Shadow Day XVI at Sonoma State University: Focus on Robotics
Written by Liam Teuber; edited by Gillian Estes
An Inside Look at College Life for Future Scholars
Sonoma State’s annual Shadow Day offers high school students a unique, behind-the-scenes look at university life. This one-day event pairs students with SSU faculty and community members, immersing them in the academic environment and providing valuable networking and engagement opportunities.
Exploring Campus and Academics
Hosted by SSU’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), this year’s Shadow Day welcomed enthusiastic high school students eager to explore college life. They toured the campus, engaged in a hands-on robotics class, and experienced the vibrant student community firsthand. From a personal welcome by the Dean to cutting-edge classroom discussions, the day offered an inspiring glimpse into higher education.
A Warm Welcome and Big Ideas
The day kicked off in the Student Center Ballroom, where students were greeted by the Dean and faculty members. Surrounded by the beauty of SSU’s campus, guests were introduced to the university’s history, academic offerings, and inclusive culture. Many students shared that they had visited SSU before and were excited to return, deepening their interest in becoming Seawolves.
Diving Into Robotics and Ethics
The highlight of the academic portion was a dynamic robotics class, where students explored the Three Laws of Robotics as described by author Isaac Asimov. They examined the ethical dimensions of technology, using a memorable clip from 2001: A Space Odyssey featuring HAL 9000 to spark discussion. Conversations touched on artificial intelligence, ethical dilemmas, and the real-world impact of robotics—leaving students both inspired and curious about the future.
Lunch and Campus Life
After the classroom experience, students visited the Kitchns for a complimentary lunch. Over their meals, they chatted with current SSU students about residence life, balancing academics and social activities, and navigating meal plans. This casual, authentic interaction gave them a meaningful sense of what daily life is like at SSU.
Closing Reflections
By the end of the day, participants had experienced a well-rounded view of college life—from academics to community. Shadow Day offered more than just a glimpse into classrooms; it gave students tools to envision their future, discover new interests, and imagine themselves thriving in a university setting.