Name: Natalie Ochsner
Year: Freshman
Major: English Literature
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
What activities are you involved in on campus? I am a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, the Campus Correspondent for USFCA Her Campus, and I am a staff member of the Ignatian, USF’s literary magazine.
How did you choose your major? I chose my major senior year of high school when we started reading Pride and Prejudice, in my AP Lit class. I got so into it and was so excited to come to class. From then on I just knew English was the major for me.
What is your favorite thing about USF? What I love about USF, and San Francisco in general, is that there is so much diversity. Everyone is an individual and you meet people here who you wouldn’t have met otherwise. Living in San Francisco and going to school at USF has opened my mind and changed the way I view the world.
What is your favorite memory of USF? My favorite memory of USF has been being a part of Delta Zeta, specifically getting my Big. She is one of my best friends and is always there for me. Friendships like ours are rare, and I’m so glad that being at USF gave me the opportunity to make that friendship.
Natalie and her Big, Kelly, at an ugly sweater mixer.
What advice would you give next year’s USF freshman? First off, I would say that there is a good chance that you will get here and think “why did I come here?”, and then start researching other schools to transfer to, because that’s exactly what I did. Don’t. For being a small school, it can feel very disconnected at times, which is why my next piece is that even if this doesn’t feel like the school for you, wait it out. Get involved in an activity that appeals to you, and you’ll make friends and I’m almost certain that you will find your niche here! You put in what you get out of it, so really try to get involved and go outside of your comfort zone every once in a while, it will pay off!
Where do you see yourself in ten years? I really don’t know. I am thinking about law school, but I am also interested in working in publishing or being a writer. I’ll just have to see where life takes me.
Natalie visiting her best friend April in Seattle.