By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

USC has many theatrical productions every semester. There’s a comprehensive list somewhere. I don’t have that. I have the Facebook invites that my friends in the School of Dramatic Arts send me because how else do I know if I thing is actually happening unless it’s on Facebook? The arts are incredibly important and I would urge you to see as many of these productions as possible. USC has amazing students studying acting and who act just for a hobby. These shows are cheaper than the ones at the Pantages or professional theatre companies here in Los Angeles, you don’t have to drive and try to find a place to park, and all of the shows I have seen have been incredibly high quality. And there’s a show for everyone! Let me explain.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Last Tuesday Rebeca Lane, dubbed “one of the fiercest voices of Latin American hip hop”, spoke to a captivated audience in Bovard, answered questions (in Spanish and English), and performed some of her powerful raps in an event arranged by USC Visions & Voices titled, “Somos Guerreras: Feminism, Hip Hop, and Guatemala.” She was interviewed by fellow musician, Maya Jupiter (pictured below) to start the conversation and performed with DJ Francesca Harding, who is also immensely talented. My little brother, Nick (Class of 2020) and I were among the many in attendance looking to learn more about Rebeca Lane, hear some of her latest music, and get an inside-look at her form of “artivism”.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

If you still have space for 2 more units in your schedule, look no further. The department chairs of a number of programs make a list every semester of “Courses of Interest” for students who aren’t majoring in the field but might find them enjoyable and beneficial for one reason or another. I myself have already taken 3 off this list, all in the film school, and promptly realized I wanted to minor in Screenwriting as a result. So maybe this will help shape your major/minor decision making process or future career goals or maybe you’ll just have a really interesting 2 unit course this semester and that’s perfectly valid, too! Whatever the case may be, I’ve taken the liberty of choosing the FIVE COOLEST 2-UNIT COURSES this fall and have listed the rest below, as well, if you don’t trust me or your tastes differ.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

If you have extra room in your schedule, want to add a 1 or 2 unit course, and/or want to learn a new skill and stay fit in the process, look no further than the PHED department! There are 23 Physical Education courses being offered this Fall 2016, so you’re sure to find one that fits amidst your other courses, no matter how busy you may be.

By: Anna Lipscomb ‘19

Hello everyone! My name is Anna, and I’m double majoring in International Relations and East Asian Languages & Culture (emphasis on China).

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

Ever feel like you need more musical theatre in your life? Good, so it’s not just me! Obviously because USC is amazing at everything, we have an extremely strong theatre and music program put on here by the university. But what about the superbly talented students who want to create the production from the ground up? HAVE NO FEAR. THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU (or a place for you to watch really talented people sing and act while you secretly eat a power bar).

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

For some people picking out an outfit can seem like a bore but for Journalism major and fashion blogger Taylor Jean, it is a form of art to express yourself. From fashion advice for students on the go to major trend spotting at this year’s Coachella read more about Taylor’s fashionable advice below in a one on one Q & A with the fashionista.

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

Sometimes, there are amazing organizations out there where the participants spend so much time trying to make the world a better place for people. WYSE is one of the many organizations on USC’s campus that really bring together the surrounding community of women with the female students of USC. Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (or WYSE) empowers young women by providing the resources and support necessary to make positive life choices and create community change.

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

I’ll level with you all. I have never played lacrosse. I know it’s the one shortcoming of my sports education. But just because I have not played it does not mean I cannot enjoy it. And I do enjoy it and YOU SHOULD TOO. USC’s women’s lacrosse team is absolutely KILLING IT this season, so to get you all ready to support them at their next game, I’m here to break down the game of lacrosse for you.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Yesterday was my first day of school in Buenos Aires at la Universidad de San Andrés, where 6 other Trojans and I will be taking our classes until our finals end in mid-July. It was a beautiful start and I have high hopes for what is yet to come. The program that USC students take, PLAS (Program of Latin American Studies), includes a number of cultural activities so this past weekend we all had the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the city and at least have a frame of reference for all it has to offer (a lot!).

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

Ever wondered what a professor was like outside of the classroom? Ever wondered if they’re actual people? Do you also like being active? Have you ever wished you and a cool professor could hike a trail together and talk about your hopes and dreams and hopefully get to know them better?

By: Carla Rubio ‘19

My name is Carla Rubio, and I am studying Theatre Production at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. I was born in San Francisco but raised in Bakersfield, CA. I am the oldest child of four; I also happen to be a twin. If you were wondering, I am a fraternal twin but my sister and I do share similar features.