THE USD VISTA
Heat wave raises concerns
USD students experienced sweltering temperatures over the first two weeks of classes as a heat wave hit Southern California.
Record-high temperatures were set in certain regions of the county with the maximum being 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Ramona. Minimum nighttime low temperatures also saw new heights, as the National Weather Service (NWS) Station at the San Diego International Airport reported a low of 75 degrees.
Soaring heat affected morale and health, as students faced the temperature while traveling across campus. USD senior Christie Westby explained how the heat impacted her daily schedule.
“The heat wave made my daily routine more challenging because it was so intense, and I felt underequipped to handle it,” Westby stated. “Walking across campus to get to classes became exhausting due to the constant high temperatures. Plus, the lack of air conditioning in my dorm made it very uncomfortable, especially at night. I often had to find cooler spaces in other buildings or go out of my way to cool down,
such as taking multiple cold showers a day. Overall, the heat wave led to many inconvenient and uncomfortable situations.”
Not only were students stressed, but so was the power grid. San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) explained that the high demand for electricity use due to the temperatures caused power outages across the region. The energy provider reported record-breaking electricity demand during the heat wave in a statement released on Sep. 9.
“The multi-day heat event brought record-breaking temperatures on Sunday, and record-breaking peak energy demand, which reached 5,032 megawatts at 6:45 p.m. within SDG&E’s service area. The previous record was set on Sep. 16, 2014, when the region used 4,890 megawatts that day,” SDG&E stated. The environment was also affected by the heat. San Diego experienced several quickly contained fires that were across the county, primarily at Camp Pendleton where a wildfire covered 1,000 acres. Smoke impacted the air quality in some areas of San Diego affected by the fire. The San Diego
For most aspiring performers, fame and success do not come in the blink of an eye. It takes endless hours, lots of sweat and tears and a bit of luck. Up-and-coming artists Sabrina Carpenter and Chappel Roan, although in different ways, have both shown the world that hard work can indeed pay off.
Sabrina Carpenter is wellknown for her leading role in the Disney show, “Girl Meets World.” Since then, she has continued her acting career and, in 2015, released her debut album, “Eyes Wide Open.” After joining a leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Carpenter has transformed from a Disney child
star into an A-list mega pop-star. Recently, Carpenter released her newest album “Short n’ Sweet,” which has quickly risen to the top of the charts. Some students feel that although they
didn’t enjoy her previous albums, “Short n’ Sweet” transformed their opinions on her music.
“I don’t love all of her old songs, but I think her newest album is a masterpiece,” USD
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan are the two pop princesses of the year.
Photo Courtesy of @sabrinacarpenter and @chappellroan/Instagram
San Diegans cool off at La Jolla Cove.
Photo Courtesy of Shannen Swars/The USD Vista
Control District explained that air quality ranged from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups. Residential Life sent an email to students on Sep. 6 with resources on how to stay safe and cool during the heat wave. The email included general information and advice such as wearing loose clothing, drinking water and applying sunscreen. Due to the lack of air conditioning in dorm rooms, Residential Life recommended taking advantage of ‘cool zones.’
“As you may be aware no residential rooms are equipped with Air Conditioning (A/C) and no plans should be made to purchase or install an A/C unless you receive written approval from the Department of Residential Life,” Residential Life stated. “However you can take advantage of air-conditioned locations or ‘cool zones’ to study
or relax in across campus.”
The University faced backlash from students who believed that A/C should be implemented in residential rooms. USD sophomore Maliya Ninofranco explained why she believes the dorms should have A/C.
“USD really needs to have air conditioning in the dorms. I live in San Buenaventura and it is so uncomfortable during the heat, especially during the day when the sun is shining in,” Ninofranco said.
USD junior Kaydie Isaacs shared a similar opinion.
“I live in Pacific Ridge, but I am definitely a huge proponent of having A/C in the USD dorms. I have A/C since I live in Pacific Ridge and was able to keep cool, but a lot of people I talked to sounded miserable in the dorms without any A/C.”
USD commented on the
matter and explained the lack of A/C in students’ rooms.
“USD’s housing was constructed in accordance with standard building practices at the time of their construction, which rarely included central air conditioning,” the University stated.
“USD’s commitment to sustainability as well as San Diego’s generally mild climate both lend themselves to allowing for our community to live comfortably for the majority of the year without central air conditioning in residential spaces. The cost savings is passed to residents in the form of lower housing rates and allows university housing to maintain a competitive advantage in general when compared to the San Diego housing market.”
Personal A/C units are
banned due to similar reasons.
“The halls cannot accommodate excessive use of external A/C units for reasons including safety, energy costs, sustainability, and
capacity on the electrical grid.”
The heat wave officially ended on Sep. 11. As the weather returns to 70 degrees and sunny, students are enjoying the cooler San Diego climate.
The highly anticipated presidential debate between Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, and Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris occurred on Sep. 10 in Philadelphia. This was the first public meeting of Trump and Harris. There had been a disagreement between the two nominees on the debate rules. Harris wanted the microphones to be on at all times, and Trump’s team requested the microphones to be muted when candidates were not speaking. The Commission on Presidential Debates decided the microphones would be muted. No pre-written notes or props allowed and there would be no opening arguments.
David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News were the moderators for the debate. The two moderators took an approach that has not been done since the 2016 debate and fact-checked candidates live as they were speaking. Both nominees had statements proven to be false by external fact-checkers, though Trump was the only one to be corrected live, regarding a
statement concerning abortion.
“They even have, the former governor of West Virginia... he said ‘the baby will be born and what will decide with the baby... in other words, [the doctors] will execute the baby,” Trump stated.
Linsey Davis quickly intervened to correct Trump’s statement.
“There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born,” Davis said.
Harris claimed that Trump tried time and time again to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
“60 times [Trump] tried to get rid of the Affordable Care Act,” Harris said.
While not corrected by moderators live, this statement was checked by the New York Times in real time. According to the New York Times, Trump did press Republicans in Congress to repeal this act multiple times in 2017, however the exact amount of times he pushed this agenda has not been tallied.
Some voters viewed the factchecking as beneficial to the debate, and helped hold the nominees accountable. USD sophomore Katelyn Linaugh thought that the fact-checking was necessary to the integrity of the debate.
“I didn’t know that some of the things said by the candidates weren’t
The USD Vista
true until the moderator corrected them. If the fact-checking helped me, I’m sure other people watching the debate found it useful and it will help them vote for a candidate for accurate reasons and not just what you hear,” Linaugh said.
However, others viewed the fact-checking as unfair to Trump.
Former Democratic representative and now supporter of Trump, Tulsi Gabbard was one of these voters.
“This debate is three vs one — the ABC moderators clearly shilling for Kamala Harris,” Gabbard posted on X.
USD Votes Faculty Advisor and Professor of Political Science at USD, Dr. Casey Dominguez, encouraged students to do their own research on fact-checking statements made by the presidential candidates.
“There are reliable fact-checking organizations like FactCheck. org that anyone can use to assess the statements made during the debate, in their advertising, on their social media and in other places,” Dominguez stated.
While some voters remain undecided on who they may vote for, the debates offered a close-up look on how each nominee performs under pressure. Dominguez pointed out that debates are not the only way to choose which candidate to vote for.
“Most voters have already made up their minds about the presidential race. Those few who have not decided might be affected by the debate, but they might also be affected by other events, news and advertising that takes place between now and when they cast their ballot.”
For some Toreros, the presidential debate left some uncertainty. Neve Borgerding, a sophomore at USD, did not feel that the debate gave her a better idea of who to vote for because she does not know what each nominee stands for.
“Neither candidate stood out to me. I feel like they were attacking each other instead of stating their policies,” said Borgerding.
According to an analysis conducted by the New York Times, Trump spoke for more minutes than Harris, but Harris spent more time attacking Trump. The report claimed that 17 minutes and 25 seconds of Harris’ time was spent criticizing Trump, whereas Trump spent 12 minutes and 54 seconds criticizing Harris.
A large part of both candidate’s strategies was to insult one another, and some viewers believe there was not enough discussion of cemented policies.
USD sophomore Annie Jackson explained her view of the debate.
“I felt like I was watching two children fight and couldn’t believe that one of them is going to be our next president,” Jackson stated.
The debate touched on key current events such as immigration, the crisis with Ukraine, the IsraelPalestine conflict, environmental issues such as fracking and economic issues such as the unemployment rate. To some viewers, such as USD sophomore Siena Pugay, these discussions were not enough to inform her as a first-time voter.
“I didn’t fully understand all the issues they were talking about. Harris was clear on some things, but overall it didn’t change my mind about anything,” Pugay explained.
Other voters, like firstyear USD student Michael Ivory, stated his opinion.
“Trump really stood out in the debate by focusing on the economy and getting things done. Kamala had some strong moments but I feel like she didn’t go as deep into the details of how her plans would be implemented,” Ivory said.
As the day of the election comes closer, students consider which candidate will receive their vote. The Vice Presidential Debate will take place on Oct. 1 between Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Students find comfort with the use of fans.
Photo Courtesy of Shannen Swars/The USD Vista
From Heat, Page 1
ARTS & CULTURE
Sabrina and Chappell take the forefront
How these artists have made their mark on the music industry
From Female Artists, Page
1
senior Katie Ingrey said. “It’s a no skip album and I like the variety of the songs. You have the fun ‘going out’ songs and then the more heartwarming songs, and on top of that, she is a lyrical genius.”
For many students, Carpenter’s sudden boost into the spotlight can be attributed to her widespread presence on social media. Ingrey explained that she started listening to Carpenter after seeing her performances on social media platforms.
“I first saw performances of her ‘Nonsense outros’ on Tiktok when they were trending,” Ingrey said. “That was my first real introduction to her music.”
Although Carpenter began as a Disney child star, she has completed many projects since then. Some students feel as though this has been her effort to separate herself from that previous Disney image, and that she has done it flawlessly.
“She released three albums before this one, and I don’t believe they were as popular as ‘Short n’ Sweet,’” junior Devin Reyes said.
“I think a big part of that is trying to divorce herself from the Disney kid-star image. With this album she really did that. This is not the character from ‘Girl Meets World’ singing the song, this is Sabrina.”
After her most recent VMA performance on Sept. 11, she stirred some controversy for its element of sexuality. However, some students feel that this is important to her new image.
“She’s so confident and I love how open she is about sex too,” Ingrey said.
Similar to Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan has grown in popularity very quickly, although not without years of dedication to her craft. According to Vox, Roan first signed a record deal at age 17. Today, she is 26. Her first album was released in 2015 and included singles from her bestselling album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” but it did not gain attention as it has today. Ingrey recounted the first time she heard one of her songs while in her friend’s car.
“I feel like it’s hard for me to like a song after the first listen
but I really enjoyed it, and since then, I have been listening to her all the time,” Ingrey said.
Many students enjoy Roan’s music, not only for its distinctive sound, but also for the representation she contributes to the music industry. As an openly queer woman, Roan’s voice has already played a role in shifting the narrative toward a direction of embracing the spectrum of sexual and gender identities that are ever-so-present in society.
“As a queer girl, it’s really nice to have someone other than Hayley Kiyoko or Girl in Red who have really fun songs, but I find that a lot of the sapphic stuff that I was consuming was kind of sad and pining whereas this is just like, I’m gay dude,” Reyes said.
Chappell Roan has been known to incorporate drag into her performances in an effort to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ voices within society. Her outfits and performances are greatly inspired by and pay homage to drag queens. In an interview with Rolling Stone she explains that dressing in drag is what separates
her on-stage and off-stage identity.
“I wear gray and black IRL because I can’t handle the s*** that I wear [when I’m performing],” Chappell Roan said.
As a drag performer, Roan has been recognized as a monumental artist because she has transformed the musical stage to a place where one can feel comfortable expressing a wide range of identities. In this way, she has given many in the queer community hope for a progressive future.
Chappell Roan’s album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Currently, she sits at No. 3, just behind Post Malone at No. 2 and Sabrina Carpenter, who currently sits in the No. 1 position.
“I think that this year there has been a shift in the way female artists have been viewed,” USD senior Gray Ehling said. “Obviously there are iconic artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga who have played major influential roles in the industry, but I think that the influx of female voices that have recently entered the scene marks an important shift in musical history.”
Although there have been many incredible female artists throughout the years, gender inequalities are still present. According to the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, over the past 11 years, there has been an average ratio of 3.5 male artists for every female artist present on the Billboard Hot 100 Year-End Chart. On top of that, around 5% of producers are female.
This leaves a large gap between the representation of male and female musical voices. Students like Ingrey explain that having a feminine aspect to the music they listen to is something that they appreciate for its empowering aspect.
“I like Chappell and Sabrina’s songs because they make me feel like a girl but in the best way,” Ingrey said. With the power of passionate songwriting, a strong voice and a vibrant stage presence, these two have captured the hearts and playlists of many USD students. Only time will tell what else they have in store for the world as they continue their journey.
Peso Pluma at Pechanga Arena
ALEXANDRA ALCALA ASST. A&C EDITOR
Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, also known as Peso Pluma, is a 25-year-old Mexican singer and songwriter. Peso Pluma rose to fame in 2023 when he released his album “Genesis,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Even though these were not the first songs Peso Pluma had come out with, these were the ones that allowed his name to make an appearance in several charts.
2023 was also the year that the song “Ella Baila Sola,” by Eslabon Armado ft. Peso Pluma, hit the Billboard Hot 100. His other songs like “La Bebe” and his collaboration with artist Bizarrap did not take long to become top hits.
“The first time I heard about Peso Pluma was when he collaborated with Yng Lvcas in the song called ‘La Bebe’ due to the song promotion throughout the Tik Tok platform,” Junior Kaylie Hernandez said. “After hearing this song [‘La Bebe’], the curiosity sparked in me to see what other songs were composed by Peso Pluma, therefore I started listening more to his music.”
Peso Pluma currently has 46.68 million monthly listeners on Spotify which ranks him as the 49th most-listened to artist across the platform with additional listeners around the world. This number has decreased since 2023, when he was first discovered, as he
Mexican artist continues his rise to fame
was ranked as the fifth mostlistened to artist in the world, sitting just behind singers like Taylor Swift, Drake and The Weekend.
Peso Pluma has given a new perspective and voice to Hispanic music, especially Mexican music, by bringing in new tones that are not as frequently heard in mainstream music. He is a very versatile artist, ranging from reggaeton and corridos to soft and romantic melodies. It is not unusual for Hispanic music to be a global sensation. Artists such as Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi have done this before. However, the level reached by Peso Pluma was surprising due to his quick escalation in listeners.
In 2022, he was just a young singer who was featured in songs by more popular Mexican artists such as “AMG” by Gabito Ballesteros and “Siempre Pendientes” by Luis R. Conriquez. He then transformed into an international sensation with the song “PCR” in collaboration with well-known Mexican singer Natanael Cano. This song placed number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and it now has 699, 570, 769 plays on Spotify. Peso Pluma’s influence has been seen both at USD and in the larger San Diego community. On Sept. 5, 2024, Peso Pluma performed in the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Because the concert venue was only a few minutes away from USD, it attracted many
students. While some were not able to attend, they still gave their opinions on the artist himself and what they thought of his music. Hernandez shared what she thinks the impact of Peso Pluma has been on Mexican culture.
“I would say I am a listener of his music as the beats and rhythm stood out to me and his music represents a modern evolution of regional Mexican music,” Hernandez said. “I think his fame had an effect on the Hispanic culture and community due to his work in the genre called corridos tumbados; a genre that reflects stories of street life, success and struggles, but also the controversies based on the drug culture. In addition, his songs often highlight the experience of younger generations in Mexico and the U.S., portraying themes of ambition and resilience.”
Despite the positive impacts, there have also been some negative reactions. For example, some have mentioned that they would have preferred for another artist to have this kind of success as they do not believe Peso Pluma gives the best image of Mexico and its culture.
“Some of the things he sings about are somewhat questionable, in the sense that he sings about drugs and other things that I personally don’t associate with,” USD sophomore Paloma Valencia said. “By singing about these topics, he promotes and in
many ways encourages people to think these things are okay. It’s especially concerning with younger generations. Coming from someone who has younger siblings. It’s definitely an issue with how people decide to take these things, but I know most people simply enjoy his music for what it is, not necessarily for what it talks about,” said Valencia.
Mixed opinions on the artist and his lyrics are presentwamong
students, but it appears that regardless, Peso Pluma has maintained a stable career and has consistently produced high numbers on platforms like Spotify and at concert venues around the world. As he continues to capture the hearts of people in and outside of his community, Peso Pluma reminds listeners that Mexican music is just as important and deserved of praise as any other genre of music.
Peso Pluma’s performance in San Diego at the Pechanga Arena on Sept. 6.
Photo courtesy of @pesopluma/Instagram
‘Beetlejuice’ returns after 36 years Stepping into Tim Burton’s magical world
ELLIE SKJERSAA ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
ALCALA ASST. A&C EDITOR
Coming back to haunt us once more is director of the film “Beetlejuice,” Tim Burton. After 36 years, the well-known film and broadway production has returned to the screens with a new sequel titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
The original film was released on March 30, 1988 and starred actors such as Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder and Geena Davis. It quickly rose to fame as one of Burton’s most acclaimed movies. Its intricate mix of dark fantasy and satirical elements gave it a Halloweenlike sentiment and the distinct feeling that Tim Burton has continuously been recognized for throughout his career.
“It’s just one of those iconic movies that basically everyone has seen,” USD junior Liv Meloy said. “It’s really exciting that the franchise has even continued going after so many years and that they didn’t even truly change the name, they just added an extra ‘Beetlejuice.’”
The simplicity of the title itself not only alludes to the fact that the franchise intends to keep the world of Beetlejuice the same as it was all those years ago, but it also is a play on words. In order to summon Beetlejuice from the underworld, his name has to be said three times in repetition. This reflects the second return of Beetlejuice to the real world in this newest film.
The original movie follows the story of a couple who pass away and enter the underworld. In an attempt to scare away the new inhabitants of their home, they haunt them as ghosts. A demon from the underworld, Beetlejuice, is recruited by the deceased couple in an attempt to
help scare the family away, but things get out of hand when they lose control of Beetlejuice. The sequel follows the same family when they return to their haunted home in the future, this time with a new generation present.
Meloy explained that she has yet to see the new movie because she is waiting for it to hit streaming services. The film is scheduled to air on HBO Max on Nov. 25.
“I will likely see it when I can get it on Apple TV because I’m not a big fan of going to the movie theaters, but I definitely plan on seeing it,” Meloy said.
Returning cast members
Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, as well as new cast members such as Willem Dafoe, Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux have generated a lot of buzz around the film.
“I think there’s a lot more excitement with the cast and bringing back nostalgia so it makes many more people excited for the new movie,” USD sophomore Briana Marinescu said. “I think people resonate because it’s different than normal movies in the media and I think it allows a freedom of expression for people.”
Since the premiere on Sept. 6, the film has produced a high rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been recognized as the second highest-grossing film that has ever been released in September, only behind acclaimed film “It” directed by Stephen King.
For students such as Meloy and Marinescu, the genius behind the film can be attributed to Burton’s talent in casting and character development.
“He doesn’t just take an actor and put them on screen,” Meloy said. “He casts people who look like their role and then those roles become iconic not for the character itself but more for their unique look.”
Ortega first worked
with Burton on the show “Wednesday” and has teamed up with him once again. Similarly, after the original release of “Beetlejuice,” Ryder starred in more of his films such as “Edward Scissorhands” and “Frankenweenie.” If there is something to know about Tim Burton, it is that he keeps his favorite actors close. Similarly to Ortega and Ryder, he’s
been known to give roles in his movies to repeated actors, such as Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in “Edward Scissorhands” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Some students express that what drew them to the film was their love for Tim Burton films.
“I want to watch the new Beetlejuice movie because I love Tim Burton’s work,” Marinescu
said. “It also is humorous, I’ve heard, and many people need a break from normal reality. The cast [also made me want to watch the movie] because Jenna Ortega is a super popular actress right now.”
The combination of a strong cast and a creative director can be attributed to the film’s success thus far. At Burton’s walk of fame ceremony on Sept. 3, Ryder remarked upon his ability to make people feel seen, specifically those who feel different from what is seen as normal to society’s standards.
“He knows the heartache of the misunderstood, the strange and unusual,” Ryder said. “He doesn’t just understand them, he celebrates them, whether outcasts, oddballs, terrifying, or hilarious, he gives them depth, humor, and always a certain gallantry. And he gives them their dignity. His heroes are the very outcasts that he loves.”
Tim Burton’s creative style is not easy to compare. His ability to make one feel seen draws in people far and wide who want to see themselves represented on the screen. Through the use of stop motion and unconventional storylines, his work is unique and this makes him and his films stand out from other director’s work. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is currently playing in cinemas and will be for the next few weeks until it hits streaming services.
The movie poster for the new film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Photo courtesy of @beetlejuicemovie/Instagram
Tim Burton at the premier in London. Photo Courtesy of @beetlejuicemovie/Instagram
ALEXANDRA
ARTS & FEATURE
Pre-Orientation experiences
Students share their favorite memories of first USD interactions
HAILEY HOWELL FEATURE EDITOR
Coming to college can be nerve-racking for many students as they are preparing to leave home, meet new friends and live in a different environment.
To make the transition to college easier, USD offers firstyear students the opportunity to move in early and meet other students through either the University Ministry (UM) or the Outdoor Adventures (OA) Pre-Orientation retreats.
On the University Ministry Pre-O trip, first-year students go hiking, compete in a dance off and meet other students who may share similar spiritual beliefs. Students involved in USD University Ministry volunteered to help lead the retreat.
USD first-year Emily Entwistle explained why she joined the trip and what she gathered from her experiences.
“I signed up for Pre-O because I was so excited to find a faithful community on campus, and the UM retreat seemed like a great way to find that community and deepen my faith,” Entwistle said. “So many amazing memories, but some of my favorites were celebrating mass under the stars and the big line dance party we had before the talent show the last night of the retreat.”
Entwistle also expressed her gratitude and described the friends she made along the way.
“It was the best experience ever, and I can’t express how grateful I am to have met such faithful friends and role models who became family by the time we got back to campus. [The experience] truly made USD feel like home before school even began,” Entwistle said.
Like Entwistle, USD firstyear Blaire Lynch also traveled with UM to meet people on
the Pre-Orientation trip.
“I decided to sign up for Pre-O because I thought it would be a fun way to meet people before school started, and a friend also recommended it to me,” Lynch said. “My favorite memory would definitely have to be the group dance contest. It was so much fun with so much energy!”
Lynch also shared why she would encourage future first-years to sign up for the journey after her personal experiences with the group.
“I would definitely recommend doing Pre-O. I had never been on a retreat before, but everyone was so welcoming and genuine. It also made me feel a lot closer to my faith, being around people with similar goals and mindsets as me,” Lynch said.
Students also joined the Outdoor Adventures Pre-O trip, where they got to move in early, go camping, hike and create new bonds before movein. This excursion was led by USD students involved in Outdoor Adventures who were ready to go on another journey.
Leah Fikermariam, a USD senior, explained why she took on the role of being a guide with Outdoor Adventures for a third time.
“I’ve been super involved with OA since I was a freshman, and I love it,” Fikermariam said. “It is undoubtedly my home on campus, and my friends agree. We have all guided together every year that we could.”
Fikermariam also described her favorite moments on the trip and reasons she loves being a guide.
“My favorite part is camping with just the guides for guide training up in the Laguna mountains and also giving advice to the participants that you can tell they actually value,” Fikermariam said.
“It always surprises me how fast people can bond in that setting. They come out of their shells so fast, and it’s awesome watching the magic happen.”
First-year Gemma Aiello explained why she wanted to join the Outdoor Adventures Pre-O trip.
“I decided to sign up for the Pre-O trip because I love the outdoors and meeting new people, so it felt like a natural fit for me. It’s also only my second time ever being in San Diego, so having a builtin opportunity to witness the beautiful Lagunas was just an added bonus,” Aiello said.
Aiello also explained why she loved the experience and how she would encourage future firstyears to explore this opportunity.
“My favorite experience on Pre-O was probably ending each night with a giant, warm campfire with laughter and s’mores followed by small group time. Listening to each other’s stories under the stars in those groups is something I will not forget,” Aiello said. “I would
definitely recommend this trip for new students. It gives you a built in community before you start orientation; it truly makes all the difference to have people you can wave and smile at on campus in such a time of change.”
USD first-year Sam Pesiri shared the two main reasons why he signed up to join the excursion and reflected on his favorite moments from the trip.
“I originally decided to sign up for the OA trip for two reasons: the idea of early move-in was incredibly enticing. Second, I was a bit intimidated coming into the big city life – so I figured that spending a few days in the wilderness before going all in would help ease the transition,” Pesiri said. “My favorite memory was either sitting in a line downing spoonfuls of ‘mild’ salsa or hiking to the top of a gorgeous mountain and playing Wavelength.”
Pesiri explained his appreciation for the experience and the OA Pre-O staff.
“Every person who was part of the Pre-O staff was incredibly down-to-earth and I felt had my best interest. It was assuring to be in the wilderness with these new people without any plasticity...it brought a lot of meaningful connections. Going into the hectic first week it felt like I already had a community and a few special people to fall back on,” Pesiri said. Through these retreats, students are able to form connections with other students through these experiences before classes begin. The Outdoor Adventures and University Ministry Pre-O trips allow students to meet with others who may share similar interests, beliefs or passions and make memories to always remember.
University Ministry leader helps UM attendee with bingo.
Photo courtesy of Marian Raphaelle Concepcion
students meeting in small groups after a witness talk on the UM retreat.
Photo courtesy of Marian Raphaelle Concepcion
OPINION
So, what next? The
JULIE FROMM ASST. OPINION EDITOR
I recently attended my first Compass Program Event, held by USD’s Career Readiness Program. I’d been putting off attending the event until this year, my senior year, and was now looking forward to gaining some helpful information about preparing for life after college. The presenter began by telling us that her hope for us through the program was to have an answer for our distant relatives at Thanksgiving when they ask, “What are your plans for next year?”
Comments like these completely diminish my excitement toward the future. What I hoped would be an exciting exploration of possible jobs or further education programs has now become the race to find the best answer to “Do you have anything lined up for next year?”
I’ve come to think it’s time that we change the narrative
pressure to know your post-graduation
surrounding post-graduation plans. Due to the fact that I don’t know where I want to be or what I want to do once I graduate, I’ve felt an immense amount of anxiety about the future. So, instead of asking, “What’s next?” consider asking, “What are you looking forward to next year?” Graduating from college is a great accomplishment and shouldn’t be overshadowed by always looking towards the next step.
The pressure to know my post-graduation plans comes not only from myself but from seemingly everyone around me.
The questions about my future pop up constantly, whether it be from family, friends, teachers or fellow classmates. While these inquiries come from a place of love and curiosity, I can’t help but feel the underlying pressure of the questions. I thought that I would have more time to figure things out, but these conversations started well before this school year began — as early as the end of my junior year.
As much as I would like to
keep burying my head in the sand and pretending like the future isn’t quickly approaching, I know that I’ll have to start figuring out my plans soon. I also know that I’m not the only one experiencing these feelings of dread surrounding the decisions that lie ahead. My friends and I have discussed at length our fears about choosing the wrong vocation, or the feeling that we’re supposed to have our entire career timeline mapped out by the time we’re 22.
Part of my anxiety towards making a decision revolves around the idea that my first job or position out of college should be excellent- something that reflects what I want to do for the rest of my life, but this is completely unrealistic.
According to a recent survey conducted by Poets and Quants for Undergrads, a social network focused on undergraduate education, 79% of college graduates are expected to leave their first job post-graduation within one to three years. The working
plans
world is changing rapidly with the rise of stay-at-home work options and faster employee turnover, and therefore the path you choose does not have to be the path you stay on.
There is something to be said for being prepared ahead of graduation day. Many of my friends and fellow classmates came back to school this semester with return offers from their summer jobs and internships. They have the ability to completely skip the anxiety-ridden period of life that I currently exist in. Finding internship opportunities earlier in college rather than later can be a great way to try out a career path that you think you might be interested in. It can also be a time to figure out what you don’t want to do, and that is time well spent, too.
It also must be said that the ability to shape your own future is a luxury that many people don’t have. Amidst the stress of graduating, job-searching and interviewing, it can be easy to forget that receiving a
college education, an internship position or an interview with a potential employer is not a given. As overwhelming as the process can become, it is important to remember that the search for the next step is a privilege in itself. However, no matter how much rationalizing I do, the future is still scary. If I was offered the chance to look into a crystal ball to see my future, I wouldn’t say no. But part of the excitement of graduating college is the unknown. It’s important to remember that we’re in our early twenties, and have time to figure out how we want to spend our lives. I hope that by the time I throw my cap into the air at graduation, I’ll know what my near future looks like. But until then, I plan on embracing the unknown in the months ahead. he next time I’m asked what my post-graduation plans are — maybe by those distant relatives at Thanksgiving — I’ll feel empowered when I say that I’m still figuring it all out.
OPINION
The electronic voting experience Why electronic voting systems are the better form of voting
ZOE ROGERS OPINION EDITOR
Many voters are curious to see what shift awaits for the White House this election season. With the upcoming election scheduled for Nov. 5, 2024, voters will fill the booths ready to vote. For the majority of USD’s undergraduates, this will be their first time voting in the presidential election. However, as our nation modernizes and grows, we have begun to experience technological advancements, especially in the voting system. Until recently, voting was done in a manual format, by hole punching or filling in a bubble. Now, electronic voting services have been introduced, making the entire voting process more efficient.
Electronic voting services allow for a faster ballot count. Instead of relying on individuals to hand count the submitted votes, the electronic voting services can collect the ballots almost immediately. The voting machines can also increase voter ease and participation. Additionally, any previous cases of ballot tampering in paper ballots can be provided by incorporating electronic ballots.
Electronic voting systems were encouraged after prior issues with paper ballots. For example, difficulties with paper ballots arose during the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore.
Gore requested a manual recount of votes in four Florida counties, though the definition of what was to be a legitimate vote became problematic. There was a displacement of the number of people voting to the actual votes registered, and numerous votes failed registration. Many ballots hadn’t been registered because of the “hanging chad” occurrence when a punch pen makes contact with the ballot and it fails to punch a hole into the ballot, leaving only an indent. To form a conclusion on each ballot, employees resorted to examining whether the voter pressed through the card when there was only a dent. This led to a struggle to understand and interpret the voters’ intentions.
Paper ballots are tedious to count and often take significant time to complete. This task can lead to confusion and miscounts — due to human error — and cause the country to undergo intense anticipation while waiting for the result, creating chaos. Electronic voting systems eliminate issues like these.
The electronic voting services could potentially create other issues, such as confusing technology. This technology may pose a problem for individuals with trouble reading and using a computer screen. With the organizations relying solely on the machines, what would happen if the system had a malfunction and possibly crash?
With technology failures prone to happen, technology can be less reliable than paper. However, the electronic voting system often has an audit trail, which allows voters to verify their vote on paper.
There has been controversy about whether electronic voting systems companies commit voter fraud and potentially manipulate
the voting system. In 2020, Dominion Voting System faced an accusation by Fox News, stating that they were allegedly stealing votes. This initiated a flood of political controversies, ethical concerns and distrust in the technical voting system. On Nov. 11, 2020, Sean Hannity, a Fox News commentator, referenced affidavits being filed about election misconduct. “And let’s not forget the software error, we’re going to focus on this a lot wrongfully awarded Joe Biden thousands of ballots that were casted for President Trump, until the problem was amazingly fixed,” Hannity said. “And according to a report, that very same software its called Dominion Voting System that was used in 28 states.”
After numerous public comments of the alleged misconduct of the Dominion Voting System, Dominion ultimately sued Fox News for defamation, they referenced Fox’s spread of controversies, including manipulating votes from Trump to Biden.
Dominion proved in court that these claims were baseless, and no evidence surfaced that supported Fox’s claims. Ultimately, Fox did not have to publicly apologize to Dominion for these false allegations, instead Fox paid Dominion just under $800 million to settle the dispute. This lawsuit is an example of the distrust in electronic voting services implemented in our society.
Our country continues to modernize each year, and incorporating electronic voting
machines is a testament to that. While paper ballots are still standard, changes are continuously being made to improve the voting system and increase usability, reliability and efficiency. MIT Election Data and Science Lab provides insight on information of various voting technology, and its usage overtime in the U.S. “From 1988 to 2000, mechanical lever machines and hand-counted paper ballots began their gradual decline in favor of a growth in optical scanners and DREs,” MIT Election Data and Science Lab states. “In response to the Florida recount fiasco of 2000, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002, which banned the use of lever machines and punch cards in federal elections, and also required that all precincts have at least one voting machine accessible to voters with disabilities.”
Electronic voting systems are now accessible and incorporated in most voting booths. The machines allow voters to maintain the democratic process upon which our country was built, just in a different format. Using electronic machines, we still accomplish our duty as citizens to the United States government and fulfill our role to participate in the presidential election. Now, every citizen of all capabilities can vote. Visit USD votes at https://www.sandiego. edu/vote/plan-to-vote.php more information. Be sure to head to the voting polls on Nov. 5. Personally delivered and mailed ballots are also due by this date.
Visit the San Diego Registrar of Voters website to find a voting location near you.
SPORTS
Alex Morgan retires United States Women’s National Team star expecting second child
PRIYA COOPER SPORTS EDITOR
U.S. forward Alex Morgan bid an emotional farewell to professional soccer on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 playing her last match in the National Women’s Soccer League. Morgan was co-captain of the club team the San Diego Wave as well as a co-captain of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) from 2018 to 2020.
The 35-year-old announced her retirement last week after discovering that she is expecting her second child. Morgan had her first daughter in 2020 with professional soccer player Servando Carracasco.
Morgan returned to the field just five months after giving birth to her firstborn, Charlie, who is now four years old.
Morgan and Carracsaso were college sweethearts who met at University of California, Berkley and later married in 2014. Carracasco played for the professional team Inter Miami Club de Fútbol II, an American professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale Florida, before retiring in 2020.
Morgan saw her team fall 4-1 at home to the North Carolina Courage on Sunday, Sept. 8, during her last game with San Diego. Morgan missed a penalty in the 10th minute and was substituted three minutes later to a standing ovation from the 26,516 fans
who were in attendance.
Morgan has lived in San Diego since she joined San Diego Wave Fútbol Club of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2021. The club typically trains at the Polo Fields in the shadow of the Rancho Santa Fe foothills.
Morgan was born and raised in eastern Los Angeles County and said she always wanted to make a home for herself in southern California.
“This is where me and my husband always said we wanted to settle down and have a family,” the U.S. women’s soccer star said. “It was a long-term vision for us. I never thought I would be able to be here and play soccer” Morgan said in an interview with San Diego Magazine.
After her final game, which was played at Snapdragon Stadium, the club team’s home field, Morgan commented to BBC Sport about being able to play one last game at home.
“There have been so many incredible moments in my career but this last moment I share on the field with you I will cherish forever. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Morgan said.
Although she had already been playing for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for 11 years, Morgan had her best NWSL season with San Diego Wave in 2022 when she won the Golden Boot.
This is an award given to the league’s top scorer, Morgan scored 15 goals in just 17 games
during the regular season.
Under her captaincy on the National Team, the U.S. women were able to win the Women’s World Cup in 2019 by defeating the Netherlands 2-0. Morgan was also a part of the U.S. national team that won the World Cups against Japan in 2015. Additionally, she claimed a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics.
Morgan has racked up a list of accomplishments during her professional career. She ranks in the top 10 in United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) history in goals, assists and multi-goal games.
She was also twice named U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year in both 2012 and 2018.
Morgan is a four-time Concacaf Player of the Year and a threetime finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year. Another milestone Morgan achieved in 2023 was for the most goals scored as a mother in USWNT history with her goal against Brazil at the SheBelieves Cup.
USD junior and member of the womens club soccer team, Tori Garcia commented on her emotions surrounding Morgan’s retirement, having followed her most of her life.
“The only way I can describe Alex Morgan’s retirement is bittersweet,” commented Garcia. “For many college students who have played
soccer throughout their life, Alex Morgan was one of the youngest pro players that we grew up watching, admiring and wanting to be. Watching her development, on the pitch, from when she started to the end, not only marks the end of a great career representing women’s soccer, but also as a reminder that we, too, are also growing older. Our lives much like hers are turning new chapters,” Garcia said.
Another USD junior and member of the womens club soccer team, Danielle Thompson also reminisced on growing up with Morgan as a role model.
“Growing up and playing soccer, Alex Morgan was always one of my soccer idols. Seeing her retire was very sad because she was one of the last players still playing from the generation of women’s soccer players that I grew up watching. She had such an impact on the women’s soccer community, and you could really feel it in the crowd at her last SD Wave game,” Thompson said.
Throughout her illustrious career representing the United States, she has made over 200 appearances in international matches, showcasing her consistency and dedication on the field. Morgan has also further cemented her reputation with a tally of 123 goals and 53 assists, setting up her teammates for success.
Morgan leaves the field after finishing final game at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo
Fans celebrate in the stands after Morgan’s last game.
Photo
SPORTS
Rowing season commences
USD men’s rowing recruits two female coxswains
PRIYA COOPER SPORTS EDITOR
USD men’s rowing recruited two female athletes to join their ranks this season. While rowing is often coed, this is the first time women have competed on the USD men’s rowing team.
USD first-year Lilly Moyer from Colorado and USD firstyear Annie LlamanzaresBartolome from Virginia are both coxswains and the only two women recruited for the team this year.
Llamanzares-Bartolome talked about the role of being a coxswain and what it requires to reach success.
“A coxswain is essentially a coach on water. We steer, call out techniques, help with race plans etc. Tennis and crew are the only sports where coaches aren’t allowed to interfere during competitions,” Llamanzares-Bartolome said.
Llamanzares-Bartolome also discussed the emotions around being one of two girls on the team and its impact.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting the team and being able to do workouts with them. It’s made me so close with Lilly and I feel like I have 30+ brothers looking out for me,”
Llamanzares-Bartolome said.
Llamanzares-Bartolome also discussed the reasons for choosing a coed team and how rowing in high school affected her decision.
“I’ve always coxed guys since my freshman year of high school, so when I was looking to get recruited I reached out to men’s teams,” LlamanzaresBartolome said. “I’ve done ballet and cheer, and the whole atmosphere is very different.”
In LlamanzaresBartolome’s recruitment post on the USD mens rowing instagram, USD head Coach Bart Thompson described the attributes that make her a perfect candidate for the role.
“Annie is a high-achieving student, due to both her intellect and exceptional work ethic. She’s also succeeded as a leader in a multitude of endeavors outside of the classroom, rowing included. Most of all, I admire how rooted she is in faith, and the way it is visible in her kindness and character,” Thompson wrote.
She also wrote her reasons for wanting to attend the University of San Diego in her post featured on the USD men’s rowing instagram page.
“The University of San
Diego’s attributes as a school with intimate class atmospheres, successful athletic teams, and campus
community rooted in faith and spirituality made USD the ideal choice when considering where to spend the next four years. I look forward to joining USDMR and immersing myself in a program with both talented teammates who will encourage and push me, as well as the leadership of a compassionate and intuitive coaching staff.”
On a simialr post Thompson also expressed how first-year Lilly Moyer will help lead the men’s rowing team to success.
“Lilly has the tools to be a great coxswain at this level. She is whip-smart, which is a key ingredient to being a great coxswain. She is highly driven, with a strong desire to succeed in our sport, but at the same time is very likable, with a demeanor that makes her easy to chat with. Most importantly, she’s a great person,” said Thompson.
Moyer also wrote her reasons for ultimately choosing USD.
“I chose USD because of the fantastic group of guys and coaches I met, who made me already feel like a teammate when I was on my visit. It was such a gorgeous campus that I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I also couldn’t wait to be on a coast, and you can’t beat San Diego’s weather.”
USD men’s rowing will compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. The race takes place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Toreros have shown success at these races in the past. Last year, men’s rowing had their best performance at Head of the Charles in program history. In their first entry into an eights category at Head of the Charles Regatta, the Collegiate Eight crew started near the back of the pack. Meanwhile, last year the Collegiate Four passed both crews that were ahead of it and was the first crew across the finish line, ultimately finishing in 2nd place out of 44 entries overall. That silver medal spot is the best finish in program history, also beating the Toreros previous year’s 3rd-place finish.
Following the Head of the Charles Regatta, men’s rowing will compete at the Head of the American Regatta on Oct. 26 in Sacramento, California, And then in the San Diego Fall Classic which takes place in San Diego on Nov. 10, 2024. The mens rowing season also continues into the spring with more oppurtunities and the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships.
Llamanzares-Bartolome signing with USD men’s rowing.
Photo courtesy of @usdmrowing/Instagram
Lilly Moyer commits to men’s rowing as a coxswain.
Photo courtesy of @usdmrowing/Instagram