Volume 62 Issue 20

On newsstands weekly

Volume 62 Issue 20

Thursday, May 8, 2025

THE USD VISTA VISTA

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968

USD affected by visa revocations Immigration reform raises concerns amongst Toreros

CADEN HAYNOR ASST. NEWS EDITOR As the spring semester progresses, fears regarding the future of international students and faculty on campus have increased. Under the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have increased their operations, focusing on strict immigration law enforcement and mass deportations.

Since March, 36 University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and four San Diego State University (SDSU) students have had their student visas revoked. Some of these visas were reinstated in April. At least one UCSD student was deported at the border after their visa was revoked, according to UCSD’s student newspaper, The Guardian.

As these events have neared USD, they have jolted students.

USD, along with other colleges in San Diego, have felt Trump’s increased immigration policies. Although USD students have not experienced any deportations, one USD student has had their visa revoked.

Prior to spring break, Toreros held a vigil for the deported and detained.

Ellie Skjersaa/The USD Vista

Toreros tee off at championship USD men’s golf places eighth at WCC tournament

ANTHONY SHARKEY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR The University of San Diego men’s golf team placed eighth at this year’s West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship. From April 25 through April 27, the Toreros traveled to the Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, Calif. to defend their title. In the previous season, the Toreros won the 2024 WCC Championship, which was their first victory in the competition since 2008.

Unfortunately, the team wasn’t able to repeat their success this year. USD first-year Cooper Humphreys hails from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and was named the 2023 Pacific Northwest Golf Association player of the year. Humphreys was candid about the team’s results.

“Coming into the WCC Championships we were feeling good and were excited to defend,” Humphreys said.

“To be honest, we are very disappointed with the result, but that is part of golf, and we see it as an opportunity to grow and be more prepared for regionals.”

See

Golf,

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USD first-year Suwan Jung is a student from Korea.

Jung discussed how he and his friends have been affected by the visa revocations.

“I know someone who was in the same high school as me … He got his visa revoked just because he got two speeding tickets,” Jung explained. “I feel like that is going too far. I do have to worry that, if anything comes out about me in public, like going to a protest or a political post, I might have my visa revoked.”

The International Center’s Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at USD works to ensure that international students have a smooth transition to USD while also complying with immigration regulations. The OISS explained how they have been supporting USD students through the recent immigration events.

“The OISS ensures that visaholding students and scholars maintain their status by providing compliance support and campus resources,” the OISS stated.

“OISS actively monitors policy changes affecting international students, shares updates through

See Deportation,

Page 2

INSIDE Job market See News, page 2

Back with a bang See A&C, page 4

Mother’s Day gifts See Feature, page 6-7

Return to childhood See Opinion, page 10

Club Pickleball See Sports, page 12 USD sophomore You Seong Choi tied for ninth place at the WCC Championship.

Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online:

@USDVista

Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

@theusdvista

theusdvista.com

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The USD Vista

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May 8, 2025

NEWS

Toreros worry about job prospects Tens of thousands of employees are looking for new jobs

MAE O’MALLEY ASST. NEWS EDITOR As the Class of 2025 graduates this spring, students are preparing to take on the job market and enter the workforce. The new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by President Trump at the beginning of his second term, is making efforts to increase productivity within the government by initiating layoffs.

Not only are these employees’ lives affected by losing their source of income, they will now enter the job market and compete with the incoming Class of 2025.

Though Trump’s orders to increase layoffs have intensified the competitiveness of the job market, other factors have led to increased pressure since the pandemic.

Additionally, some hiring managers have admitted to posting “ghost jobs” on job boards, meaning that the positions are nonexistent or have already been filled.

According to a 2024 MyPerfectResume survey, 36% of employers admitted that a quarter of their job postings were made up.

Other potential candidates have complained about strenuous application processes, with some jobs reportedly mandating over five interviews before being notified of a decision.

While these statistics affect all potential employees, college graduates face their own set of issues. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has reported that the past two decades have seen a 117 percent increase in workers aged 65 and over remaining in the workforce. This entails that the rate of jobs being turned over from retirees to

Students in the Knauss School of Business often attend networking events in search of jobs.

Photo courtesy of @usd_business/Instagram

recent graduates has decreased.

Additionally, Gen Z and millennials are gaining a reputation for only accepting jobs or projects that align with their values and ethics. This distinction has kept 50% of Gen Z workers and 43% of millennials from taking on assignments that combat their personal beliefs.

These generations have also started taking into consideration the mental health benefits that workplaces may offer or the practices put into place to combat inequality.

USD sophomore Brandi Upshaw is a biochemistry major who is working on a research project this summer.

Upshaw weighed in on the requirements she had when

it came to looking for a job.

“Honestly I was just trying to find a job, I wasn’t really picky,” Upshaw said. “As long as it was related to biotech or bio-pharmaceutical internships, it worked for me. I am just trying to do anything to gain relevant work experience that will help me in the future.”

The need for a bachelor’s or more advanced degree has also become an important distinction when it comes to choosing one employee over another. In the past 24 years, there has been a 7% increase in the number of bachelor’s degrees earned and a 5% increase in the number of master’s and doctoral degrees earned. The most popular bachelor’s degrees in the last decade have been in

business, health care and social assistance and social sciences.

Some students debate whether or not college degrees are necessary in today’s job market. USD junior Simon Diaz spoke about his feelings towards needing a degree.

“I think it really depends on what you’re interested in,” Diaz said. “I feel like social skills and connection will get you further if you’re going into sales or something, but obviously going into a medical field you would need a degree. I do think a degree can show commitment and a strong work ethic which I feel like a lot of employers look for.”

USD junior Hannah Park majors in biochemistry and plans to attend med school after taking a gap year. Park

commented on the burdens she has faced when preparing for her future in healthcare and pursuing certain professions.

“As there becomes a shortage of essential healthcare workers, there seems to be more barriers of entry for us undergraduate students who want to pursue a career in healthcare which, in my opinion, doesn’t make sense,” Park stated. “On top of that, so many different sources will tell you that there’s a shortage of anesthesiologists, emergency doctors or therapists and will try to urge people to go into those areas. I feel like this pressure overshadows other vital jobs such as becoming a nurse, [physician’s assistants] or going into public health.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has reported that some of the most important skills recruiters look for in potential employers today are understanding of artificial intelligence, sales leadership, creativity and persuasion. While some students are not graduating yet, many continue to boost their resumes with the use of internships and other work experience in order to prepare themselves for the day they enter the job market. USD junior Gianna Eaton spends her summers working as a door-to-door salesperson.

“I honestly think it’s better than any internship because it’s soft skills that you can use for any job,” Eaton said. “If I don’t end up going to law school, I would probably be able to get a great sales or marketing job because of the experience I am gaining from this.”

As further cuts are being made

by DOGE, those entering the job market will continue to be on the lookout for new opportunities.

Student deportations hit San Diego One Torero impacted by widespread visa revocations

From Deportations, Page

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direct email campaigns to all international students, targeted emails for relevant student groups, webinars, and keeps university leadership informed.

Additionally, OISS supports students who encounter issues with their status by helping them navigate regulations, maintain stability, and focus on completing their degree and making the most of their time at USD.” OISS explained how they are working to assist international students who wish for their families to come to graduation.

“OISS is responsible for assisting graduating international students with their desire to invite their parents from abroad to attend the upcoming graduation ceremony,” OISS said. “Oneon-one advising sessions are available to address questions

or concerns from international students and their parents about traveling to the United States for the graduation ceremony.”

USD senior Lauren Williams, president of the Social Justice Club on campus, has held multiple meetings with students related to the new administration’s recent immigration crackdowns.

Williams spoke about how the language around immigration is meaningful during this time.

“In our meeting, ‘Language Matters, Advocating for Immigrant Dignity,’ we described how it is critical for us to raise awareness of false narratives of immigrants during a rise of mass deportations since January,” Williams explained.

“In the media, immigrants have often been portrayed negatively as ‘illegals’ or ‘illegal aliens.’

Therefore, we informed those who attended our meeting that

Recently, student visa revocations have been a major issue in higher education.

by shifting the language we use, like saying ‘migrant’ instead can make a difference since it makes people feel safe in our community and it has the power to shift narratives in the media.”

On-campus resources, including the Counseling Center, University Ministry, Department of Public Safety and the International Center are available for USD community

Photo courtesy of @RealGaryShep/X

members seeking support. As the policies around immigration in the U.S. continue to evolve, the USD community will remain alert of the impact these reforms will have on their lives.

Volume 62 Issue 20 •

NEWS

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NEWS

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The USD Vista

Housing prices to increase by 5%

Students face delays, limited space and payments for housing CADEN HAYNOR ASST. NEWS EDITOR As USD students approach the end of the school year, many look ahead to where they plan to live this upcoming fall.

All current residents, students abroad and students on a leave of absence received messaging throughout February about the housing application’s availability and deadlines.

Housing rates are also set to increase for the 2025-2026 school year. According to the USD housing website, housing rates will increase by about 5% for students required to live on campus, first and second year students, and by about 8% percent for students not required to live on campus. The USD Residential Life website explains these increased rates.

“Housing rates will increase by ~5% for required students and ~8% for non-required students for the 2025-26 academic year due to market research,” the Residential Life website spells out.

This market research reflects the rising costs in San Diego’s rental market, as well as operational costs and demand.

These increases in spending have worried some students looking to pay for housing next year. USD first-year Madeline Li, who will be living on campus next year, reacted to these increased rates.

“The school has been raising all of these prices recently which makes no sense because we are already paying so much to go to this school,” Li said. “I am not completely caught up on school spending, but I feel they should not be charging more for housing. I know there are students who are struggling to find housing next year.”

The Residential Life department at USD responded to worries like these about housing availability and costs on campus.

“Like most institutions, USD does not have enough housing inventory to meet every student’s needs,” Residential Life stated. “However we do our best to maximize our ability to support as many students as possible. We do this by striving to make student housing on campus less expensive than

Students live on campus in residential halls across campus.

rental rates off-campus and we will continue to work to keep our housing rates competitive.”

At USD, the cost of oncampus housing is occasionally higher than off-campus options, but the comparison depends on factors like location, amenities and lease terms.

The USD website gives certain criteria that students must meet which requires first and second years to live on campus. While the number of residents per living space has increased over the past couple years, there are still students who have had difficulty finding housing for the upcoming school year. USD first-year Henry Dall, along with three of his first-year friends, do not know where they are going to live next year.

“Housing said that they don’t have spaces for us to live next year,” Dall stated.

“We’re thinking of living in a house or something. We were thinking about maybe getting a golf house anyways, but this might force us to.”

Students are also unsure about the different ways to pay for housing on campus and if there are ways in which free or

The USD Vista Jackie Marquez - Editor-in-Chief

Anjali Dalal-Whelan - Feature Editor

Lauren Ceballos - Associate Editor

Ellie Skjersaa - Arts & Culture Editor

Lily Anderson - Managing Editor

Riley Rains - Sports Editor

Lara Dominique Solante - Copy Editor

AndreaArvizuSalazar - Distribution Manager

Alissa Abramovich - Art Director

Arden Anderson - Social Media Manager

Emma Pirhala - News Editor

Shannen Swars - Photo Editor

Zoe Rogers - Opinion Editor

Anna Hallock - Director of Finance

discounted housing is available to those who need it. Mason shared her ideas on how the school can better communicate and create housing payment resources to students.

“I think the school should make it easier to learn about payment for housing, like if there’s scholarships [students] can apply for,” Mason explained.

“A lot of my friends have become residential assistants just to avoid the housing payment because it is a lot.”

Another factor worrying students is delayed confirmation about where they will be living next year. Li spoke about her experience with the delays in USD Residential Life’s responses.

“Our housing was delayed about a week, and we only heard back after a week because one of my friends, who was the coordinator of our neighborhood, emailed housing to get a response,” Li explained. “All of my friends know I was super stressed while we were waiting for a response.”

The communication about available resources from Residential Life has been brought up as scarce by USD

Jason Wu/The USD Vista

students who are unsure about where they can live and when they can apply for that housing.

USD sophomore Brooke Fitz Cluster, who will be studying abroad in Madrid next semester, felt uninformed about where she can live when she returns to school after study abroad.

“They did so many things to make us know how to do housing in freshman year, but as I’ve progressed, they have not told me much which is annoying,” Fitz Cluster said. “They don’t have many resources for those studying abroad. It seems like they make you figure it out when you’re abroad, which is kinda scary because I don’t know where I’m living when I come back.”

Housing at USD does send updates and information on when to apply, reminders on social media and communication by Residential Assistants and Community Directors.

Residential Life broke down the different types of updates students have received this semester.

“Students were emailed updates through the month of February indicating that next steps for housing (roommate

Editorial – 619.260.4584 Business – 619.260.4714 www.theusdvista.com/ @TheUSDVista Quinn Hallinan - Advertising Manager Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor

group selection and then apartment selection) would occur in late March and April,” Residential Life explained.

“Information with specifics about this was then sent to all applicants approved for next steps in the process the week of March 31. Students who applied for neighborhoods were contacted in the middle of March via email with additional information approving or further considering their neighborhood applications.”

There are resources available for those students who are unable to get housing with USD for the subsequent school year. USD Residential Life explained some of the ways that students can find roommates and housing off campus in areas that are not directly affiliated with the school.

“Resources include an offcampus roommate finder, where students looking for roommates off-campus can put in their information and make contact with each other,” Residential Life stated. “USD Graduate and Law Student Commons also provides summary information and data about surrounding communities where graduate and law students tend to live, and undergraduate students can utilize this information as a resource as well.”

As a result of the housing crisis, new residential areas are being built around San Diego to support college students.

Private companies have already begun construction on residential areas near San Diego State University. Nico Posehn, a USD first-year student, shared what he is looking for in these types of housing options.

“As [new housing complexes] start to emerge, I would honestly care more about its affordability than what it looks like,” Posehn said. “I think it’s a great idea for companies to start looking to college students as potential buyers and actually serving their need for cheap housing not related to their school.”

As USD students anticipate their residential situations next year, many wait in anticipation for the emails confirming where they will be living, how much they will have to pay and who they will be living with.

The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee.

Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University.

The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body.

Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office.

Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.

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Volume 62 Issue 20

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The USD Vista

ARTS & CULTURE Back with a bang

Students across campus seen rocking timeless hairstyle EMMA PIRHALA NEWS EDITOR LARA DOMINIQUE SOLANTE COPY EDITOR There are many rites of passage for young people: their first car, their first love and of course, their first fringe. On campus and out in the real world, there has been a resurgence of bangs of all different styles. Notable celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift and Daisy Edgar-Jones have all made bangs part of their style, and they are starting to catch on with college students.

USD junior Eva Ng got bangs the summer before her first year of college. For her, it was time for a change.

“I got bangs because I was kind of bored of my hair at that moment,” Ng said. “It was a transition period for me from going to high school to college.

I thought that maybe my hair would make me a new version of myself that I could meet a lot of new people with, and it gave me — weirdly enough — a blank slate. I also wanted bangs for at least a couple years at that point. I would get curtain bangs and cut those shorter.

Then eventually, I was like, ‘you know what? I’m just going to go for it and get bangs.’”

Bangs are in no way a new phenomenon. After gaining popularity in the 1920s, bangs have been a consistent staple of style for years. Over the past century, the hairstyle has been reinvented in a number

of ways to keep up with other fashion trends of the time. In the 1960s, style icons such as Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot popularized the messy effortless fringe that is still adored today. And of course, the ‘80s were banging with bangs through the ultra-voluminous, feathered look chosen by celebrities such as Heather Locklear and Tina Turner.

Few styles have so persistently stood the test of time while constantly adapting to current styles. So, it is no surprise that USD’s own students continue to favor the fringe and put their unique twist on the hairstyle.

Loren McLain, USD senior, got curtain bangs her junior year of high school. Last year, she decided to switch them to traditional bangs.

“I’ve always loved expressing myself through clothes and jewelry, so I wanted to accomplish that with my hair too,” McLain shared. “I’ve also always been inspired by Rachel Berry from ‘Glee,’ so I thought getting bangs would situate me closer to her.”

However, bangs are not always all fun and games.

The hairstyle is notoriously high-maintenance, which can be difficult for college students on the go. Ng shared the difficulties that she had to overcome regarding the upkeep of her bangs.

“For bangs, you have to keep in mind that usually the front part gets greasier more often, which means that even if the rest of your hair isn’t greasy, sometimes it can just

Singer and icon, Tina Turner, famously rocked the feathered bang look.

Photo courtesy of @tinaturner/Instagram

be the bangs,” Ng explained.

“So, you have to wash them more often or spray them with dry shampoo. It’s definitely a little bit more of an upkeep.”

Despite the demanding maintenance, Ng enjoyed her time with bangs. She has since parted with the fashionable fringe, letting her hair return back to its natural state.

“When I had bangs, I liked them,” Ng shared. “I think a lot of the people around me also liked them. I didn’t really want to get rid of my bangs. My bangs just kind of went away because I didn’t get a haircut for a really long time. They just kind of phased out with me. My bangs had their time.”

USD sophomore Ella Cromer expressed that although she shares a similar sentiment, her bangs can be challenging to manage every day.

“It is such a pain to have bangs because even if you start off the day with them looking really nice, they can get so crummy at the end either from rain, if it’s humid outside, or [they’re] just not having a good day,” Cromer said.

Although they require lots of care, McLain still finds the hairstyle worth the trouble.

“I think bangs are worth the upkeep,” McLain said.

“My routine usually consists of washing my hair and then blowing my bangs out for a few minutes. And when I’m not feeling bangs, it’s super easy to just clip them back.”

Whether short or long, layered or not, bangs are a

The history of bangs goes beyond the twenty-first century.

Graphic by Alissa Abramovich / The USD Vista

versatile option for a hairstyle that can stand the test of time.

Ranging from the bumper bangs

Actress and model, Jane Birkin, was a leading figure in the rise of bangs.

of the 40s to the ever-popular curtain fringe of the 2020s, bangs are clearly here to stay.

Photo courtesy of @janebirkindaily/Instagram

Volume 62 Issue 20 •

ARTS & CULTURE

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The USD Vista

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JACKIE MARQUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Across 2. After completing your finals, you may experience ____.

3. Synonym for test 5. Cleaning your room instead of doing your homework 7. ____ get more questions as deadlines approach.

10. You may write one of these instead of taking a test.

13. Fuel for getting through the end of the semester 14. ____ date? More like do it on the date.

15. Where students go to study

Down 1. You may get stuck in a group ____ with classmates who don’t do their part.

3. Course _____ give you an opportunity to give your honest opinion on a professor.

4. ____ can motivate you or wreck your mental health.

6. What you do to find sources for a paper 8. This may be sacrificed for extra time studying.

9. It can feel like years before you get your final ____ back.

11. ____ examinations will be held from May 19-23.

12. What you do in hopes of passing your finals

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The USD Vista

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May 8, 2025

Celebrating the wo Tore Photo courtesy of @craftartdaily/Instagram

Mother’s Day is a time to c nurture life. From acts of keepsakes, students share ho for their mothers. With Mo May 11, it’s not too late to ge Torer

“I always try to make her something sentimental because she appreciates that more. So just like a heartfelt card.”

-Sophia Eagan (sophomore)

Photo courtesy of @the_little_book_spot/Instagram

“My mom is super religious, so I got her little devotionals, a notebook and another random book because she loves to read. It’s a way to calm her down. I also got her favorite candy, so I’ll send that all to her this year. We typically get together with the whole family, like my aunt and my grandma, and have food and presents to celebrate all the mothers.”

-Ava Russo (first-year) Photo courtesy of @tulipanflowershop/Instagram

“We normally like to go to the beach and do a picnic.

I usually get her flowers or something. I know that has been on her wishlist for a while. For this Mother’s Day, my mom has really been into Pilates, so I got her a bunch of cute pilates socks and a beauty gift bag.”

-Abbie Rexroad (junior)

Volume 62 Issue 20

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FEATURE

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The USD Vista

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women who raised reros Photo courtesy of @mokamilkroma/Instagram

e to celebrate the people that ts of service to sentimental re how they show appreciation h Mother’s Day coming up on to get inspiration from fellow oreros.

“When I’m back home, we usually go to brunch with my entire family. But gift wise, it’s a big ol’ hug from me.”

-Abby Dohoney (junior)

Photo courtesy of @omceramic/Instagram

“My sisters and I always get my mom mugs with pictures of ourselves on them. And she loves it. My sister got my mom a mug of me flipping off the camera, and it said ‘Shut the actual f***k up’ on it. She uses it every day. It’s her favorite mug.”

-Jessica Bush (junior)

Photo courtesy of @crowneplazautrecht/Instagram

“I think people should base their gift based on people’s love languages. You should definitely know your mom by now and her love language. So like for my mom, she likes acts of service. I usually make her breakfast for Mother’s Day.” -Madeline Flores (junior)

Spread by: Alissa Abramovich/The USD Vista: Content by Meher Dhaliwal/The USD Vista

The USD Vista

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May 8, 2025

AR TS & FEATURE

Helping hands at the Humane Society As shelters crowd, students take action

CHERISHANN DIAMZON CONTRIBUTOR San Diego’s animal shelters are operating over capacity, with most stray animals never making it back home. Just down the road from USD, the crisis has continued to grow since the post-pandemic drop in pet adoptions. While some students have become involved through volunteer work or campus organizations, many are unaware of the conditions nearby.

Of the 40,000 animals brought to the San Diego Humane Society in 2024, only about 20% were reclaimed by their owners, according to Nina Thompson, the director of public relations for the organization. The reclaim rate for dogs was higher, at 34%, but most animals remained in search of new homes.

Thompson explained that the main reasons why pets end up in shelters are due to their owners moving, having too many animals and unplanned litters.

These situations often come down to life changes that pet owners can’t control — especially when it comes to housing.

“People moving is a big reason for owner surrenders,” Thompson said. “They’ll say, ‘I have to move. I can’t bring my large dog with me,’ maybe due to rental restrictions on breed or weight, or some places not allowing pets at all.”

The rise in unplanned litters has added pressure to shelters already struggling with space and staffing. With more animals

coming in than going out, Thompson said shelter staff are working constantly to care of them and find space wherever they can.

She also noted a rise in puppies following a pandemic-era pause in spay and neuter surgeries.

“We call it a little puppy explosion here, because we’ve never seen so many puppies of all breeds,” Thompson remarked.

Transportation and a lack of awareness are also barriers to reclaiming pets. Some people do not know where to look or cannot get to the shelter. This problem is not unique to San Diego.

“We are in a lot of communication with shelters nationwide,” Thompson noted.

“We have a coalition here in San Diego, so we’re communicating with our partner shelters.

They’re all reporting the same thing, and we’re all full.”

In 2023, the Humane Society took in more than 21,000 stray pets and more than 8,400 owner surrenders ­ — pets given up by people who could no longer care for them. Thompson clarified that the organization does not euthanize for time or space, only when an animal is suffering, cannot be treated or cannot be safely placed in the community.

When over capacity, the shelter must carry out emergency measures like housing animals in hallways and offices with temporary crates and kennels, which can lead to increased stress for both animals and staff.

“You can foster for a weekend, even if you have classes Monday through Friday,”

Toreros are welcome to volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society.

Many pets who are surrendered at the Humane Society are never reclaimed by their owners.

Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista

Thompson shared. “Take a dog out of the shelter for the weekend and give them a break from the kennel. Or try our Dog Day Out program, where you can take a dog out for just a few hours.”

Thompson concluded that every effort helps.

“We’re just a stone’s throw away from you,” Thompson said. “Come on down, whether it’s fostering, volunteering or simply spreading the word, every effort helps us provide second chances for pets in need.”

On campus, some student groups are already taking steps to support animals in need.

The pre-vet club on campus

Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista

offers students a way to support animals in need, including stray and surrendered pets.

“Most of our members aren’t necessarily planning to become veterinarians — they just care deeply about animals,” USD senior Bella Dejesse the club’s president, said. Members have volunteered in different ways, including repairing toys for Paws for Purple Hearts, a nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans. Several members have volunteered by assisting with microchipping clinics and animal care teams.

“We’ve had several students, including myself, foster shortterm or take on lower-hour volunteer commitments at smaller shelters and gain valuable hands-on experience with animals,” Dejesse said.

Even without formal partnerships, Dejesse said that students have found ways to stay involved and support shelters in ways that fit their schedules.

For some on campus, the impact of pet adoption is personal.

Jonathan Bowman, professor of communication and director of the University of San Diego Honors Program, adopted his dog Nala from the county shelter before the Humane Society took over operations.

Nala had been surrendered twice and was reportedly sold online as a purebred German shepherd before being given up again as a teenager.

“It was clear her early life had been difficult, but that didn’t stop me from taking a chance,” Bowman said.

Bowman pointed out that some people treat pets like hobbies, something to be excited about for a while, until life gets busy or the excitement fades.

He sees that kind of thinking as a part of the problem.

“They get really into surfing or something, and then get over it,” Bowman stated. “Pets

aren’t hobbies.

They’re family. Sometimes they require more effort than a relationship or even a child.”

Finances are another barrier for prospective pet owners, Bowman acknowledged.

“Dogs aren’t cheap,” Bowman said. “There’s food, vet bills, insurance, enrichment. Folks need to check their budgets first, but once they know they can commit, they should adopt enthusiastically.”

When people adopt without thinking it through, the pet can end up right back in the shelter.

But with a little planning, it’s more likely to work out for everyone.

Bowman called adopting Nala one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Since adopting Nala, Bowman has seen the difference a stable home can make. Nala is now a regular presence at USD Honors events and has become a familiar face for students on campus.

USD senior Sky Johnson said she has considered fostering but has not tried it due to post-graduation uncertainty and housing restrictions. For Johnson, like many students, wanting to help isn’t the hard part ­— it’s making it work with everything else. Between school, moving and housing rules, fostering just hasn’t been realistic.

“It’s tough wanting to help but not being able to,” Johnson admitted. “Most of us aren’t from here … and don’t follow local news … I see lost pets on Nextdoor, but with student housing and going back and forth between LA and San Diego, it’s hard to commit.”

While shelter overcrowding continues within San Diego, members of the USD community have found small ways to get involved. Through volunteering, fostering or outreach, they’ve contributed in ways that fit within the limits of student life.

Volume 62 Issue 20

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OPINION

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The USD Vista

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OPINION

Lose the need to compare

Stop comparing and start paving your own path ZOE ROGERS OPINION EDITOR College is full of comparison.

Sometimes, you can’t help but notice someone who has a better resume than you or the classmate who always scores the highest on the test. Especially as undergraduates, we are extremely prone to overanalyzing our achievements and comparing them to others. Comparison is not the recipe for success.

College can be a competitive environment, and there are numerous factors that go into college’s intense nature.

Components such as academic performance, internship experience and personal talents are things that college students tend to compare with others. Success in college can be defined by achievement, and because of this, comparison can give you a false sense of failure when you’re doing just fine.

This failure can be attributed to feeling that you haven’t achieved as much as another student.

It’s natural to want to compare yourself to others in hopes of figuring out what that person has that you don’t and how that thing gives them a superior edge. But the truth is, you do not benefit from comparison. Comparison sheds light on the qualities that you believe you lack in yourself.

However, this causes you to fail to notice the positive aspects within you. While yes, you may be lacking specific attributes that another person has, you too have traits that others lack.

In college, we are in a time of development in our academic

Different doesn’t always equal better.

It’s natural to want to compare your academic performance to your classmates.

and professional careers. We are constantly trying to find opportunities and experiences that we could benefit from and, in some cases, even put on our resumes or LinkedIn profiles. This can create a competitive environment, especially here at USD, as many undergraduates share the same majors and post-grad aspirations.

Constantly comparing your achievements with those of your peers can lead to questioning your own worth. My friend often says to me a famous quote

by Mark Twain, a late American writer and humorist.

“Comparison is the thief of joy,” Twain once said.

Photo courtesy of @nguyenhiep/Unsplash

Comparing post-grad plans is an unproductive mindset, especially when those students are entering a different job market than you. Some jobs are in higher demand than others, and it will not do you any good to feel envy over the person who scored their dream job right out of college.

When you focus too much on what others have, you lose appreciation of your own traits, causing you to believe that you are lacking in some way. I have caught myself on numerous occasions comparing myself to the academic performance of others or qualities that I see in someone that I can’t help but wish I was gifted with.

Personally, I have always compared my public speaking skills to others in my class. Sometimes, this comparison makes me feel that the more I attempt to incorporate that student’s traits into my own speaking, the less confident in my performance I become.

Comparison gets you nowhere; not only is it damaging to your mental health, but it is an unproductive thought process.

Mindful Health Solutions, a site that provides innovative health services, reported the impact that comparison can have on your mental health.

“Comparison is a harmful habit that has a significant emotional

Photo courtesy of @vanesagiaconi/Unsplash

drain and can compromise your mental well-being,” the article stated. “Various research studies have shown a strong correlation between frequent comparison and heightened levels of depression and anxiety. This is especially common among young adults who are still forming their identities and are more responsive to societal pressures.”

However, some may argue that comparison can be seen as a way to better yourself. When you see attributes in someone that you wish you had, you can begin working on yourself to achieve those qualities. For example, if you notice your classmate has a more extensive resume than you, you can take that as an initiative to gain more internship opportunities and broaden your experience.

While this perspective may be true, constant comparison of yourself to others can be unhealthy. You end up spending too much time noticing the qualities that everyone else has instead of appreciating your skills and learning how to heighten them. Comparing can only point out areas of growth, it doesn’t necessarily have to lead to automatic improvement.

Everyone has their own strengths that are unique to them.

Just because you don’t know what you want to do after college — and it feels like everyone else has it figured out — that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of achieving great things in your future. We have a natural tendency to compare ourselves to others. But instead of allowing that mindset to take over, stop focusing on the attributes you believe you lack and start appreciating the qualities you have that differentiate you from others.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

The USD Vista

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May 8, 2025

OPINION

Back to the good old days

Tapping into childhood nostalgia will change your life ALEX KUETER ASST. OPINION EDITOR College is a really stressful time in young people’s lives.

For many of us, we’re on our own for the first time. We need to cook all our own meals, do our own laundry, go to classes, maybe work a job and be the sole person responsible for our safety and well-being. Juggling these responsibilities can be enormously stressful for students, which is why the University invests in stress management options like TimelyCare, wellness programs and more.

While these options are great for significant stressful events, many students like myself struggle with daily stress from all of the little things around us. But there are alternative ways of handling these difficulties. One way to escape and manage these daily stresses lies in childhood activities.

Some of the small joys of my childhood included playing the Webkinz video game, watching the slightly creepy live action Barbie movies and reading Young Adult (YA) books like “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games.”

I’ve recently found myself going back to these things as my stress has increased during college life and noticed that being able to sit down, relax and go back to childhood through these things has been a very grounding and helpful experience.

This idea isn’t new — many doctors and therapists believe that reconnecting to your inner child can help heal current and old traumas. In an article for the Cleveland Clinic, psychologist Susan Albers explains the benefits of reconnecting with your past self.

“Healing your inner child is about learning how to move forward, rediscovering what you need, recapturing what you’ve lost and reparenting your younger self so you can heal from past experiences,” Albers said.

There are numerous ways to heal your inner child, such as acknowledging your needs, returning to things you enjoyed as a child, journaling about your experiences and much more. This idea of connecting to your youth has proved to be a valuable idea for many people and is now recommended in several different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Besides actual therapy, incorporating aspects of your childhood into your life can be beneficial in small ways to reduce stress.

I recently re-downloaded the video game Webkinz. It is a free desktop game that allows

Revisiting childhood entertainment can actually benefit your mental health.

you to take care of virtual pets you get online, and if you choose to, you can buy a stuffed animal to get additional pets inside the game. It’s a pretty simple program that has you play various mini-games to keep your pets healthy and happy.

Because it is a rather old game, Webkinz only has a few games or options to play for free. For me, this small amount of play is a really good stress break that I’ve been able to incorporate into my days.

Unlike scrolling through social media, there is a finite number of tasks you can do, which reins in the lengths of study breaks by offering a natural stopping point. Scrolling for hours on end can be bad for our mental health, but a few minutes of more structured activity is much more beneficial for me during a break.

The nostalgia of playing a game I used to love every day has given me something to look forward to and also something to do in some of my down time.

The game reminds me of youthful times without being too much of a distraction in my life now—

the perfect dose of nostalgia.

Another thing I recently revisited was the old live-action Barbie movies. These were a pillar of my childhood, and I always looked forward to my Friday movie nights where I’d watch and rewatch them.

While I forgot about these for a long time, rediscovering them recently has brought so much joy and entertainment to my life. While most have aged well, it is so fun to rewatch what I adored as a child because of how silly some shows and movies are. This peaceful entertainment doesn’t have a lot of hidden messages, calls for action or dramatic scenes. While these things are important to have in media, it’s nice to be able to take a break for a while and watch, for example, Barbie dance with her 11 sisters to unlock a magical world in the movies “Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses.”

The silliness of some of the plots offers many opportunities to laugh and helps soothe my soul from the depressing world around us. While the animation can be kind of rough,

Photo courtesy of @secret_gardens_with_jamie/Instagram

turning my brain off for an hour or so is a nice break from everything else I have going on.

The last aspect of childhood that I have recently gone back to is reading YA books. These vary from timeless classics such as “Harry Potter,” to the newly revamped “Hunger Games” and the “Divergent” series, which is slightly less good on an almost fully developed prefrontal cortex. Many of these books are as amazing as ever, still capturing the magic of childhood and the world they were written in while taking the reader back into who they were when they first read it.

I’ll never forget reading “Harry Potter” for the first time in elementary school, dreaming about a Hogwarts acceptance letter of my own.

Re-reading the books felt just as magical now as it did then.

Re-reading “Divergent” on the other hand, had me laughing at what I once thought was the coolest world imaginable. Though there are a few plot holes, it was nice to remember how enthralled my younger self was with these styles of writing and how much

they meant to me to experience.

“The Hunger Games” is taking off again with the release of a new movie and book, but rereading the original trilogy has been just as fun and engaging.

These old books have brought me further in touch with who I was when I was younger and reconnected me with the things I loved.

Many people see growing up and getting older as a loss or intentional moving on from childhood. While it is in some ways, you don’t just have to abandon the things that you used to love. In fact, revisiting many of your old hobbies can help return you to your childhood feelings of calm and wonder on especially hard days. Lately when I’ve been stressed, instead of working myself up, I’ll open Webkinz or the “Hunger Games” and relax that way. I highly recommend giving this a try.

Find the aspects of your childhood that you miss or remember fondly, and go back to them. It is uniquely healing to reconnect yourself in this way and may be able to help you too.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Volume 62 Issue 20

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SPORTS

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The USD Vista

SPORTS

USD Golf competes at championship Toreros look toward NCAA regionals

From Golf, Page 1 Despite the disappointment surrounding the WCC Championship, the Toreros have had a strong season.

The USD Golf team placed first at three competitions this season, winning the Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational, The Prestige and the Nick Watney Invitational.

In addition, USD sophomore You Seong Choi had a standout season. At the WCC Championship, he landed a top 10 finish individually. In January, Choi was named in the 2025 WCC Preseason Men’s Golf Team. Choi has carried over individual performances from last season — he finished top five on three separate occasions.

“My main takeaway from being on the team is how important it is to communicate and trust each other,” Choi said.

“When we all work together and support one another, we perform so much better. It’s really about being there for each other.”

USD graduate student Jaden Cantafio brings a wealth of experience to the team. He weighed in on the season thus far.

“The season has been great, a lot of fun memories,” Cantafio said. “There’s been some recent tournaments that haven’t gone quite how we would’ve liked, but we are always able to learn and apply it to the following week. We are looking forward to NCA A regionals.”

Cantafio transferred from Washington State University this past year after playing four seasons with the Cougars.

Cantafio helped the team place fourth at the El Macero Classic earlier in April. His

individual performance landed him in the top 10. “[Transferring] was one of the best decisions I’ve made to come and play here,” Cantafio said. “The support that we have from our coaches, athletic trainers and academic support is amazing, and [I] couldn’t be more thankful for all of them.”

The Toreros are led by Head Coach Evan Emerick and Associate Head Coach Sam Foust. This is Emerick’s first season with the Toreros, but he brings a lot of experience to USD golf. Emerick previously played and coached for the San Diego State University golf team. During his 15 years with the Aztecs, he led them to three NCA A Championship appearances. He also recruited successful players, including eight-time PGA Tour winner and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele.

In each of Foust’s four seasons at USD, including this current one, the Toreros have made an appearance at the NCA A Tournament.

“At NCA A Regionals there is always a lot of pressure,” Foust said. “Everything you have done that season to that point is out the window and only the top 5 teams at each regional tournament advance to the NCA A Championship.

Our biggest key to success will be staying in the moment and playing ‘one shot at a time.’”

Under his leadership, the men’s golf team earned six team wins, as well as five individual first-place finishes since 2021.

The Toreros strive to cultivate a culture of winning; they have achieved success and expect success.

An

Toreros competed on the Torrey Pines course that they played on in January.

All of the USD golf athletes who competed at the West Coast Conference Championship are pictured above.

underwhelming result at the WCC Championship isn’t enough to deter Torero athletes.

“One thing that golf has

Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

taught me is that nothing is ever perfect,” Humphreys said.

“You have to roll with the ups and downs and stay positive.”

Humphreys also commented on what pushes him and the pride he has for USD. “What motivates me to play golf is to win,” Humphreys said. “I love representing this school and competing with this team, and [I] want to win for them as well.”

The Toreros have fostered this same atmosphere of pride and gratitude within their ranks.

Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Twitter

“I’ve made lifelong friends on this team it’s truly a blessing to be a part of this program and represent this university,” Cantafio said.

The season isn’t over yet. The NCA A regionals for men’s golf are right around the corner. On May 12-14, the Toreros will travel to Bremerton, Washington where they’ll fight to earn a spot in the NCA A national championship.

The Toreros have never won an NCA A regional, so this month they’ll look to make their mark on the big stage.

USD Coach Emerick cheering on Torero athletes.

Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

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The USD Vista

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May 8, 2025

SPORTS

Pickleball pandemonium

USD Club Pickleball’s pop heard around USD CHERISHANN DIAMZON CONTRIBUTOR

On most evenings near the USD Sports Center, the pop of plastic balls against paddles and the sound of laughter signal a growing campus trend: pickleball.

For some sophomores living in the Alcala Vista Apartments, those same sounds can be a source of frustration when they are trying to study or wind down and games keep going late into the night.

“I go to bed at 10 and they are playing til 11! Pop, pop, pop, 24/7,” USD sophomore Alexa Krieder said, describing the late-night noise that echoes just outside her apartment window.

For others, Club Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports on campus. What started as a casual idea between two firstyear students has quickly turned into an active community at USD. The club was founded in spring 2022 by seniors Shannon Burns and Nina Pignatello, two friends who met during orientation and quickly bonded over their shared love of pickleball. Back then, USD didn’t have a club team, and they saw an opportunity.

“We realized there was no team yet, and we thought, ‘Why not start one?’” Burns recalled. “Once we had 15 people and approval from Campus Rec, we were good to go.”

Their first roster included mostly club tennis crossovers.

Now, just two years later, the club sees over 60 players a semester, with practices held twice a week and tournaments that draw competitive and enthusiastic students from around campus.

Players hitting paddles together after a set.

Among those regulars are USD sophomore Roman Di Napoli and his doubles partner USD junior Bella Hong, both club tennis players who’ve become inseparable on the pickleball court.

“Bella and I basically live on the champions court every Monday and Wednesday night,” Di Napoli said. “It’s kind of our thing.”

Their connection and commitment to the game have made them staple players in the club and helped earn them a shot at national competition.

Club Pickleball at USD includes both recreational and competitive components. While most members participate casually, the club has taken part in offcampus tournaments, including

Jack Kiefer hitting a pickleball.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista

events with San Diego State University. Earlier this year, the club qualified to send players to the National Collegiate Pickleball Championships in Las Vegas, where Di Napoli and USD sophomore Quinn Du Trey competed against teams from across the country. “[Las Vegas is] my hometown, and it was the first time my parents ever saw me play,” Du Trey said. “It meant everything. The competition was intense, but the experience was unforgettable.”

For Di Napoli, the trip was as much about community as it was about competition.

Traveling with his teammates, meeting players from across the country and bonding over a shared love for the sport made the

Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista

experience even more meaningful.

“We don’t get gassed. Ever,” Di Napoli laughed. “The lights were bright, but we showed up.”

Behind the scenes, the club’s growth and organization are overseen by USD junior Marcus Hopkins, who stepped into the role of general manager earlier this year. Since taking over, Hopkins has organized practices, coordinated events and helped the club maintain its welcoming and competitive atmosphere.

“It’s definitely a lot of responsibility, but it’s been amazing,” Hopkins said.

“Everyone’s here because they love the game and want to have a good time.”

Hopkins, who can often be found playing on a San Diego court, has found a sense of community both on and off campus through the sport.

“Over winter break, I found a group of 20 strangers who met every day to play,” Hopkins said. “It turned into a real community. That’s what this sport does, it brings people together.”

Not all members join with competition in mind. USD senior Brianna Floyd decided to try out the club during her final semester at USD, looking for a new activity before graduation.

“I figured, this is my last chance,” Floyd said. “I had a total main character moment when I won my first game, even if it was on the lower courts.”

Now, Floyd plays on the top courts, where the rallies are fast, the stakes are high and the energy is infectious.

“It’s refreshing, energetic and totally welcoming,” Floyd added. “Even if I show up without a partner, I always find someone to play with. That’s the kind of group this is.”

The club includes a mix of players, some who take the game more seriously and others who approach it with a lighter attitude.

USD sophomore Jack Kiefer, who regularly attends practices, described his enthusiasm for the sport with a bit of humor.

He laughs off mistakes, doesn’t mind poking fun at himself and is always ready for a good rally.

“Pickleball is my life,” Kiefer explained.

“I live or die by the paddle.”

From around-the-post shots — called ATPs — to accidental home runs over the fence, chaos is always a possibility.

“Whenever someone hits an ATP, the whole court goes wild,” Burns said. “It doesn’t even go over the net — it goes around it.

It’s awesome.”

Now in her final year, Burns said watching the club expand has been one of the more memorable aspects of her time at USD. “I’ve had people say, ‘You’re the reason I came to USD,’” Burns recalled. “Knowing I helped build something that brings people together, that’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”

Club Pickleball is open to all students, regardless of experience. Practices are open, there are no tryouts and participation is flexible. The club offers a low-pressure way to stay active and connect with others.

BSB at Santa Clara Friday, May 8 TBD Santa Clara, CA

MGOLF vs NCAA Round 2 Monday, May 13 All day Reno, NV

MGOLF vs NCAA Round 3 Wednesday, May 14 All day Reno, NV

MGOLF vs NCAA Round 1 Monday, May 12 All day Reno, NV

BSB at UC San Diego Tuesday, May 14 6:00 p.m.

La Jolla, CA

SB at UCLA Tuesday, Mar. 11 7:00 p.m.

Los Angeles, CA