Today we are checking in with new first year student Sascha Rosemond! Let’s see how her first semester is going…
“Middle Ground
Hi everyone! It’s me again…….Sascha. So, it’s about that time when things start getting a little crazy and you feel like the wind can sweep you away at any moment. Midterms, essays, reading, tests, quizzes, and not forgetting to wear your retainer and eat at a decent hour can make a girl crazy. Whoever said college is the most memorable time of your life definitely wasn’t lying. I have experienced so much in these last two months; I’ve grown up and realized that my life is a blank canvas for me to paint my own pictures. Even though my classes are challenging, I feel like a sponge absorbing all the complex theories of utilitarianism and deontology. Life itself and the day to day seem so much fuller because I know so much more about people, the world, and myself. I’m no expert, but I’m getting there……just kidding! Last week I went on a field trip with my Hinduism class to Hindu temples in Livermore and Fremont. I was in a state of wonder with what I saw, life beyond the metropolitan San Francisco and a kind of faith that is rooted in so much more than just one thing. It was a wonderful experience to see, hear, and smell the wonders of Hinduism and the Indian culture.
A picture from Sascha's Hinduism field trip
It’s crazy for me to think that not too long ago I was a high school senior and now I am ( for the most part) an independent young woman finding my way. School is amazing, I never thought I would enjoy learning this much. Fun projects and lively discussion make learning more of a voluntary activity rather than my job. My French culture course takes fun to another level; one of our projects was to have a class cheese tasting to experience firsthand the variety of French cheeses. The classroom smelled of Normandy, Bourgogne, and the Loire Valley of France. Each student brought in a cheese of their choice; we munched on grapes and bread while we sampled all the cheeses, the only thing that seemed to be missing was French wine! It was a great experience and something that I will always remember.
YUM! Fromage in the French Culture class!
When classes are over for the day, I usually find my friends around campus. We eat together, watch movies together, and laugh excessively together. The other day I told one of my friends that I don’t think I’ve laughed as much as I do now. I have a special kind of love for my friends, they are always there and somehow in this short amount of time I feel like I’ve known them my whole life. I am always guaranteed a good laugh or just an interesting conversation. Going out to dinner is always fun, there are so many restaurants and cafes to try. We all get dressed up and designated person looks up the directions on Google maps and off we go! Just recently my roommate took me to an amazing ice cream shop called Smittens in Hayes Valley. They make every cup of ice cream from scratch right in front of you. They use all natural ingredients and only use what is in season and local. It was definitely a change from regular chain ice cream shops that I’m used to.
Sascha (right) and her roommate
Sascha and her friends waiting for the bus
When I’m not studying or going out with friends chances are you will find me at an event around campus. I am a staff writer for the Foghorn which requires me to attend events that I am assigned too. Just recently I attended the State of Black event put on by the African American Studies department and the McCarthy Center. The event was centered on African American out-migration in San Francisco; I just turned in the final draft of my article this morning! I am also part of the Black Student Union and Sister Connection on campus. The highlight of my on campus involvement was being a hospitality volunteer for the annual Fall Fest Concert. I got to decorate an artist’s room and stand front row for all the action. It was a great night!
Sascha and her friends at the Fall Fest concert
So life is good here at USF; I’m happy and healthy and ready to go! I am in transition, the middle ground. There is so much more to see and do before the semester is up! I can’t believe I’m almost done with the first semester of college. Halloween came and went quicker than I can say, Thanksgiving is fast approaching and then it’s done! WOW Time really does fly by when you’re having fun.
Trick or Treat!
Until next time! Laugh, it’s healthy!”
Wow! It is great to hear how Sascha and our other new students are getting involved on campus! Congratulations!
Now I’m hungry… how can I figure out how to incorporate cheese tasting into my Communication and Everyday Life courses? If anyone has any ideas, send them my way! Thanks Sascha!
