JP Alves - University of San Diego

A07332E4-8088-4A3A-AE1E-A27C83774DCB.jpg

Over the past four months, I have come to understand that moving across the country and attending the University of San Diego was not only my best decision but one that will continue to positively shape my life. In what feels like a very short amount of time, I have been afforded great privileges; I have made lasting memories, attended classes that peak my curiosity, and received exposure to dedicated and brilliant professors. In the past semester, I took six classes. Although I was apprehensive about this heavy course load as a first-semester freshman, I was assured by my family, friends, counselors, and professors that I would receive the support I needed as long I put in the hard work. That is something I have come to deeply appreciate. The school will always meet you “halfway”, if not all the way. I took a variety of different classes including calculus, microeconomics, and psychology. One of my favorite experiences was my three-hour psych lecture. Although three hours of any class might seem dreadful for some, the professor was able to present the information in intriguing and rich ways that made the content mean something to me. The small class sizes ensured that each student was able to ask questions and feel heard in seminars. USD also has a fantastic language department and I in no way hesitated to take advantage of this offering. The Italian course I took solidified all the knowledge of the language that I knew while teaching me so much more. Overall, my experience here has been unmatched. I am left with only admiration and gratitude for this opportunity I have been provided with. I truly hope to continue to make many more memories and challenge my thinking in new and thrilling ways.