<p>Hi All, I said I would check in periodically. DD has completed her first quarter at Santa Clara. I have to say, it's been a wonderful experience for her. She has found a great group of friends, and also is enjoying her classes, the orchestra, oboe lessons, and her "new" major, biology. Of course, she could have done ALL of these things at USC...but that wasn't the choice in the end. She found out a week before the term ended that she was selected as one of eight freshmen student ambassadors and she was thrilled. She will be working in the admissions office, sitting on student panels, helping to host admitted student days and preview days, and giving student tours. She has settled in nicely and while she is enjoying vacation, is looking forward to returning on Jan. 7. The only "blip" in her quarter was that her roommate chose to move to a different dorm, so when she goes back, she'll have a new roommate. I would love to hear about how your kids are enjoying USC.</p>
<p>S had excellent first semester,only problem was a stolen bike.Loves the big time football and the small size Honors combo.Dove into his major and volunteered at the annual Sports Management Conference.Had a great experience with Marine Bio which involved doing work at the Columbia Childrens Museum "EdVenture" and a field trip to the coast.Managed to get around Columbia w/o a car because kids have them..otherwise I would say this is the downside to USC...no public transport and campus shuttles are limited. Supposedly,the student gov't is working on this problem(shuttles to off campus locations).Hes a tour guide for the Honors dorm,Maxcy.Has decided to become active in Carolina Productions which is the group that oversees bringing musical acts,speakers,etc to campus.Loves the Carolina weather and Southern hospitality.Now eats grits with cheese and says y'all w/o thinking. Calls grownups maam and sir.I would say a good experience overall and he doesnt regret turning down first choice school(first choice BEFORE his USC visit).Excellent side note...b/c of generous merit scholarships,finished the semester with money in the bank (their money!!).
Thumper...glad to hear D's choice has worked out so beautifully for her!</p>
<p>Cathy...sounds like your son is having one terrific time!!!</p>