By: Lauren Brose ‘15

When I came to USC, I was on the fence about joining Greek. I disliked how outsiders would dismissively remark how people in Greek are essentially paying money to be friends with people who were chosen to be in a house based on their appearance. To be honest, the notion that I was paying for friends really got to me. I knew I didn’t need to do that. As a transfer student, however, I recognized I didn’t have the same opportunities those who were at USC since freshman year had; namely, the chance to mix with students who were all freshmen just like them. So I joined a house. I had two amazing years in the sorority but when my final semester at USC came around, I decided against staying.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

So October just happened. Football season is winding down and it’s getting kind of windy at night, isn’t it? Normally I am stoked about Fall… but not this time. I walk through campus counting how many days I have left before I no longer have a reason to hang out around here—I am officially done with college in December. Thinking back, I wish I had taken that study abroad semester I deliberated having. Instead, I thought to myself, “finish school. Lauren. Get a job. Real world sounds cool.”

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Meet Natalie.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

During college, there is so much uncertainty with what the future holds— Not knowing if you’ll get a job, not knowing where will it be, and asking yourself “what’s next for me?” is a daunting experience. I came to this realization my sophomore year. It became clear to me then that I needed to do whatever it took to put myself in a good spot for a job upon graduation. That was when I decided my life is 100% about my goals. I’m sure many of us desire accomplishing a number of specific things before 30 such as traveling the world or moving up quickly in the working world. These aspirations truly reflect who we are as people; therefore, we owe ourselves this time to fully discover who we really are.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Do you remember what made you want to become a Trojan? For me it was my health class in 2010. My teacher (who was undeniably the coolest) from high school was a Trojan. Naturally, he was the driving force behind why I wanted to become a Trojan myself. He talked about Los Angeles, Greek life, our football team, the Trojan Family, and the insanely fun sh*t he did with his friends because let’s face it, USC is AWESOME. For half a year, I heard the most legendary tales of his days as a college student at the greatest school on earth.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

To all transfer students out there….you’re not alone! Embrace being a newbie to USC and just do you. I was once in your position as a transfer student myself and I can happily say I’ve found my place of belonging in this great school. It didn’t happen overnight — it was certainly a process that lasted months — but it was an experience that personally challenged me. Enjoy the ride and get out there and make some friends!

By: Lauren Brose

This past summer, it really dawned on me just how old I am getting. Deterministically not pursuing a Master’s, the next chapter for me is my career. I call this “Adulting.” As far as I can tell, adulting is the bane of my existence and the cause of death to this huge part of my soul: my social butterfly. I think to myself more often than not why I never took naps when I had the time. Now, naps are a luxury reserved for the weekends and the “occasional” I-have-so-much-to-do-I’m-gonna-nap-instead moments.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

I remember the first time I started to interview for jobs. My heart was racing, my hands were shaking, my voice trembled as I spoke. My obvious nervousness hindered me from being the confident person I normally am and it affected the likelihood of my interviewer trusting my competency for this position. Through time, the nerves became less noticeable and I began to sound sure of myself and passionate for the career I am pursuing. What started off from landing initial phone interviews and then being eliminated has turned into being invited to second round interviews. Along the way, I’ve reflected back at the lack of professionalism I displayed both in interviews and in the application process.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Finals are Coming…. Are you ready to not sleep, forget to eat and have to hold off on the new season of Game of Thrones as you brace yourself for the most tumultuous week of 2015? When can we ever be ready? As a senior and a veteran of finals week in college, I’ve reflected back on the amazing times I deliriously sauntered into my finals and spilled every ounce of my knowledge onto bluebooks and scantrons. Of my successes and failures, I am confident that through following these 10 steps, your finals week will be more bearable than ever.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

If your professional resume and Facebook had a baby, his name would be LinkedIn.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Although California is known for its year-round subtropical climate, barely-there winter, and the infamous “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” nothing beats the weather that inhabits the summer months of Los Angeles. There is much to look forward to whether you’re trying to take it easy or dance through the morning. Trust me, LA is filled to the brim with things to do–– I guarantee you’ll never be bored.

By: Lauren Brose ‘15

Unsurprisingly, USC has been making a few minute modifications on and off campus. If you haven’t noticed already, the only Wendy’s for miles has been torn down alongside a movie theatre that nobody ever frequented, the highly controversial Superior Supermarket, and Health Hut— a sandwich and fruit smoothie bar that I honestly have nothing negative to say about because the workers were as sweet as the fresh smoothies that’d quench my thirst every Wednesday after French. It’s save to assume I wasn’t the biggest fan of the gaping hole of dusty revulsion that is better known as “University Village.”