Congratulations to our newest Trojans on joining the family. I know you’re eager to get to campus, choose your dorms, and make shopping lists for the big move. Or maybe you’re just arriving in the Fall unsure of how to meet people or how to get to your classes; which dining hall has the best breakfast?

The night of my audition for the dance team Breakon2 was a Thursday. I decided to tag along with my roommate because I had nothing better to do, making a very spur of the moment decision to even try out. We learned the basic salsa steps and a short combo before filming two pieces with members of the team. When I was filming my second clip, dancing with a member of the team, he reminded me to “just have fun,” and that’s when everything clicked. The dance team recognized an energy in me that I’m only now recognizing in myself after spending so much time with my teammates. Even though I was nervous about committing to the team, once I joined, I felt like my talents and personality were truly desired for the first time in a while at USC.

April is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and to honor and celebrate the many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at USC, here are all the ways you can participate and get involved, including events to go to, communities to support, and books to read!

As the weather gets warmer, one of my favorite outings is going to concerts. While we only have a month left of the school year, I’ve compiled a list of upcoming concerts in LA through the end of the semester. Whether you’re into country or rap (or anything in between) this list is sure to have something for you. 

A year ago today, I was studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, gallivanting across different countries in Europe on the weekends and spending time with the incredible friends I made through the program on the weekdays. It was an incredible experience to say the least, and I have an immense nostalgia and longing to go back in time and relive those adventures all over again. While the experience itself was magical, getting approved to go to Edinburgh was a complicated process.

The conversation surrounding dating in college is muddled with conflicting opinions, with some strictly opposed to the idea and others fiercely for it. Whether to date in college can be a hard choice for many due to the unpredictable nature of school life. With the constant deadlines, club responsibilities, recruiting, and general adulting, a relationship often doesn’t fit into the college student lifestyle. Romantic relationships in college can also be daunting. The idea of seriously pursuing a partnership with someone can be scary as a young person. It can be difficult to forge your own identity and life plan while also hoping you’ve found your “forever person”.

One of my favorite things to do in LA is try new restaurants. One of the unique parts of this city is how it’s home to a diverse array of eateries. Recently, my friend Branden Mendez took me to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar for the first time.

CTCS 335-Motion Picture Editing is the first class I took for my upper division Cinematic Arts minor credits, and it did not disappoint. While I had no particular interest in editing before the class, I left it with a deep knowledge of Avid Media Composer, the production process for films, and truly gained an appreciation for the number of people involved in bringing a film to life. This was a very fulfilling course that showed me a different perspective on the film industry.

In high school, my teacher once told me that I was too sensitive for the real world. To this, I told myself that I was a queer person growing up in one of the most conservative areas of California and intended to move to Los Angeles after graduation. Surely I was more than prepared for the world outside my Trump flag ridden, Evangelical upbringing. I thought the ostracization I felt in my hometown would be a thing of the past once I moved to this liberal city and I would experience culture shock in the best way as someone eager for a more diverse and accepting community.

Visiting Milan, Italy, one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals, is a notable experience, especially during Fashion Week. Similar to New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, Milan Fashion Week attracts some of the most well-known celebrities, designers, and brands. However, with Italy being home to exquisite leather goods and one of the most notable brands – Gucci – Milan Fashion Week stands out above the rest.

If you wake up scatterbrained and anxious about the day ahead, a daily “reset” ritual can really help you organize and center yourself. As a person who lives alone, sometimes holding myself accountable can be really hard. I try to keep my apartment clean and organized, but every now and then, I slip up and suddenly clothes are scattered everywhere, my sink is full of dishes, and I have an enormous pile of laundry waiting for me. Creating a daily reset routine has helped me feel less overwhelmed and keeps me organized both mentally and physically.

Sometimes cooking in college can feel overwhelming, especially if you share a kitchen, or maybe don’t have a kitchen in your dorm at all. However, there are many simple and healthy recipes that you can make, and some only require a microwave. Particularly, Trader Joe’s has some great microwavable meal options! Here are some meal ideas from my kitchen including favorite recipes from my mom.