By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Transitioning into college is a journey, and one of the greatest obstacles is developing a growth mindset. It can be challenging going from being top of your high school class to “average” in a USC curved class. Nevertheless, it’s vital that college students all learn to dissociate self-esteem and self-worth from grades and prevent a fixed mindset from holding them back. The following is a very personal account of my own slow development to having a healthier mindset about not only grades, but about myself.

By: Karla Leung ‘22

If you’re a freshman or sophomore who has dining dollars and want to spend them on something else besides Panda Express or Starbucks, keep reading! There are plenty of places to find delicious, healthy, and fresh foods that are closer than you think!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

One of the first clubs I signed up for as a freshman at USC, even before I officially began studying screenwriting, was Women of Cinematic Arts. As someone who did, and still does want to work in the film industry, I thought it’d be a great way to meet people with similar interest — and it is! In their own words, Women of Cinematic Arts is an “official alumnae organization of the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Since our founding in 2005, we have been dedicated to supporting women in film, television and digital industries by providing fellowship and professional development opportunities.” The organization hosts a variety of different events, from mixers to creative workshops, but a recent event that truly stood out was an industry panel featuring Sarah Gilman! Sarah Gilman, an actress known from series such as I Didn’t Do It (2014–2015) and Foursome (2016–Present), recently graduated from USC’s Film and Television Production program. Hosted by Women of Cinematic Arts, Gilman returned to campus for an intimate discussion about her experience balancing life as an actor and a student.

By: Karla Leung ‘22

Classes can be difficult and it’s always beneficial to reach out for help. Of course, you often think to first contact your TA or professor to get some help in classes, but for cases when that’s not enough, you can always take these convenient and FREE options provided by USC! Classes can be hard, but it’s surprisingly easy to get some extra help!

By: Talia Walters ‘20

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been asked what I plan on doing after graduation almost nonstop since the beginning of my senior year. My answer is always the same – a scoff that’s the mixture between exasperation, terror, and immediate anxiety – which usually prompts a sympathetic laugh in response. We all focus so hard on getting into grad school or making sure we apply to all the right jobs, that no one really stops to realize we don’t have to do those things. No one is forcing us to go to Med School or Law School, and no one is making us get a big person job. If it doesn’t seem right for you to send in application after application, sealing your fate until you retire, then don’t. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Of course, you still need an answer to that dreaded question. What would you do after graduation if you weren’t doing more school or going straight into the workforce? Well, friend, do I have a list for you! Below, I’ve compiled a few different routes for post-grad life that aren’t just going to grad school or getting a “real” job. They’re all entirely unique options, and maybe you’ll find the one that’s right for you!

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

Here’s a secret about me— I’m a senior. And yes, I’m stressed about paying back student loans, finding a job after college and senioritis has consumed my entire being. Despite the beautiful mess that is the end of my college career, there is a multitude of experiences and lessons to be grateful for. So for my freshman, sophomores, and even juniors, here are some lessons you can pull from my college experience, and hopefully, you’ll come out on top.

By: Karla Leung ‘22

USC is in the heart of Los Angeles, making it extremely convenient to get around and explore the LA area. However, getting around can get pretty pricey. Knowing all your options, whether you want to road trip to San Francisco or just go shopping at The Grove, can help you save time and money.

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

The 2019 QS, Best Student Cities Rankings, have been published, and once again, London has been ranked as the best city for study abroad students in 2019. And from first-hand experience, I know London is a great city to travel, learn, and break out of your comfort zone.

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

No matter the day of the week it lands on, Halloween is the perfect holiday for college students. Between dressing up, getting spooky, partying, and eating obscene amounts of candy, there is something for everyone. Gone are the days of donning a pair of cat ears and calling it a day, though. Here are five last-minute Halloween costume that don’t scream, “I made this after my 3-hour lecture.”

By: Sarah Ko ‘22

Here’s what you *really* need for college!

By: Antonia Le ‘22

As college students, one of the hardest things for us to do is to take care of our mental health. With midterm season still in full swing for some, while social and extra-curricular responsibilities continue to exist, it’s difficult to find time to sit down and ask yourself, “Am I okay?”. If the answer is no, then it’s near impossible to start making efforts to improve one’s own mental health. I’ve struggled with mental health issues all throughout high school and through my freshman year of college, and for the longest time, I was good at bottling up my feelings and pushing through. However, this semester, I’m taking a harder course load than ever, and I couldn’t deny my own feelings. I needed to talk to someone who would understand how to help me. As a result, I made the trek over to STU 422, where I decided to talk to a counselor for the first time in my entire life.

By: Antonia Le ‘22

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t think about USC’s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) while trying to decide which college to go to. While I am currently an Applied Math major, I’ve always loved movies and TV, and I’ve always dreamed of taking a class from one of the best film schools in the nation. I’ve made a point to take at least one SCA class a year, and I think that you should too!