Ready for ‘rec’

Feature Editor/ Hailey Howell

Many students are anticipating the move to campus, ready to experience life in San Diego and meet new people. Even though it’s easy to connect with people in the classroom and through clubs, there is another great way to meet others and try new activities – USD recreation classes.

If students are new to campus or haven’t signed up for a “rec” class, you may not know much about all the possible opportunities USD offers. This semester, there are over 50 possible recreation classes that allow students to try a new activity or to continue a passion they love. Some of the classes give training certifications for scuba diving and first aid, and others include activities such as surfing and wakeboarding. Different styles of dance, such as social ballroom and ballet, are also offered, as well as fitness classes featuring yoga, martial arts, cardio, kickboxing and pilates.

USD junior Shea Salamack has taken two different recreation classes – one of which was self defense. She explained that she was inspired to take the recreation class once she saw that it was offered on campus. Salamack said one of her favorite aspects was the small class size, which made it an even better experience.

“Before coming to USD, I had always wanted to take a self-defense class,” Salamack said. “I recognized the importance of having a self-defense skill set, especially as a woman, and arrived at USD with little knowledge of that area. When I saw a Krav Maga class listed on the USD rec program, I knew it was the perfect chance to expand my knowledge, have fun and enhance my personal safety,” Salamack said.

She also explained that she had the opportunity to create a great connection with her teacher.

“Each person was able to receive individualized feedback on self-defense methods, enhancing our learning ability.”

Kaylee McCoy, a USD senior, shared her experience after taking the open water scuba certification class. She explained that she met great people while taking the certification classes and is still close with them today.

“I had an amazing experience in the classes in the pool and ocean. Our scuba instructor from Ocean Enterprises was amazingly helpful, patient and fun,” McCoy said. “I also was learning to dive around some amazing people that made my experience that much more fun and rewarding. I have become really good friends with my scuba partners from that class and have continued on to dive with them in San Diego, New Zealand, Catalina and beyond!”

McCoy also mentioned that she would recommend the class to students who are interested or are debating enrolling since USD students have a great opportunity.

USD sophomore Adelaide Walton described her love for both recreation classes she took; Fitness Weight Training for Women and the Self Care Sunday Yoga class. She first enrolled in the weight training class in the fall of 2023 with the hopes of staying active and having the opportunity to meet new people.

“This class specifically caught my eye because it was limited to women only; the concept of a group of women working out together, encouraging and supporting one another greatly appealed to me,” Walton said. “I absolutely loved this class, and I would always look forward to it. Ms. Lisa Taylor was full of energy and pushed us to do our best. I took this class with my future roommate, and I feel that it brought us closer together… Although it could be challenging, I think that taking the class was a good way to get exercise whilst having fun with the other girls.”

Last semester, she decided to switch up her schedule and take yoga classes on Sundays.

“I was enrolled in more classes during the second semester compared to the first, so I wanted to find a recreational activity that would force me to slow down amongst a busy schedule,” Walton said.

Even though the class was much different from the one she had taken previously, it provided some memorable moments.

“Ms. Marilyn Green always encouraged us to self-reflect and prioritized our mental well-being,” Walton said. “I would often go to the beach on Sundays with my friends, and we would return to campus to participate in our late afternoon yoga class… I also recall how we were able to do the class in the Garden of the Sea one afternoon, which was incredibly peaceful while the sun began to set.”

If you are interested in getting involved in recreation classes or just want to take a look at the possibilities, students can visit the USD Campus Recreation page. The site gives students the ability to read descriptions of different classes, see the available class schedules, look at pricing and more. This page will also give undergraduate students access to sign up for classes with or without credit in the Fall 2024 semester using the registration portal. The first recreation classes begin on September 4 – so get ready to discover a new passion and meet new people.

USD Campus Recreation offers many different classes to help students to stay active. Photo courtesy of @usdcampusrec/Instagram