Meghan Neef graduated from UCSD in June, 2005 with a BA in Anthropology (concentration in Archaeology). After spending the summer in Texas testing for archaeological artifacts along the path of a new gas pipeline, Megan settled into a “real job” this fall, as the Special Exhibitions Coordinator at the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.

What were your first impressions of UCSD?

Like many of my friends at UCSD, I was surprised by the difficulty I experienced meeting people during my first quarter. I later chalked this up to the large number of commuter students and the strange feeling of anonymity in the large GE courses. Welcome Week activities were an unexpectedly successful way to meet people, even if we were all rolling our eyes and telling each other how lame ice cream socials are, as we helped ourselves to thirds.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman student about succeeding at UCSD?

Take classes outside of your major. Please. I don't care if you are an engineer, a chemist, a writer, or an artist – just do it. The best thing you can do with your time at UCSD is to push yourself beyond what is comfortable and beyond what you think you're "good at" – you will amaze yourself. I promise.

Which professors had the biggest impact on your education?

Many names leap to mind. Ron Ranson sadly retired a few years ago from the theatre department, but was a wonderful, warm, and deeply caring teacher. I could use the same words to describe Joel Robbins, and luckily we still have him at UCSD. Stephen Cox in literature was a surprise hit, coming from my days in HUM 1 – he also taught a wonderful seminar on Citizen Kane. Tom Levy, Guillermo Algaze, and Paul Goldstein formed the core of my education at UCSD. Louis Montrose is a professor in the Literature department. His Shakespeare courses are not to be missed – come braced for a challenge.

What are some "outside the classroom" life lessons you learned as a UCSD student?

Diplomacy. You might get stuck with a professor you can’t stand, roommates that make living at home look like paradise, or lazy group mates. You're going to have to learn how to be firm without being unfriendly, and know when a compromise is really the only option. I'd also say that sometimes you just have to fly by the seat of your pants and take some risks. I was invited to join the archaeology department on an emergency salvage dig in Jordan, and stepped off the plane in Amman less than 7 days later. I just closed my eyes and jumped. It was the best thing I've ever done.

What are your favorite spots on campus?

The library – I worked there for several years and I have a lot of good memories of the place. If you're looking for something less academic, I would have to say The Grove, and the Craft Center which is right next store. The Old Student Center is a hidden gem – go take classes at the craft center, grab a cup of coffee and a copy of The Espresso (a local café newspaper), and a big bowl of soup from the friendly guys at the Food Co-op. Make sure you ask to borrow a bowl from the kitchen – they'll love you. I hear The Grove even takes meal points these days.

What has surprised you most about campus life?

Its variety – there really is a lot to do. I wish someone had told me, when I was a freshman, that the UCSD theatre productions were astoundingly good and very cheap, that Porter's Pub has the best sandwiches on campus, and that those long, hilly walks from class to class really did keep the freshman 15 off.

What do you like best about being a UCSD alumna?

Being able to come "home" to UCSD, and being able to walk away from the university with a stronger sense of self and a real education.

What do you do to unwind?

These days I tend to read, or go for long hikes. On campus, I took dance classes and kept a diary. Spending time being silly with friends still comes in pretty high on the list.