LKD: The Blogger
By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20
Hi, all! My name is Lilly Kate Diaz (aka LKD aka Lilly-Kate). I am a First-Year/Freshman (and First Gen!) student studying English with an emphasis in Literature (soon to be minoring in IT).
About Me
The picture above is candid me at The Broad (I love museums!). Anywho, I’m Salvadorean/Latinx, Queer, and Female. My preferred pronouns are: She/Her/Hers! I was born and raised in the lovely city of the angels. I grew up in a low-income, single parent household. I am the eldest of 4 children. Life was tough (and still is), but luckily with the great support of family, friends, teachers, the Neighborhood Academic Initiative (and of course, my own determination) – I ended up here: USC. With the help of my passionate music director in high school, I also ended up in the Trojan Marching Band.
On the left, is Naomi Takabayashi (current Junior and my favorite upperclassmen) and on the right, yours truly. Such a memorable day because this was taken before we marched the Rose Parade!
Back in high school, I wanted to do everything (and almost did). But this year, I’ve allowed myself to enjoy this first year as a transitional year to see what kind of organizations are on campus that I may want to join and are related to my background.
I luckily had the opportunity to be a part of the college-bound preparatory program, the Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI). When The LA Times heard about my endeavors, they reached out to me and asked if I would like to contribute to a piece about First-Gen students going to USC. From my school, 21 students were accepted to USC, and 19 are currently attending. If my story had not gone public, I would not be here writing for the Trojans 360 team!
Fun Facts:
1. I am constantly singing. I love playing with my ukulele and guitar. I also enjoy playing my trombone. Music is such a great part of my life, it’s truly medicinal.
2. I once touched Alicia Keys hand… My life is complete.
3. I’ve ran half-marathons and the LA Marathon! I’m planning to get back into it.
4. I’m currently working on a poetry book. I love being able to express my feelings through prose and/or poetry.
5. I’m superstitious. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in a Hispanic household, but that is just how I am!
Trojans 360 & Me
As a member of the Trojans 360 team, my job is to provide all resources, events, organizations, etc. that may help you, friends, and fellow peers. I understand that difficulties appear in college. A middle school math teacher once told me: It takes a village to raise a child. I want to illuminate on how one is not alone. This journey is not yours to walk alone. We are a community. We stick together.
Fight on! :)
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