TBIYTC

Coming to USD, I was a little nervous about the religious aspect of the school.  I'm not Catholic and I wondered if I'd be overwhelmed here.  Would they make me go to mass?  Why do I have to take three theology classes?
However, I quickly learned that USD focuses on the basic themes of religion that are a universal language.  Things like love and tolerance.  They stress the importance of community and service and I can really appreciate that.  I've never once felt pressured to follow Catholic practices, but instead, have felt welcomed into a community of caring individuals.
So, as I said before, even though I'm not Catholic, I found myself diving into all the programs that University Ministry has to offer.
This past weekend, I attended the SEARCH retreat.  Held in Julian, the retreat was everything I was missing in my life.  Everyone is searching for something and this weekend provided that opportunity for me to take a break from reality to find that something.  I'm so glad I was given this opportunity, because I was able to meet a lot of different people who I don't think I'd necessarily have gotten to connect with during my everyday life.  We were able to have deep conversations as well as belt out songs to the top of our lungs.  The experience was indescribable...  

my SEARCH family

Gavin DeGraw and David Cook

The Outdoor Adventure Program at USD has a ton of great opportunities for students to do things around the San Diego area that they normally would not be able to do.  This week, I had the opportunity to canoe to an area near Humphrey's By The Bay and watch Gavin DeGraw and David Cook.  Best part, the event was completely free.

Now, I'm NOT outdoor-sy at ALL.  I like to stay indoors, naturally.  So, the idea of this seemed a little out of my norm.  However, I have to say that this is probably going to be one of my best memories at USD.  Honestly, when else in your life are you going to use a canoe to paddle out across the bay.  From there, find yourself in a little cove where a live concert is happening right in front of you.  It was magical to say the least.

I'm hoping to go on another one soon!  To check out more of the other activities that Outdoor Adventures has, here's a link..
Outdoor Adventure Trips

Torero Spirit

USD may be a small school, but what we lack in size, we make up for in spirit.  This week was filled with crazy, spirit filled events to pump students up in anticipation for the Homecoming game against Davidson (who we destroyed!)  On Friday night, there was a sickkk, FREE concert by Eric Hutchinson and the White Panda.  Eric Hutchinson sand great acoustic music, but the White Panda absolutely dominated the night.  That was definitely one of the best concerts I've been to in my entire life.  The music was pumping and everyone was dancing.  It was amazing!  

Prior to the Homecoming game, there was also a Homecoming tailgate for alum, students, and parents.  Our sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, had a luau themed booth with tasty snow cones!  We also had a beautiful mural for people to take pictures in front of.  Through our booth, we were able to connect with past Alpha Chi's and hopefully future ones too.  We were also able to visit the booths of the other members of the Greek Community.  It was a nice event and a great way for everyone to be connected here at USD.

The ladies of Alpha Chi Omega with the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Barbie and Ken

This weekend, my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, along with Theta, had a double date dash!  This means that both our sororities brought the dates of our choice and spent the night dancing away.
The theme was game night so everybody dressed up as things like pacman, tic tac toe, mario, and more!   Double decker buses took us to the event that was held at the Double Tree in Hotel Circle.  It was such a blast!  My date and I dressed up as Hawaiian Vacation Barbie and Ken.  We really enjoyed ourselves and it was so nice to just dance and blow off some steam from a tough week of studying.

Just the beginning...

These first few weeks have been jam packed with exciting activities and adventures!  I have already been able to attend a Padres game thanks to RHA and the Torero Program Board.  The tickets included the seats, transportation, and food all for only $8.50!  Seriously, what a deal!

Torero Program Board has also put on other fun events including a comedy show with Craig Robinson, the guy who plays Darryl on The Office and GlowFest, a huge dance party with Nate, the DJ from Passion Pit!

But besides, attending all these crazy events, I was able to attend the Alcala Bazaar, a fair for student organizations and vendors held every semester on Marian Way!  I was there to promote my involvement in Alpha Chi Omega! 

 It was a ridiculously hot day, but my sisters and I beat the heat and were able to meet a lot of great girls, while sharing our love for Alpha Chi!  I'm so glad that so many people attended the Bazaar because it is the best place to learn about all the many organizations on campus.  There's no way students can't get involved!

WELCOME CLASS OF 2015

Although school didn't start until August 31, I have been back on campus since August 14th busily anticipating the arrival of the new freshman to campus with the rest of the Resident Assistants!  We have been training tirelessly, thinking of new and fun ways to welcome the new students in order to give them an easy transition into life as a Torero.

Torero Days orientation went off as a success!  It's a four day orientation that begins with move-in and is filled with activities including a night at sea world and a casino/dance!  It's a great way for students to get to know each other!

Overall, I look forward to the year ahead and am so happy to be working directly with the freshman and living back in Missions B (the best dorm on campus).  I love the other Resident Assistants and can't wait to begin planning fun floor events including movie nights, ice cream socials, and even laser tag?? Here in San Diego, the possibilities are endless!

Less than TWO MORE MONTHS

I'm home for summer vacation in HAWAII, but where is the one place I wish I was right now...of course, Sunny SAN DIEGO.
I miss my friends,
I miss late night Mexican food runs,
I miss Mission Beach,
I miss the perfect weather,
and I even miss the SLP.

But as you future Toreros begin to get information regarding your schedules, housing arrangements, etc., it can all seem a little overwhelming or just plain confusing.  So here's a few helpful hints..

1.  Check and understand your schedule
-Unfortunately, TR means tuesday AND thursday.
-Be sure you need the classes you are registered for.    For example, I took AP Calc in high school and passed the AP exam, which meant that because I'm a Communications and Spanish major, I never have to take math at USD, EVER.  But, for some reason, I was registered in Calc II.  I didn't realize that I did not need to take that class until the very last minute and by that time it was really hard to find another class to switch in to.  The early you resolve these problems, the better your chances of getting a good class to switch in to.
Below are links to USD's general requirements to graduate, as well as the scores needed to receive credit from USD.
USD General Requirements
AP/ CLEP/ IB Exam Credits

2.  You'll be happy regardless of where you live on campus.
Although I'm the biggest fan of the Valley, being a Missions B resident my freshman year and also an RA next year, I know that every living area has its pros and cons.  Regardless of where you end up, your freshman year will be amazing.  You'll most likely have friends that live in all the different buildings so you'll hang out all over the place!

3.  Attend your cities Summer Send-Off
Below is the link to the list of Summer Send-Off cities and dates, RSVP when available and attend to meet people from your area.  It never hurts to know more people coming into a new school.
Summer Send Off Dates

4.  Join the Class of 2015 Facebook Page
USD Class of 2015
Ask questions or simply connect with your future classmates!

5. GET EXCITED
Okay, seriously, you'll have the time of your life at USD.  The first couple weeks may feel a little crazy or a little overwhelming, but by the end of the year, you'll wonder where the time all went.  So get excited to become a Torero!