My USD Journey: Leadership, Advocacy, and Beyond
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A Moment of Honor: Signing the Steel Piece for the USD Wellness Building
Time to Read: 2 min read
As a student representative on the Wellness Building Committee and PR Chair for ASG, I had the honor of signing the steel piece for USD’s new Wellness Building. This building symbolizes the hard work of many across campus, and being part of its planning was an incredible experience.
Signing the beam alongside other ASG reps felt like a meaningful way to contribute to something that will support future generations of Toreros. The Wellness Building will provide essential resources for mental and physical health, and I’m proud to have played a role in bringing it to life.
Leading with Purpose: My Journey as ASG President
Time to Read: 1 min read
Serving as ASG President at USD has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. My main goal was always to ensure that all students’ voices were heard, advocating for school spirit, inclusion, and student-led initiatives.
Working alongside my incredible ASG team, we’ve planned events, pushed for policies, and built a stronger sense of community on campus. Engaging with students from all backgrounds has been the most fulfilling part of this role.
As I near the end of my presidency, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see future leaders continue to build on this foundation. Leading ASG has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, responsibility, and community.
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Breaking Barriers: Leading the First All-Female ASG Executive Board
Time to Read: 2 min read
As the first ASG President at USD to lead an all-female executive board, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This milestone is more than just a title—it represents the strength, dedication, and collaboration of a group of women committed to making a positive impact on our campus.
Leading a team of such talented, passionate women has been an inspiring experience. We've worked together to elevate student voices, create inclusive spaces, and implement meaningful initiatives that benefit the entire campus community. It’s been an honor to witness the power of women in leadership and to see how our unique perspectives have shaped our work.
This achievement is a testament to the progress USD continues to make in fostering diverse leadership. I’m excited for the future and the potential for even more women to step into leadership roles across campus. Together, we’ve set a new standard for what’s possible.
Serving as FUSO’s Community Liaison and Project Agapy
Time to Read: 2 min read
Saturday, November 16th, Vanessa Cruz and I had the incredible honor of hosting Project Agapay as the Community Liaisons for the University of San Diego’s Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization (FUSO). This event was a testament to the power of community, connection, and culture.
We were privileged to collaborate with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Diego (UPAASD) and welcome seven inspiring speakers, including alumni from both USD and UPAASD. Their stories and wisdom resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of honoring our roots while paving the way for future generations.
I am especially grateful to the FUSO members who attended with open hearts and minds, eager to learn from these accomplished individuals. The engagement shows the strength and passion within our organization to continue growing and fostering meaningful connections.
A Journey of Dedication: My 4 Years on the USD Cheer Team
Time to Read: 1 min read
Being a part of the USD Cheer team for the past four years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college journey. From my first practice to now, I’ve grown not just as a cheerleader but as a leader, a teammate, and a person.
For the last two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as captain, a role that has taught me more about leadership, responsibility, and perseverance than I could have imagined. As captain, I’ve worked alongside an amazing team, pushing ourselves to bring energy and spirit to every event, game, and performance. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to lead a group of individuals who share a deep passion for USD and our school spirit.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, and resilience. Cheerleading is not just about stunts and routines—it’s about creating a sense of unity and pride for the entire university community. Being captain has allowed me to help foster that connection while also supporting and mentoring the next generation of cheerleaders.
As my time on the team comes to an end, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories I’ve made. I’m proud of how much we’ve accomplished together, and I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned on the cheer mat with me long after graduation.
A Blessing for the Year Ahead: Reading at the Mass of the Holy Spirit
Time to Read: 1 min read
This year, I had the honor of reading at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a beautiful tradition at USD that marks the start of the academic year. It was a humbling experience to stand with my ASG team, seeking blessings for a successful year ahead.
Being part of this ceremony reminded me of the power of community and faith and our responsibility as leaders to serve our peers. Sharing this moment with my ASG team was especially meaningful as we reaffirmed our commitment to each other and to the student body.
Ugnayan Conference 2025: A Celebration of Resilience and Community
Time to Read: 1 min read
As the Community Liaison for USD’s Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization, I had the honor of planning the 13th Annual Ugnayan Conference, "Pathways to Progress: Navigating the Future Together." This year’s theme focused on resilience, celebrating the strength and unity within our community.
I’m deeply grateful to the Ugnayan Conference Committee and FUSO Executive Board for your dedication and passion, especially Christa Chan, Jameson Datoc, Zack Zhuang, and Noah Santa Maria. A special thanks to our panelists and keynote speaker—MylaGrace Zapanta, Anica Quizon, Mar Reyes, Raymond Gorospe, and Judge Rohanee Zapanta—for sharing your wisdom and inspiring us all.
This conference was not just an event, but a space for healing, learning, and connecting. I’m proud of what we accomplished together, and I hope everyone left with a renewed sense of strength and belonging.
Maraming salamat to everyone who made Ugnayan 2025 so unforgettable. Here's to honoring our roots and navigating the future together.