You may recognize her from Bravo’s reality TV show The Real Housewives of Orange County, but did you know that Lydia McLaughlin attended the University of San Diego just like us? Though busy being the Managing Editor of Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine and a designer, she remains family-oriented and grounded in her beliefs. McLaughlin provides an amazing example of how it is possible for dedicated women to have it all. Let’s hear what this week’s Campus Celebrity has to share about her time at USD, her advice for us and what she’s up to currently.
What were some of your hangout spots in college? “I lived in Mission Beach during my time at USD, and we would always bike up and down the boardwalk. We would go to Bogart Yogurt in PB in our PJs! I love the frozen Whitey from Pannikin in La Jolla. I went to the Rock church, but it was meeting out of SDSU’s campus. Now they meet over in Point Loma. ‘Who’s the man?’”
Who were some of your most interesting teachers? “I loved Professor Pearson. He was a great Comm teacher, and I still remember a lot of the things he would say to us. I ended up taking three or four of his classes just because he was that good of a teacher!”
Did you have a favorite sorority memory? “I was Chapman of Alpha Phi, and my roommate was our secretary. We were always late to our chapter meetings, and they couldn’t start without us because my roommate took attendance and I was supposed to open meeting in an inspiring quote or prayer. I have so many memories of running to (a) meeting across campus, late, and giggling that we were going to get in trouble. I think we even had to miss one of the dances because we were late so often!”
Can you share a fond memory from USD? “I was involved with the Search retreat during my time at USD. I went on search my sophomore year, and then was on the leadership team and got to share some of my story my junior year. I think back to that season of life and I see so many faces and moments that make me smile. Through Search I felt like I found a community at USD and felt connected and known, which I think is very important.”
What has been one of the most rewarding experiences in your life? “I just had my third son, who is 3 months old. Motherhood has really been the biggest blessing in my life. I have learned so much and grown so much because of my children. You really do see the world differently. It doesn’t happen over night, though. My oldest son is 6 years old, and, as I think back over the past six years, I just see that I am not only proud of who he is becoming, but also, quite honestly, I’m proud of myself. You have to be intentional about your role as a mother. I love who my boys are and who they are becoming. It has been so rewarding, fun, hard, selfless and full of joy.”
What advice would you share with aspiring entrepreneurs? “Believe in yourself, really and truly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn and try. There is only one you in this world, and the dreams and goals in your heart are there for a reason. Go after your passions, and don’t live out your fears… Live out your dreams. Be bold! Be outrageous! Be great, and live out your wild adventure.”
What are you up to now? “I have written a book! That has always been a dream of mine, and I am so excited to share it with my fans. It comes out in April, but you can pre-order it on Amazon. It’s called Beyond Orange County. You can buy it here.”