The USD Vista’s Alcala Bazaar Guide
How to tackle the Alcala Bazaar with confidence and poise
Anna Valaik / Arts & Culture Editor / The USD Vista
As the semester begins and new opportunities arise, the Alcala Bazaar provides USD students the perfect time to see what this campus is really about and get involved, especially for those just beginning their first year. This event allows extracurricular clubs, organizations, sports, and activities the ability to promote themselves, hoping to welcome new and excited members for the upcoming school year. It’s not an event to miss, but it can be daunting seeing so many flyers, spokespeople, and stands at once, even for those who have attended before.
Though every club and organization at USD deserves recognition and praise, The USD Vista wanted to highlight a few that students should watch out for this year.
If you just can’t get enough of school…
Many majors at USD now have clubs associated with them, this can be extremely helpful when looking for mentorship opportunities, career advice, and basic connections with other students in your classes. These clubs provide students with a sense of their major and whether it may be a good fit or not. So, walk around and look for whatever subject you may be interested in; who knows, you might get some amazing teacher recommendations with it.
Women in Business at USD is a place for specifically female business students to come together and celebrate everything that has to do with female entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional development. In a world that oftentimes prioritizes a male-centric agenda, these USD students are striving to empower females to become confident leaders. Another group of organizations worth checking out at the Alcala Bazaar are the business fraternities. They combine both academic and social aspects of business.
If you are looking for a community to celebrate culture…
FUSO, otherwise known as the Filipino Ugnayan Student Org, has an incredible community and presence on campus. According to the organization’s Instagram, they were “founded in 1993 out of a mother’s love for her children,” and they “strive for unity, family, and social justice in and out of the USD community.” FUSO creates a welcoming environment– not only for Filipino students, but also for anyone looking to learn more about this culture. Through various events, cultural nights, and activities on campus, it’s clear FUSO takes pride in everything they do and believe in. For example, their cultural events highlight Filipino food, traditional dance, music and more. Stop by Kamayan Night or the Ugnayan Conference to experience everything this organization has to offer.
BSU, or the Black student Union, is an “organization for Black students by Black students.” BSU has created an incredibly positive community on campus, working to engage in important dialogue and connect students in a place where all feel welcome. During the year, they host numerous events, such as bringing back alumni to discuss their work or highlighting contributions that Black people have made all around the world. The work BSU does on and off campus can be felt all year long, so check them out to hear more from these thoughtful, well-spoken voices.
If you identify with the LGBTQIA+ community…
Formerly USD Pride, the Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSGA) is USD’s first LGBTQIA+ student organization.
They stand for the LGBTQIA+ community at USD and beyond. The allies of this organization are also welcome at all events.
Lifting up these voices and making a safe space for the individuals that align themselves with this community is DSGA’s goal. Learn more and check out their Supreme Drag Superstar (SDSX) show they hold annually for a look into what makes DSGA so necessary to USD’s campus.
If you want to get off campus and get out into the world…
San Diego is amazing for many reasons, but the weather really does set this city apart from others. Considering it’s almost always sunny and 75 degrees, San Diego makes for the perfect place to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. For those who aren’t familiar with the area or just want to enjoy nature with friends, Outdoor Adventures is a good club to be a part of. They coordinate and host various activities all around San Diego and even across state lines. Join them on their next hike, trip, or meeting to enjoy the beauty of this great city.
Sports clubs are also another way to be active with fellow students. USD has a wide range of sports clubs available to join. Whether you want to go water skiing around Mission Bay or have decided to try out jiu-jitsu, you can find the sports club for you. All the clubs are open to both beginner and expert athletic levels.
If you want a combination of philanthropy and social events…
Fraternities and Sororities add a unique social aspect to any campus, and USD is no different. USD has a multitude of these social organizations, with each providing a different community and feel.
They provide students with a place to come together, as men or women, and do philanthropic work, build a bond, and host a variety of events throughout the year.
If you identify with USD’s Catholic background…
As a Catholic university, it makes sense USD would provide a place on campus where students can participate in ministry with one another.
Intervarsity is just that: a space where Christians and non-Christians can come together to practice their faith. Whether it be social events, Bible studies, or simply outreach on and off campus, Intervarsity hopes to explore what it’s like to follow Jesus at USD.
If you want to be Diego Torero’s sidekick at all USD events…
Love sports and want to be USD sports’ biggest superfan? Then, the Bull Pit is for you. This organization promotes all things school spirit, which means regularly attending sporting events, whether it be on or off campus.
Club members are responsible for being the ones constantly in all Blue cheering for their favorite players. As an incentive, Bull Pit members will have the opportunity to receive a bull pit spirit shirt and free food at events and participate in giveaways.
Joining the Bull Pit is the perfect excuse to enjoy sports while making friends and most importantly having fun.
Super passionate about USD, but not the biggest sports fan? Well, you’re in luck because the Torero Ambassadors represent USD outside of the arena or football field. According to the USD website, “This student group, comprised of nearly 200 current Toreros, emphasizes leadership, on- and off-campus community engagement and making USD feel like home.”
They have six different branches within their community as well — Olé Ambassadors, SOAR Ambassadors, Out of State Ambassadors, Transfer Ambassadors, International Ambassadors and Torero Tour Guides.
Each one provides a different service to the student body, but they all have the same goal: making USD feel like home for every student. If you want to spread the word about USD to prospective students, Torero Ambassadors might just be a great fit.