Hey everyone,
I can’t believe I am even starting to write this blog! This semester has been a whirlwind of excitement and it all went by so fast. I don’t even know where to start with my countdown. This was definitely one of the most memorable semesters I have had at USC yet.
1. Landing an internship with PwC for the summer of 2014
So in the midst of everything crazy going on in my life I went through recruitment for an internship next summer. I am a senior but since I am doing the Progressive Degree program, I will be earning my master’s degree next semester so I have one more summer to do an internship. I was lucky enough to get a final round interview with PwC and then got an offer. I accepted the offer as a Technology Consulting Intern back home in Boston for this upcoming summer. I couldn’t be more happy.
Just got an internship offer from @PwC_LLP for a summer internship in Technology Consulting! #thankful #cloudnine #ViterbiCareers
— Brenton Caldwell (@USCBrenton) November 19, 2013
2. Becoming a member of Order of the Torch and being named Mr. USC
When you think Homecoming you think Homecoming Court. Here at USC the tradition is a little bit different. Homecoming Court is made up of the Order of the Torch, 12 students selected from the senior class that exemplify the values of being a Trojan. After a crazy interview process and public speech I got selected and was ecstatic . In addition, at Conquest (our Homecoming Rally) I was named Mr. USC. I still can’t believe it, and I can’t believe how far I have come from freshman year. My transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the friends, support, and experiences I have gotten from USC. USC is truly my catalyst for the many wonderful changes that have taken place in my life over the past three and a half years.
The Order of the Torch crew!
3. The Weekender 2013
I went to my first Weekender this year and it was thrilling! We absolutely crushed Cal in the game and it was nice to spend some quality time with my girlfriend Taylor during the trip. It was a much needed break during the fall semester and I look forward to doing it again next year.
Taylor and I at Pier 39 in Sn Francisco
4. Thanksgiving in Laguna Hills
I got to go to Laguna Hills, an hour away, to spend Thanksgiving with my girlfriend and her family. It was an awesome break – close enough to USC yet far enough away to catch a break from the crazy semester. We baked cookies, I met her friends from high school, and we did a bit of homework. Did I mention that we even ran a 5k? It was a great break!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! pic.twitter.com/SuEZfY9mGM
— Brenton Caldwell (@USCBrenton) November 28, 2013
5. Co-coaching my last Freshman Academy class
This year I had the pleasure of co-coaching a Freshman Academy class with Lyssa and I had so much fun. We had a scavenger hunt, movie night, and beach bonfire all while doing pretty cool design activities in class. This has been my second year being a Freshman Academy Coach and I have loved every second of it. Being a mentor and getting students excited about engineering has always made me happy. I can’t believe that I taught my last class on Tuesday. I will definitely miss coaching in the coming months.
Can't believe that I just finished up co-coaching my last Freshman Academy class ever. Not ready to let go. @LyssaUSC #ViterbiClass
— Brenton Caldwell (@USCBrenton) December 3, 2013
6. Speaking at the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Council New Member Retreat and finishing my time as IFC Executive Vice President of Administrative Affairs
It has been a crazy ride as the Executive Vice President of the Interfraternity Council here on campus! One of the highlights was speaking to over 1,200 newly initiated greeks at the University with the Panhellenic president, Roxie, during the New Member Retreat. This brought my greek experience full circle as I remembered myself sitting in Bovard listening to IFC/PHC talk about greek life, their experiences, and their expectations of all members in the greek community only three and a half short years ago. It was great to deliver that speech to the new greeks this year. I pass the torch this coming Tuesday at our transition retreat to the next EVP Admin.
Just finished up speaking with Roxie at the New Member Retreat on behalf of @USC_IFC and @USCPanhellenic. It is going to be a great program!
— Brenton Caldwell (@USCBrenton) September 22, 2013
7. Being a Viterbi Flag Bearer for Convocation with Natalie
Who doesn’t want to hoist the Viterbi flag high at convocation? It has been a dream of mine for a while and I was glad I was on campus a bit early to help Natalie do the honors. It was a great way to start the semester.
Natalie and I in front of Bovard
8. Initiating over 30 new members into Order of Omega as President
Working with the Order of Omega Board, a greek honor society that enriches scholastic and educational values in the greek community, has been a great experience. This year we successfully recruited over 30 new members which were record numbers since Order of Omega is only made up of the top 3% of the greek community. It was somewhat unreal as the board and I initiated the new members at the end of October. Can’t wait for spring recruitment!
9. Going to Catalina Island for a much needed break
Towards the beginning of the semester Taylor and I ventured off to Catalina island to have a day of exploration and relaxation. The island was beautiful, the people were so friendly, and of course the food was amazing! It was definitely a nice getaway which I could get use to. Maybe we’ll take a trip back next semester.
A view on Catalina Island
10. Speaking at the Viterbi Career Conference on the Internship Panel
As I start wrapping up my senior year I have kicked my mentoring into overdrive. I definitely relied heavily on mentors during my time here at USC and I feel like they have been one of the main reasons why I have gotten involved in many of the organizations, classes, and internships that I did. Now that it is senior year I see it as my time to give back. I have been meeting with students from my Freshman Academy class, talking to the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME) organization about job opportunities and prospects, and even got to speak at the Viterbi Career Conference on their internship panel. It was a great opportunity and I even got to help some students with resume reviews.
Did I mention I am off to speak at the Internship Panel for #ViterbiCareerConference? Talk about #ViterbiCareers!
— Brenton Caldwell (@USCBrenton) September 27, 2013
That was a brief overview of my semester! I can’t believe that so much has happened in about 3 months. I’ll be hitting the books for my finals coming up but be sure to check back in the spring for more blogs. Be sure to email me if you have any questions about student life at Viterbi and have a great winter break!
Brenton
Now Playing: Living the Fantasy by DJ Earworm with Safe & Sound (Panic City Remix) by Capital Cities on deck.
