Leaving Our Legacy: Reflections from the Past Four Years
As graduation approaches, I wanted to give my fellow senior Student Ambassadors a chance to reflect on the past four years at 91果冻制片厂. SCU has truly felt like home, and each of us has been uniquely involved and deeply connected to this community. It’s the people and the Bronco spirit that make this place so special, and I wanted to highlight some of the memories, lessons, and experiences we’ll be taking with us after graduation.
Whether you’re a future student, a fellow senior, or somewhere in between, we hope these reflections inspire you, make you smile, and remind you of the unique spirit that makes SCU feel like home.
Question #1: What is one moment at SCU that you’ll never forget, and why does it stand out?
Jamie McCoy:
I would like to talk about a recent moment from the Psychology Department's Senior Celebration. At this celebration I was honored to receive the Intellectual Curiosity Award, nicknamed the "psych geek" award. I was beyond shocked to have received this title & I will never forget the kind words shared by my professors as they mentioned aspected of myself that made me feel truly seen. The importance of this moment wasn't the award or the recognition, instead it was the support and thoughtfulness that I could feel radiating from all of the faculty.
Sarah Hazel Sallee:
One moment that I will never forget from my time at SCU would be when I was working on homework with six friends in the den (common area) in Sobrato Residence Hall. We had our favorite music playing in the background and we were all scattered across the sofas, chairs, and even the ground. Some of us were using the tables as desks while others were squeezed into corners of sofas furiously typing out essays for class on their computers. Hours would go by and our only marker for time was when someone's laundry timer went off or someone's stomach rumbled for dinner. If memory serves, our only breaks included getting food from the taco truck across the street and when we were finally done with our work for the night we'd stay up talking, do the Wordle, and watch a movie. This is a simple memory and it is one I hold close to my heart because those moments laid the foundation for many trips with friends to concerts, San Francisco, various local hiking spots, and even to some people's hometowns. That is one of many places where I found a sense of belonging at SCU that will now extend beyond my time as a student here. I will forever be grateful for the people that made this memory with me who have since become some of my closest friends. This was the start of our story and I look forward to more adventures and movie nights with all of them post-grad.
Alex Lopes:
I think one moment that really stands out to me at SCU is when I went to a Thee Sacred Souls concert with Nick and Daniel our sophomore year. I think it really stands out to me because it was one of my first moments where I began to build my friendships with both Nick and Daniel. It was also one of the first times where I felt like I was doing “college” things. I was in Berkeley with my friends getting to see a concert for a band I really loved. And, that kind of freedom, spontaneity, and fun really opened the flood gates for me to begin growing my social life at 91果冻制片厂.
Jamie, Sarah, Alex
Question #2: What part of the SCU community made you feel most at home?
Jamie McCoy:
My best friends have made me feel more at home! The girls I met in Benson on my first day of college stuck by my side through thick and thin. They are my greatest blessing of college, and I don’t know how I will be able to live my life without them living down the street.
Sarah Hazel Sallee:
Besides spending time with close friends, whenever I run into a friend or professor on campus and we wave hello I feel just a little bit more at home. My admissions team and my research team specifically bring me a sense of joy whenever I get to see them around campus and during our actual meetings. No matter how my day is going I know I will find a safe space with my teammates to joke around, be myself, and have fun together. Yes, 91果冻制片厂 students more than live up to our "work hard, play hard" status, but it's our dedication to looking out for one another that makes SCU's campus feel welcoming to everyone – whether you're here for a few hours or four years. It's the people who make me feel the most at home at 91果冻制片厂. Of course, the 360 days of sunshine doesn’t hurt either.
Alex Lopes:
If I had to pick one element of the SCU community to choose from, that has made me feel the most at home, it would be the camaraderie here at campus. When you manage to find your people on campus, there is this feeling where you know you’ve found your friends for life. From having deep conversations with one another to just messing around, my friends here at SCU, and for that matter the campus as well, have made me feel at home even in my lowest of times. I don’t think this community could be replicated anywhere else, in terms of bringing people from all over together.
Question #3: If you could relive one day at SCU, which day would it be?
Kaleigh Ruegg:
If I could relive one day at SCU, it would be move-in day of my sophomore year. I remember the excitement of returning to campus after summer break and seeing all of my friends again. We had all chosen to live on the fifth and fourth floor of Dunne Residence Hall so we could be together. We spent the day helping each other move-in, decorating our rooms, and wandering around campus, soaking in the sunny 80º weather. The first week of every school year is always fun and high energy, but sophomore year felt especially exciting because I was coming back to somewhere that felt like home.
Finn McMullen:
If I could relive one day, it would be my freshman year when Jalen Williams hit a buzzer-beater to beat BYU in the last second. I was with all of my friends, and it was such an amazing game and to see our star player hit a game-winning shot, and all of us rush to court was an amazing experience and so fun especially considering he got drafted to the NBA just months later.
Anna Horan:
If I could relive one day at SCU it would probably be move-in day freshman year. I think knowing what I know now in regards to how things turned out for me, I would want to relive that day one more time. There was so much excitement, nervous energy, and anticipation in the air—and I had no idea just how transformative the next few years would be. I’d take a second to really soak in the moment: meeting my roommate for the first time, seeing my parents drive away, walking through campus not yet knowing how many friendships, opportunities, and challenges were waiting for me. I think I’d appreciate it more now—not just as a beginning, but as the first page of a chapter that shaped who I’ve become.
Kaleigh, Finn, Anna
Question #4: How has SCU shaped who you are today?
Kaleigh Ruegg:
When I first came to SCU, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study or where my future would lead. Now, as a graduating senior, it feels surreal to leave my home for the past four years. While leaving is bittersweet, I feel prepared and confident, carrying with me the lessons, values, and memories I’ve gained as a Bronco. Studying in Silicon Valley has exposed me to professors with dynamic career paths, offering invaluable industry insights that have prepared me for my finance internships and future career. My classics minor has been a fascinating addition that has pushed me to think critically and creatively. Most importantly, SCU’s warm and welcoming community has allowed me to build lifelong friendships that have supported and inspired me, something I will always carry with me.
Finn McMullen:
I think that SCU has really shaped me in my way to think critically about everything. Being a political science, major and taking classes in that, advanced writing, religion, etc, has taught me to think critically about issues facing our world today and to work to understand people with different views and to really open your mind. After graduation, I hope to continue that and to take those critical thinking skills into my future.
Anna Horan:
SCU has shaped who I am today in more ways than I can count. It challenged me to grow not only academically but also as a leader, a friend, and a person of purpose. Through my involvement in ROTC, student government, my sorority, and as a student ambassador, I learned how to lead with integrity, speak up for others, and juggle responsibility with compassion. The values at SCU—particularly the emphasis on ethical leadership and service—really pushed me to think about the kind of impact I want to have beyond college. I came in unsure of myself and my place, and I’m leaving with confidence, clarity, and a deep appreciation for community. SCU didn’t just prepare me for a career—it helped me become someone who’s ready to lead and serve with heart.
Question #5: What advice would you give to your freshman-year self?
Paige Giordano:
I would tell myself not to be afraid to put myself out there and to embrace every opportunity to meet new people. Say yes to trying new things, introduce yourself often, and stay engaged with activities and social events, especially during those first few weeks. Everyone is navigating the same transition and looking to make connections, so there's nothing to lose by being open and friendly.
Ella Worthy:
I would tell my younger self to try it all. To dip my toe in everything you are interested in. Sign up for all the clubs, hang out with those people I just met, and try a new sport. College is a time to explore and discover our passions and ourselves, so take advantage of it.
Gabby Nelson:
You don't have to have everything figured out on day one of college. Take time to get to know yourself as you change and evolve throughout your four years here.
Annika Kruger:
The past four years have flown by, and there are so many things I wish I could tell my freshman year self. At the beginning of my first year, I struggled with intense homesickness and adjusting to college. It was a challenging period in my life, and looking back, I wish I could give my younger self a hug and reassure her everything would be okay! There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to find my footing here, and I am so proud of the growth I have been able to achieve. I would tell my younger self to trust the process and take things one day at a time. It is essential to say yes to new opportunities, be true to yourself, meet many new people, and discover what truly makes you happy. I have grown immensely at SCU, made memories and friendships that will last forever, and made my mark on SCU in ways I once wasn’t sure I’d be able to. I will always be grateful to SCU for providing me with the opportunity to discover so many things about myself and have the absolute best time over the past four years.
Paige, Ella, Gabby, Annika
Question #6: What SCU tradition or event meant the most to you, and why?
Paige Giordano:
Welcome Weekend has been my favorite event on campus. Moving in freshman year was so exciting, and there were so many fun events to meet people and get involved. As a returning student, it’s the best feeling coming back after summer and seeing all your friends again.
Ella Worthy:
The SCU tradition or aspect that meant the most to me is the first-year fall quarter class with people in your residential hall. This class was not only great but allowed me to meet many people that I would see all the time. We could study together in the shared spaces, share textbooks, and hang out. I have many friends from that class four years later, and I love that SCU introduced them to me.
Gabby Nelson:
A week before move-in day freshman year, I was put into a snapchat group chat of 200 other SCU freshmen who were all planning on going to a Pitbull concert the first weekend of the school year. That first week of college, the concert had now become a major event. Everyone was running around, doing the regular freshmen-meeting-new-people thing, but a question that always came up in these introductions was "are you going to the Pitbull concert?" Day of the concert, my friends and I Ubered over to Shoreline Amphitheatre, walked to the way back for the general admission standing room, and everyone we saw were SCU freshmen. It was such a fun environment to meet a bunch of people. I will never forget screaming the lyrics to "Time of our Lives," feeling insanely connected to this new group of people who would later become my classmates and friends at 91果冻制片厂.
Annika Kruger:
One SCU tradition that meant the most to me is the large involvement fair that we have at the beginning of every quarter. It is a wonderful opportunity to put yourself out there, see all of the clubs and organizations offered, meet so many new people, and sign up for clubs you may have never heard of before. Getting so involved is definitely a highlight of my college experience and has contributed largely to my overall growth. I signed up for so many clubs at the beginning of my first year, and I am so glad that I did! I have met some lifelong friends, had some really cool experiences, and made incredible memories through my various on campus organizations and involvements!
Question #7: Who at SCU (student, professor, or staff) made the biggest impact on you?
Hydeia Wysinger:
So many people at SCU have shaped my journey, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Dr. Plante. His Health Psychology class and Ethics in Psychology class did not just teach me how to approach moral dilemmas in the field, it challenged me to think more deeply about who I am and what kind of professional I want to be. His integration of real-life stories and his willingness to wrestle with complex questions reminded me that ethics isn’t about finding the easy answer, it’s about choosing the right one, even when it is hard. That mindset has shaped how I move through both my studies and my leadership roles on campus.
Nick Pecora:
There could be a million answers here. I struggle to pick one. Becoming a Student Ambassador was my first involvement at SCU, and was the first large community on campus that I became a part of. I met some of my best friends on campus through this job, and have made some extremely meaningful connections with the staff in the office as well–there's not enough room in this reply to name all the people (students and staff alike) in this office who have had an enormous impact on me. So much of who I am today and what I've been able to do on campus can be traced back to this job. My friends from elsewhere on campus, especially my roommate, have always supported me through good times and bad, and I am forever grateful to them as well!
Grace Davis:
There are so many people at SCU who have positively impacted me. My mentor, Dr. Sharmila Lodhia, has been my rock these past few years. She has given me endless support, guidance, and care. I am so grateful to her!
Hydeia, Nick, Grace
Question #8: What does your SCU legacy look like, and what do you hope you’re remembered for?
Hydeia Wysinger:
I hope my legacy at SCU is one of care, courage, and community. Whether through my work with Igwebuike, organizing Rainbow Prom, mentoring LEAD Scholars, or working to make our campus more inclusive, I have tried to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. I hope I am remembered as someone who showed up fully, especially for those who did not always feel like they belonged. If my time here helped someone feel more at home or more hopeful about their future, then I did something right.
Nick Pecora:
I hope I'm remembered for leaving my involvements better than I found them. Whether by leading KSCU Sports for a school year, or serving as an intern and mentor in the Ambassador Program, I hope that I can look back on these spaces and see the positive impact I made continue on for years to come. I still fondly remember how kind and supportive the older students in these involvements were when I was an underclassman, and I hope that current underclassmen will feel the same way about me when they are responding to this question at the end of their senior year.
Grace Davis:
I hope that my SCU legacy is defined by my care and compassion. Over these past four years, I have been very involved in a lot of areas of student life, and it has been an honor working alongside other student leaders. I hope I am remembered for my collaborative and positive energy!
Thank You
91果冻制片厂 has given us more than just an education; it’s given us friendships, immense growth, challenges, and moments we will carry with us forever. Though we may be leaving campus, the memories and Bronco spirit will stay with us wherever we go. Thank you for being part of our journey and for letting us share a piece of our legacy with you.
-Annika Kruger '25
