By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20

Certain foods are important for our bodies. We know that. Yet, college students (whether community college, college/university) are experiencing food insecurity. And while we may make self-deprecating jokes about it, in the end – it’s not that funny; it’s pretty serious. In a 2016 Los Angeles Times article, data revealed that 4 out of 10 students in the UC system did not have consistent healthy foods. An earlier study (based in University of Hawai’i) discovered that ~20% of their students would skip meals. Some of you might be saying, “Well, instant ramen is the way to go.” But no. It’s not. By eating these cheap, instant foods, you’re damaging your body and depriving it of the nutrients that it needs. So, I thought it be best to share some information on where you can get help/resources to aid your/others’ food insecurity.

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, starting as an adult can be daunting. It feels like you’re at a disadvantage after hearing for years that the best time to learn a language is as a child. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done — it’s just going to take some time and effort. I have a double major in Spanish, so I’ve been learning my second language for years in a classroom setting. But I’d still like to learn more languages once I’m finished with my Spanish major. So I thought I’d share some tricks I’ve used while learning Spanish, and some tricks I will use when I learn a new language. Here are the do’s and don’ts of language learning:

By: Joy Ofodu ‘18

If you’re new to writing effective cover letters, know that you’re not alone! Like a perfect cake, it can be tough to discern what should go inside. If you’ve been wondering about the recipe, wonder no longer! Here’s the structure I’ve used to land 11 professional roles over the last 5 years:

By: Joy Ofodu ‘18

I’m about to graduate from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Communication and Minors in Spanish and Marketing. It’s a feeling that is equally unreal and the realest thing I can conceive. Freshman Me came in with a rough plan and a lot of hope. Senior Me is leaving as an employed graduate of three academic schools. If I could go back in time and give her some pointers, here’s what I’d offer:

By: Ellice Ellis ‘18

If you’re struggling to find the motivation to get things done, you’re not alone. These days I dread starting my homework, doing a reading or even waking up for class because it forces me to face the fact that there is work to be done. Here are a few motivational tips and quotes to get you out of bed and hopefully in Leavey (or your preferred study room).

By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20

Hi, all! I hope these first three weeks have been going well for you all and I wish you the best throughout the next several weeks! I wanted to write this post about a great experience I had this past weekend with El Centro Chicano. This past Sunday, on January 21st, 2018, I went to El Centro Chicano’s Latinx Student Empowerment Conference. This conference aimed to support the research, academic success, and social justice activism of USC students. Conferences such as these, and the overall organization, are open to current USC students - both undergraduate and graduate - and welcome new spring admits! They welcome & encourage USC Alumni to attend these conferences! And if I’m being completely honest…It was the best thing I have ever attended. The conference started off with a special guest speaker, Cristela Alonzo, comedian, actress, writer, and overall amazing human being.

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

There is no better way make the most of your week than taking a study break and going to a cool event. Personally, I try to go to one non-academic event a week. I like to view them as mini-adventures, introduce myself to something new, meet new people, and take a break from studying. So to help you create some new memories and learn something new here are some events happening this week (Jan 23rd-Jan 27th).

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

This past Saturday (January 20th, 2018) 600,000 people took to the streets of DTLA for the 2018 Women’s March in Los Angeles, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti. Thousands of people carried signs to express themselves and the reasons they marched. I saw some great signs at the march, and wanted to share a few of my favorites.

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

With a new semester comes new opportunities for service. Last semester I shared some volunteer opportunities around LA, so this semester I wanted to share some great service orgs right here on campus. Check them out!

By: Joy Ofodu ‘18

The first week back at school is like a highlight reel - you become re-acquainted with your dorm and friends, unpack your holiday gifts, and glide from lecture to work to the gym’s free fitness classes as if in a dream. By the second week, you’ll have received some kind of rude awakening - you return from a workout and your roommate didn’t refill the Brita. Your fellow E-Board members start sending demanding texts about funding deadlines. Somehow, there are 14 assignments, readings and peer reviews due. Also, you’ve fallen sick, and your family is complaining that you haven’t checked in. Fight On! Need help staying afloat? Here’s how I’ve tackled this second-week panic for the past 7 semesters:

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

Before coming to college, I was a morning person. I typically would wake up early and do chores, exercise, and cook. I truly thought I was the early-bird who catches the worm. My first 8am proved me wrong. My first semester of freshman year I had an 8am on Mondays and it was h-e-double hockey stick. I was constantly late, tired and cranky. I forgot assignments and even went to the wrong classroom sometimes. Eventually, I learned from my mistakes and was able to thrive and get an A in the class. I bet you’re wondering how I did it, aren’t you? Keep reading for 8am survival tips.

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

I came into college thinking I was all that in a bag of chips. Reading on point, essay writing skills on point, time management on point; but after a couple of weeks during my first semester of college…my academic confidence tanked.