so hard to bring back the natural habitat and drought-tolerant forest subtypes. It’s really inspiring to see a city balance its identity as a scientific hub with such a deep respect for the local ecology.
Me: From the Rose Bowl Parade to the science labs, it’s a lot to take in. Are you feeling at home yet?
Annabelle: Definitely. Whether I’m grabbing a burger or heading to the lab, there’s this sense of being at the center of something big. I’m just so excited to see what these next four years in Pasadena will bring.
Closing
Watching her trade Saratoga’s suburbs for the electric bikes and historic canopies of Pasadena, I can see her roots already starting to take hold. She isn’t just starting college; she’s falling in love with a city that is as ambitious and brilliant as she is.
Arroyo Seco
