By: Sydney Henry ‘24

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who is not currently living their best (covid-free) life in Cali right now. I, similar to most of you, have been at home with my parents ever since quarantine started almost a year ago. It is really challenging sometimes because the only space that feels like mine is my room. But, staying within these 4 walls all day, everyday has made my irritation levels skyrocket and my social battery empty. So here are some ways you can deal with living at home with your parents until we can make it to sunny California.

By: Claire Wong ‘23

Boba is a super popular treat in the USC area but at $5 a cup, it can add up quickly. With lots of time during the quarantine and a craving for boba, I learned how to make my own boba for less than $2 a cup at home!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Whether or not you’re completely sold on the effectiveness of fabric masks, in many places they are now required whenever going out in public. Right now, masks aren’t the easiest thing to get a hold of, but there’s always another option: Make your own! There are all sorts of tutorials, ranging from ten minutes to sixty, and with all different sorts of styles. All things considered, I thought it would be a good idea to try out some of the most popular designs for myself. The easiest weren’t always the best and the hardest weren’t always the most efficient, but there certainly is one for everyone, regardless of skill.

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

As the semester brings itself to an end and some of us still find ourselves distanced from our friends and family, now more than ever, it’s important to get a little creative in the ways we keep in touch. Zoom can be used for a lot more than just classes, and although it may be tempting to just throw it away the first chance you get, it has a lot of other applications. Specifically, ones that could be used to keep in touch with friends! Curious as to what else you could be doing across your camera screen besides dozing off in lectures? Read below!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Okay, so, self-quarantine/social distancing can be difficult for a lot of reasons — boredom, fear, loneliness — but can especially difficult if you are cooped up with the wrong sort people. You know, the kind that play loud music in the middle of the night, don’t clean up after themselves, and try to get under your skin at every turn. Trust me, I get it. The first step should always be to talk about it, to see if there’s any sort of resolution that could be reached. Suggest solutions, use “I” statements, and be direct. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t — but if it’s the latter, that doesn’t mean it’s completely hopeless. Even if the person you’re rooming with is a stubborn as a brick, you can still retain some semblance of control over yourself and your sanity, despite who may be around you.

By: Ann Nguyen ‘22

Quarantining has left us with a little extra time on our hands. If, like me, you are looking for new reads to add to your list, I have the perfect book for you: Third Culture Teen: In Between Cultures, In Between Life Stages — written by USC student, Jiwon Lee.