By: Camila Grases ‘21

Not many people know what dragon boat is. I didn’t either before I tried out. Little freshman me was looking for a cool new sport to try out, and when I read the word “dragon”, I was sold. Now, I can’t imagine having done anything different.

By: Alexis M Peters ‘20

I recently embarked on a quest to find the perfect study spot. I wanted to find a place that was perfect to set up camp for a couple of hours and chug through some homework. And if you’re like me, the two main libraries on campus just don’t cut it. They can get pretty crowded sometimes, and it just isn’t the kind of atmosphere I want for a long study session. So, here it is: Your comprehensive list of nearly all the places to study on campus that aren’t Doheny or Leavey. Let’s hit it!

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

You’ve all heard of and been to the over-crowded Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade, and Main Street strip. While these places are fun to explore, you won’t find them on this list (but if you do want to the stereotypical Santa Monica things, I guarantee there are hundreds of sites that can recommend you activities). The following are some less touristy places in Santa Monica that y’all should visit. Here’s a quick guide of some really amazing attractions and food places sorted by Metro stop!

By: Cameryn Baker ‘22

A limited-time addition to an exhibit at the Natural History Museum in LA is “close to home” in two ways: One, it is quite literally five minutes from the USC campus, so you can walk over and see it whenever you want. Two, the exhibit is completely dedicated to remembering the history of Los Angeles, the home city of our school!

By: Talia Walters ‘20

If you’ve looked at my writer’s bio (available just up there at the top of the page if you’re interested in learning more about the writers of Trojans360 – I promise we’re really cool people!), then you know I spend a lot of time teaching languages. Luckily, this past semester, I was given the opportunity to teach French to high school students, allowing me to make my love of language education accessible to those students who are often forgotten in the Trojan Family. I was an inaugural member of the Shaukat Initiative.

By: Fred Akau ‘20

Some career things to know before leaving ‘SC.

By: Camila Grases ‘21

This past Thursday, November 1st, was the opening reception to the small yet wonderful exhibition of Roski senior Ankita Mukherji. As an artist that specializes in clay sculptures, Ankita is able to transform her medium into art that is deeply meaningful to herself. Part of her statement at the reception spoke about the ways in which she used her memory and her feelings to create “the objects and spaces that we call home.” From the moment you walk into her exhibit, you are immediately impacted by her work. Suddenly, her intentions are clear.

By: Alexis M Peters ‘20

I stood in the Coliseum, the crowd bellowing their support for the Trojan football team all around me. I clapped my hands. This would be fun. This would be fun. I had snagged a spot in the front row, which meant I couldn’t really see everything that happened on the field, but I got to wave to my mom when the Fox camera guy came up to film us. The girl standing next to me kept shaking her pom-pom in my face, so I couldn’t be sure Mom even saw my whole face. Maybe just a peek.

By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20

This year is my junior year. For some, it is their last, their second, or their very first. Some are wealthy, some are living decently, and some are barely surviving when it comes to money. While I have other identities, being low-income in college is what I will talk about in this post. In this post, I hope to share my story for those who are going through something similar and to share resources that I have used to help me get through financial issues.

By: Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20

Ever wanted to conduct research on a subject you are interested in with a faculty member? Are you currently interested in pursuing a Masters or PhD.? Then maybe the Gateway Scholars Research Program is for you! The Gateway Scholars Research Program is designed to prepare and nurture undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

By: Cameryn Baker ‘22

Let’s face it…our football team has not been putting up the most satisfying performance this season. Yes, we’ll always support them, and yes—games, tailgates, and dressing up are fun. But losing? …not so much. But not to worry—if you’re into sports at USC and love to see Trojan victories, trade in football for fútbol. Our women’s soccer team is readying themselves for the postseason, and they’re on fire.

By: Camila Grases ‘21

I commute to USC. It’s about a 45 minute to an hour drive to and from my house. “Aw thats so sad, you aren’t getting the FULL college experience.” Oh hush hush now. It’s not sad. I wake up every morning in my own bed, my mom makes me breakfast in morning, and when I get home late, there is almost always food waiting for me (or for my brothers, but who am I to complain?). It’s really not so bad. There are definitely days where I wish I could live here, and have roommates and be able to stay late without having the fact that I have to drive home be in the back of my mind always. But I think having the constant support from my family has helped with my mental stability so much. Of course, there are commuters that don’t still live with their parents and whose experience is so different from mine. And there are students that don’t feel the same way about their parents. I’m just here to share a little bit of wisdom I learned from commuting for a full year now.