Ambitious, funny, and a joy to be around – this week’s Campus Cutie checks off all of the boxes. Brendan Sullivan, a junior at USD, is one of the most genuine people you will meet!
Her Campus (HC): Where are you originally from?
Brendan Sullivan (BS): I’m originally from Boston, Massachusetts and I grew up in the town of Wilmington. I am the oldest of four children and I have three very energetic little sisters and a golden doodle at home.
HC: How old are you?
BS: I’m currently twenty years old and loving it!
HC: What’s your major?
BS: I’m majoring in Marine Science and Environmental Studies and I hope to find a career where I’m able to have a meaningful impact on the world… The issues of climate change and ocean acidification are of particular concern to me.
HC: How do you feel about starting junior year?
BS: I am overjoyed to be starting my junior year. I am so grateful to be a student at the University of San Diego, especially now that I have two years of experience under my belt and two more to go! I love all my professors, classes and friends, so it’s good to be back in San Diego!
HC: What are you most excited about with school starting?
BS: My friends and I are living together on Mission Beach this semester and I love it! Having the ocean as your backyard is a dream come true for a Marine Biology major!
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
BS: I’m involved with the Preceptorial Assistant program, the Alcala Club, University Ministry and Outdoor Adventures!
On campus my primary obligation is serving on the Preceptorial Assistant Council as the leader of the Natural World LLC. I help train the incoming PA’s to be effective mentors to their students and serve as a liaison between the students and faculty in coordinating events for our LLC. In addition to serving on PAC, I’m a PA for Dr. Baird’s BIO 190 class.
I’m a proud member of the Alcala Club where I represent the student body as a member of the club at numerous events such as the Founders Gala, Commencement, Alumni Honors, etc. It is an honor to serve President Harris and I love the group dynamic and family feel that our club has.
I’m also involved with University Ministry and have participated in various social justice oriented immersion trips in places such as East Los Angeles and Tijuana. We have focused on engaging in transformative experiences by attempting to tear down oppressive social barriers. From visiting a HIV/AIDS hospice to living in solidarity with undocumented immigrants and the homeless; University Ministry has had a fundamental impact on who I am as a person and how I perceive the world.
I’m involved with Outdoor Adventures too and have participated in various excursions with them! From hiking in Zion National Park to mud caving in Anza Borrego my appreciation for the Natural World and conserving it has been greatly enhanced by OA.
HC: Sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate! Of these activities, which is your favorite? Why?
BS: I love each and every one of these activities because they’ve allowed me to learn and grow in countless unique ways. I honestly cannot choose one but I will say that serving as a PA is incredibly fulfilling because you are able to have a direct impact on the lives of incoming students and can truly help determine the trajectory of their experience here at USD.
HC: What did you do this past summer?
BS: This summer was simply incredible! I was the intern for a SCUBA organization in Massachusetts called the Boston Sea Rovers. The Sea Rovers strive to increase public awareness of issues facing our oceans through education, conservation and exploration. As the intern, I had the opportunity to represent the organization and meet the Sea Rovers and their constituents. I kept a blog and took thousands of photos documenting my experiences in the hopes of spreading ocean and environmental awareness. I worked at the New England Aquarium in Boston rehabilitating sea turtles, training at the International Submarine Races in Washington DC, diving on massive shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, tracking whales in Newfoundland & Labrador, chronicling the effects of climate change in Arctic waters and replanting corals in Venezuela-Bonaire!
HC: What an exciting summer! What was your favorite part?
BS: The entire summer was incredibly rich with unique experiences but I would say that snorkeling with and climbing icebergs in Conception Bay was the best!
HC: Speaking of favorites, what is your favorite TV show?
BS: I love politics so House of Cards is currently my favorite show, even though I binge watched the entire third season in one day.
HC: Favorite movie?
BS: Goodwill Hunting is one of my favorite movies because of its strong connection to Boston!
HC: What type of music do you listen to?
BS: I’m open to anything that’s positive and energetic. I enjoy listening to a variety of genres because it provides you with the opportunity to expand your understanding of how people express their thoughts, ideas and feelings through music.
HC: And our readers always ask… are you single?
BS: Yes, I’m currently single!
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Brendan!