By: Amanda Curtis ‘19

A one-and-a-half week crash course into Japan’s economic, diversity, and political history and modern issues. Hundreds of pages of reading every night. That was all we had before hopping on a 10-hour flight to Tokyo and dive deep into our independent field research. For some students, those two weeks were their first and only exposure Japanese culture before being expected to conduct a research project. While a daunting task, there is no one more capable of teaching this than Professor Katada. For me, however, this Maymester was a culmination of all the research and learning I have done throughout my educational career. I have always been fascinated by different societies and histories, particularly the rich culture of Japan. To be able to finally immerse myself in Japanese culture, while also pursuing my academic interests through my research, was a truly life-changing experience. Looking back at those four weeks as I sit here writing this blog post, it is clear the impact this trip has had on me, personally and professionally. When conducting my research, which was about the social implications surrounding female video game players in Japan, I got to not only dive deep into my prospective industry, but learn how to tap into a passion that I’ve always had. People have long known that travel is good for the soul and for our personal development. This Maymester managed to combine that with academic growth, pushing me further than I thought possible. And from my conversations with my classmates, I know I am not the only one who has received this clarity.

By: Natalia Wurst ‘21

It seems almost impossible to encapsulate everything your first year of college teaches you about adulthood in one blog (which is great, because it should be). For awhile, I put off even trying–until I realized that, 12 months ago, I was exactly you. I didn’t care whether the author of the content I was reading felt self-conscious about the quality or relevance of her words. I needed answers, and I needed them before I spiraled into a black hole of doubt and what-ifs. So without further ado, the following are four takeaways from my experience, yours to leave or take.

By: Jamie Wu ‘18

Have you ever wondered what the Priam Residential College in USC’s University Village looks like? Check out this video to get a glimpse!

By: Jamie Wu ‘18

How does it feel to be graduated? Watch as I navigate through this crazy but momentous day!

By: Joy Ofodu ‘18

This is the story of 5 Bay Area Trojans who attended middle school, high school and college together! Now, they're graduating from the University of Southern California in the Class of 2018!

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

3, 2, 1, blast off! The countdown is on for USC’s Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL). After the end of the semester, RPL will be heading to the desert to launch their student-built rocket, TRAVELER III, into space. I sat down with Karen Zhu, a member of RPL’s core team, to learn more about the upcoming launch.

By: Jamie Wu ‘18

1. What advice do you have for college freshmen?

2. What is your biggest regret from college?

3. What is one organization you would rejoin here at USC?

4. What is your most memorable memory?

Click to find out what these three seniors have to say!

By: Jamie Wu ‘18

What’s better than a regular vlog? A 360 degree one!! Here, you can scroll around and see exactly what I see as a college student here at USC. Make sure to click and drag the screen to see our beautiful campus!

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

As the year winds down, it’s time to get packing! If you’re not within driving distance of USC, packing for the summer can be pretty stressful (I know it is for me). Let me share a few packing tips and tricks to try to lighten your load! There are 3 things you will need to pack: things for storage, things for your suitcase, and things for shipping! Read on to learn more about each step of the packing process.

By: Alexis Peters ‘20

I am not a dancer. I mean, I took ballet for a few years when I was 10, and a couple of tap classes, but that was about it. I am the girl with a teensy bit of rhythm (meaning maaaaaaybe I can shake my hips at a dance party) but I’m mostly awkward flailing limbs. However, this semester I decided to take an elective dance class.

By: Natalia Wurst ‘21

As of recently, I became a double major. But before deciding law school (and major debt) is definitely for me, I declared psychology as my undergraduate degree—and stuck with it because of how much it fills my heart with joy. The inquires continue to pour in from close family friends and from strangers in the supermarket. “Oh, so you want to be a therapist?” “So can you help us figure out what makes this family so whack?” And of course, my personal favorite, “Are you psychoanalyzing me right now?” (No, yes, and yes).

By: Jamie Wu ‘18

College can be described as a roller coaster full of ups and downs. As a senior, I reflect back on what were my top three and bottom three experiences of college!