This is my journey. Four years to explore, experience, and embrace my new home. Okay, let’s be realistic. This is college: my four years to make mistakes, change my mind, learn lessons I never wanted to learn, and find success in feats I never thought to attempt. It’s a time to remember, and I’m privileged in that these are memories I can impart to you. Grab your favorite drink (in my case peach tea) and take a break from your day to read, reflect, and maybe even recognize that USD might just be the place for you to create memories of your own.

Wait... it's that time already??

It’s finally that time… no I’m not referring to college midterms (which I’m more than happy to announce I’ve officially just finished!), or to the fact that the weather now requires sweaters and sweatshirts to replace my staple items of shorts and a t-shirt. The time I am in actuality referencing is the arrival of parents’ weekend which, along with the visit of my lovely mom and dad, is bound to produce the timeless question, “So what have you learned in school?” We all remember it, the question we were without fail greeted with every day after being picked up from class, or as we sat down at the dinner table. In honor of this age-old question, and out of my own curiosity, I have for you a list of my top five things I’ve learned as a USD freshman so far (the first list of many as, you’ll come to find that, I kind of have a habit of making them… for everything).

USD Freshman Lessons
(keep in mind it’s been two months! I’m sure a revised list will follow in time.)

1. Torero Days (USD’s freshman orientation) are soo worth attending. They’ll be some of the best times you have on campus – everything’s brand new and exciting still - don’t miss them!

2. It’s quite hot the first week on campus – don’t panic! Even though you might feel like a chocolate chip cookie baking in the dorm, just keep in mind this is one week or so in an otherwise virtually perfect temperature location.

3. Say hi – to everyone! The first few weeks on campus you don’t know anyone… oh wait here’s the thing - no one else does either! Be outgoing - you’ll make way more friends and have more familiar faces to look out for on campus which, trust me, is never a bad thing.

4. There’s coffee available at every dining location on campus so, if you’re looking for a quick fix between classes, give the often-crowded Aromas (the school coffee café) a break and head over to one of the less frequented locations!

5. San Diego is an absolutely beautiful place to live. Take advantage and enjoy it! Grab a cup of coffee and watch the fireworks over SeaWorld, or take a walk on the beach. As a USD student you call this place home, and that in itself is a pretty happy feeling.


Taking a little of my own advice and enjoying the San Diego beach with my little brother (he doesn't look so little huh?). Can't wait to see him and the rest of my family this weekend!


Random sidenote: Any Taylor Swift fans? Check out this video! - it honestly made my morning when I saw it http://www.cmt.com/videos/shows/cmt-music-awards-2009/401599/thug-story.jhtml
Posted by at 3:57 PM