This past semester has been amazing! I have had the opportunity to experience so many things that I will remember for the rest of my life. Here is my Top 10 of Fall 2013…
1. Moving into my sorority house!
This year I had the opportunity to live in my sorority house, and have loved every minute of it. I have four wonderful roommates, and almost 55 housemates. There is never a dull moment because it’s a constant sleepover. However, what I love the most is that we all have a work hard, play hard mentality. I can always find someone to study with, but if I want to take a study break and go out there is always someone willing to do that as well.
2. Bid Night!
Bid Night was such a fun night this year! After a long week of formal recruitment, it was awesome to welcome so many girls into our sisterhood. This year we had a ferris wheel, dance floor, and photo booth on our lawn as we celebrated all of our new sisters.
3. Declaring my major!
This fall, I finally declared my major. I am now, officially, an Industrial and Systems (Information Systems) Engineer on the Computers Track! It was such a great feeling to finally declare my major after being undeclared for a year.
Officially declared my major! Information Systems Computers Track! #ViterbiLife
— Lauren Howe (@USCLauren) September 30, 2013
4. ADPi’s and Bowties!
ADPi’s and Bowties was the theme of my sorority’s fall semi-formal invite. I had such a great night with all of my sisters and my date. It was a perfect break from all of my classes.
5. Meeting my sorority’s International President, Tammie Pinkston!
In the middle of this semester, I had the honor of meeting my sorority’s International President. Not many Alpha Delta Pi’s get the privilege to see her, and even more special, speak with her, so I will always remember that day.
6. Weekender 2013!
This year’s Weekender was up at CAL. Each fall for the CAL or Stanford game, tons of USC students head to San Francisco for the weekend to go support the Trojan football team. This was one of the best weekends of my college experience because I got to explore San Francisco, visit friends at CAL, and watch the Trojans win all in one amazing weekend.
7. Homecoming 2013!
The day of the Homecoming game vs. Stanford was by far the best day of my college experience. I woke up early for College Gameday, spent the day tailgating with all my friends, watched one of the most intense football games I have ever seen, and my favorite part of the entire day, stormed the field for the first time in over 20 years. The stadium that evening was filled with so much energy and you could truly feel the presence of the Trojan Family. I know when I am older it will be amazing to be able to say I was one of the students that stormed the field in 2013.
8. Hearing President George W. Bush speak!
The week before Thanksgiving, I had the privilege to hear President George W. Bush speak in Bovard Auditorium. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. I got to listen to him speak about his life after the presidency, decision making during the presidency, and his reactions on 9/11.
9. Conquest 2013!
Conquest is our pep rally during Troy Week, the week before the rivalry game against UCLA. Each year after hearing from the coaches and athletes, naming Mr. and Mrs. USC, and burning the Bruin, there is a guest performer. This year Jason Derulo performed! It was the Monday before Thanksgiving Break, and a great way to start off my break. My sister even came to see the concert with me.
Off to see Jason Derulo on campus for free! #ViterbiLife #Conquest2013 #BeatTheBruins
— Lauren Howe (@USCLauren) November 26, 2013
10. Thanksgiving back home with my family!
Like last year, this year I got to go home and spend Thanksgiving with my family. I love getting to spend some time with my family and relax just before the end of the semester and finals hit. This year, I went to the beach with my family, ate at some of my favorite restaurants back home, and got to enjoy a delicious meal and quality time with my entire family. It was a great break back home and made me really excited to head home in a couple weeks at the end of the semester.
Overall, it’s been an awesome semester here at USC.
