This semester has been incredible, and filled with so many memories that I know I will carry with me well past my years here at USC. Here’s a run down (in no particular order) of some of my favorite memories and events during the fall semester of my senior year in Civil Engineering.
Rushing the field after USC beat Stanford
This has always been a dream of mine, and I’m so glad it happened at my last home game as a USC undergrad. Read more about it here.
This is tied into the first one, but another favorite memory of mine from this year is going to ESPN College Gameday for the third time in my college career. I have grown up watching this show, so it is always fun to be able to watch it in person and cheer for the Trojans!
Going on the Weekender up to San Francisco.
Great day yesterday at the Cal game. On our way back to LA now! pic.twitter.com/A8MlPY9rLB
— Natalie Alvarez (@natralvarez) November 10, 2013
I had so much fun going up with my friends for the annual USC weekender trip. I went before as a freshman and stayed at Stanford, but this time we stayed in Union Square in San Francisco. It was a great weekend of exploring the city, watching USC win, and spending time with friends. I’m definitely glad I went on the weekender this year.
Starting my Master’s in Green Technologies.
I started taking classes this fall for my Master’s and I am glad I made the decision to stay at USC for the Progressive Degree Program. I love my program focus and am learning so much about sustainability in systems already. I can’t wait to take the rest of my classes in Green Technologies.
Seeing George W. Bush speak at Bovard.
This fall I had the opportunity to see former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush speak in Bovard with a small group of USC students (including several VSAs!). Politics aside I think this was a great opportunity to hear a former president speak about the events that occurred while he was in office.
Cheering for my last Gamma Phi Crescent Classic supporting USC Troy Camp.
This year will obviously be filled with many “last” events, this event being one of them. I had the opportunity to captain my last Gamma Phi Beta Crescent Classic , our annual fall philanthropy benefitting USC’s Troy Camp. I had so much fun cheering with the other girls for our team to win their handball games and advance in the tournament, all while raising money for a good cause.
Going to SWE National Conference 2013 in Baltimore.
I have been fortunate to attend the past three SWE national conferences. This one in Baltimore was one of my favorites. It was nice to be one of the senior girls on the trip leading the younger girls and helping them make the most of their conference experience. I had fun exploring Baltimore, and even got a job interview out of the conference. Fingers crossed! Read more about my weekend at the SWE Conference.
SWE Retreat in Lake Arrowhead.
Our annual SWE Officer Council retreat is one of my favorite weekends of the semester. It is a great opportunity to bond with the newest officer council and work on our goals for the academic year. This is the second year we have held out retreat in Lake Arrowhead, and it was a beautiful weekend at the lake. Read more about our weekend here.
Being a Viterbi Flag Bearer for Academic Convocation
Getting really excited for convocation with @natralvarez @viterbistudent @ViterbiUG pic.twitter.com/GzOIViNRYG
— Brenton Caldwell (@USCBrenton) August 22, 2013
I had the honor this fall of being the Viterbi flag bearer with Brenton! I loved the opportunity to represent the School of Engineering at the Academic Convocation. I have not attended this event since freshman year, and donning the graduation gown had me reflecting on my years at USC. It finally hit me that I will be graduating this year! Crazy how time flies.
The last item on my countdown is simply my last year at USC. I am so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to attend the best university for the past 3 1/2 years. USC has given me everything I could’ve hoped for in my college experience and more. I will cherish my last days as an undergrad at SC, and can’t wait to become a member of the Trojan alumni network in May.
Til next time,
Natalie
