New Year, New Fun

A new year means new fun, and new resolutions to go along with new beginnings. To be honest, I didn't have a New Years resolution, I've been working on one that I started to pursue as soon as I moved here: try new things and take advantage of every opportunity. I know it’s already a month and a half into 2014, but I didn't write much about the New Year in my last post. 

The first opportunity I had in the New Year was to be a part of the student panel at cohort 40's orientation. Back at my orientation, I loved hearing the advice and stories from current students, so I was really looking forward to it. 

As I expected, I had a lot of fun and was able to meet all the new students as well as alumni of the program. When I was asked how much I had left in the program, I kind of stared into space before answering next year. I didn't actually believe the words that came out of my mouth. Cue Dr. Cellini reminding my class that the program goes by quickly! In two weeks I'll be finished with my fourth class, meaning I'm a third of the way through the program. 

Although public speaking isn't new for me, it was an opportunity to meet more people to add to my network. USF is known for the alumni and network, so it was nice being able to meet even more, rather than those I've only spoke to via e-mail. 

A few weekends later, some of my classmates and I made our way to Berkeley to watch the #1 basketball team in country. I expected Arizona to pull out a win against Cal, but I think everyone in Haas Pavilion was just as surprised as me when Cal upset Arizona. To say the least, it was crazy witnessing Justin Cobbs' final shot to get the win over Arizona. Even the aftermath when I went to work Monday at Pac-12 Networks was insane.

Our view

Nicole Loscavio (cohort 39) and I

The next event most of my cohort got together to watch the Super Bowl. I've been a Peyton Manning fan ever since I met him last year, so it was a little disappointing for me. But overall, it was nice being together not sitting in a classroom.

Our Lombardi Trophy made by Amanda Holtz (cohort 39)

Another opportunity I got to do was tour the San Francisco Giants stadium. Thanks to the alumni who work for the Giants, other alumni and current students were able to attend a private tour as well as a social with everyone afterwards. I was able to meet even more alumni, as well as reconnect with cohort 40, and learn more about the Giants than I ever could have by just being a fan. Here's a fun fact, there's a two-lane bowling alley within the stadium. Who would have ever guessed that!? 

Lastly, my cohort and I are going to have the opportunity to tour Levi’s Stadium, thanks to Amanda Holtz. I’m really looking forward to being able to see the stadium in person, rather than just online. I will post pictures in the next blog!

Again, these are just a few of the fun events I've been able to do all because of the USF program. These have been only a few of the fun outings I've had here in San Francisco, and I definitely couldn't have done any of them without being a part of the USF program. 

Be back next month!