By: Grace Carballo ‘17

This morning at the gym I joined in Buenos Aires, a trainer wished me “Feliz Día de la Mujer” which was the first time I’ve ever been greeted this way, although for me every day is women’s day. As someone who identifies as a woman and as someone who identifies as a feminist, I decided IWD is something I should probably be more knowledgeable about and I’ve compiled this handy guide for you, as well. So whether you’re abroad, like me, or on campus when you read this, if it’s March 8th, it is International Women’s Day and you should be mindful of this, because as far as women’s rights have come, we’re not there yet and by there I mean ~equal~. The quote below from earlier today sums this up very well.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Nearly one-third of students entering two- or four-year college in the U.S. are first-generation students. Who are first-generation students? Those whose parents do not have four-year college degrees are considered first-generation. If you fit this description, you may have felt, as many do, at a disadvantage compared to your continuing-generation peers while adjusting to college life.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Today is Ash Wednesday so if you see someone walking around campus with what appears to be dirt on their forehead, don’t wipe it off for them! It’s actually ashes, obtained from burned palms from last year’s Palm Sunday.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Today, November 25, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, an international recognition of the violence against women that is not confined to a specific region, country, religion, culture, or societal standing.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

I’m in Matagalpa now which is super cool compared to Managua, both in terms of climate and also just in terms of the general vibes it projects. I’m working on my ISP which stands for Independent Study Project, emphasis on the independent.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

My first excursion outside of Madrid was to Barcelona because I have the good fortune of having family there at the moment and I needed a familiar face so badly I would have settled for a photo of a familiar face. Or maybe a 3D printed copy now that 3D Printers are a thing. But I didn’t have to settle, because I had the real thing- my cousin Bob is living and working in Barcelona with 14 other entrepreneurs and he graciously hosted my friend, Lauren, who is studying in Granada, and myself. Blood is thicker than water, as they say, and speaking of this, the water in Barcelona is mierda so you gotta buy it bottled everywhere you go.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

If you are still around campus this weekend and feel a little homesick or miss your family, don’t worry- there are lots of opportunities to celebrate Easter with your Trojan Family and maybe make some new memories.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

“What are you doing tomorrow?” someone a lot like me might ask you with genuine interest in her tone. If you answered “Nothing” or “Not much” in an effort to curtail this conversation and discourage inevitable follow-up questions, THINK AGAIN. Tomorrow you’re doing much more than “not much” because there are THREE amazing fests (Springfest, Greenfest, and Gearfest) right here on campus for FREE and everyone is welcome.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Break probably came and went too quickly and now you find yourself back at school to face the responsibilities you may have neglected or even forgotten entirely. The workload might be intimidating to tackle, but if not now, then when? Finals end and summer begins in a mere 52 days which is ample time to be productive and fun.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Do it for the fresh air (do you even remember what that tastes/feels like?), do it to challenge yourself, do it to meet some rad new people, do it to get to know some of USC’s best and brightest professors outside the classroom, do it for the insta… I’m not going to get hung up on your intentions, so long as you take a hike with Peaks and Professors.