Alumni Spotlight: Tai Tran '21 MS
What inspired you to volunteer for your alma mater?
Graduating during the pandemic and navigating a night program left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the university experience. With much of my journey unfolding off-campus due to the circumstances, it sometimes felt like a transaction.Volunteering for USD is my way of reconciling that gap and reigniting the sense of belonging I was hoping for during my in-person studies and really immerse myself in the community. For me, volunteering is about finding that connection again and contributing to the vibrant spirit of our university community.
Can you share a memorable experience or event from your volunteer work?
I'm grateful for the Wine Classic event, it was such a wonderful experience. Who would have thought there would be so many alums making their own wine? I truly enjoyed connecting with my fellow volunteers / Toreros. The experience from the event, much like wine, only gets better with time. Last October, I had a chance encounter with the owners of Menghini Winery. As we chatted, I learned that one of them is also a Torero! Naturally, I had to mention that I volunteer for the Wine Classic, and yes, they too participate in the Wine Classic. Just like that, we had an instant connection. Although Menghini didn’t make it to the Wine Classic last year, it was awesome to be able to network from a common event.
How do you stay connected with the university outside of volunteering?
I've found the alumni network to be a wonderful resource in keeping me informed about networking events here in San Diego. Whenever my schedule permits, I make it a point to attend these events.
What advice do you have for alumni considering getting involved as volunteers?
Attending is key—90% of the battle, in fact! Once you're there, you'll find that the tasks at hand become clearer. There's ample time for networking opportunities. Keep in mind that some of the networking time may require you to arrive early (particularly for late events because we all want to go to sleep), so it's always good to plan accordingly.
What impact do you hope to make through your volunteer efforts?
Keeping things 100% real here, I didn’t go into it expecting to make any huge impact. When I signed up, my goal was simple: network, meet new people, and just connect. Whether they’re Toreros or work with Toreros, it doesn’t really matter to me. We’re all part of this community. The biggest small town in the world. It can feel lonely at times, though, because, more often than not, we’re strangers rather than friends or even acquaintances. So, if there’s one thing I hope to impact, it’s to simply say: "Hey, I’m here if you need a friend."