The Best Bagel in LA
Did you know the average bagel has a history as rich as its flavor? Originating in 17th-century Poland, bagels have traveled the world to become a breakfast (and anytime) staple, especially here in LA, where creativity and quality shine. If you’re craving a bagel that’s perfectly chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, look no further. This roundup features some of the best bagel spots I’ve discovered in Los Angeles, each offering something unique.
The Trojan Legacy: History of the USC Football Team
The Trojan legacy is deeply rooted in the prominence of the football team: gameday traditions, tailgating, and everything surrounding USC athletics. Established in 1888, USC Trojans football has claimed several national championships, 55 bowl appearances, and over 800 wins as of 2024. This football team made their first collegiate appearance in 1889, taking victory 40-0 against St. Vincent’s College. Today, all USC home football games take place at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, commissioned in 1921 as a tribute to veterans of World War I and is a site of 3 Summer Olympics.
The 3 Types of Electric Scooter Riders on Campus
You're walking on campus, it’s impossible not to notice the number of electric scooters. I’ve been to other colleges, and I really can’t say that this is a universal epidemic. Maybe it’s due to the number of free scooters handed out to student athletes at USC, but it is remarkable to see the sheer quantity on a campus that isn’t even half a square mile. So, since there are so many, here’s a little breakdown of the different types of scooter riders you may see around campus.
Starbucks Holiday Menu: Cran-Merry Refreshers and Dark Toffee Bundt Review
It’s peppermint season, and you know what that means: new Starbucks holiday items. Every year, Starbucks releases new treats to celebrate the holiday season. This year, they released on November 7, and are set to leave stores in mid-January. Among the new delicacies are a seasonal refresher — the Cran-Merry Orange refresher — and a new pastry — the Dark Toffee Bundt. I tried them so you don’t have to, and by the end of the article, you can decide whether you’ll indulge in the new snacks or just stick to the peppermint basics.
Matcha For Beginners: My Matcha Recipe w/ Tips and Tricks
Once you have gathered the Matcha personnel explored in my previous article, you can start experimenting with how you would prefer to make your matcha. I’ll give you the basic guide on what I follow when making my matcha, but feel free to adjust anything within this guide to your liking!
Gifts That Will Not Drain Pockets This Holiday Season
We’ve all made some incredible friends here at USC, creating memories and bonds that make our college experience truly unforgettable. As the holiday season rolls around, you might be feeling the urge to show your appreciation for those friendships with a thoughtful gift. But let’s be so for real…most of us aren’t quite in the financial position to splurge on the gifts our friends truly deserve. That’s why I’m here to share some budget-friendly ideas that have worked for me, letting you show just how much you care without breaking the bank!
Things to do for the Holidays: LA Edition
The holiday season in Los Angeles offers something for everyone, whether you're staying in town or heading home to celebrate. For those staying local, LA's holiday magic shines through its dazzling light displays, festive markets, and multicultural celebrations. And if you're preparing to travel, there are plenty of activities to enjoy before you leave, making the most of the city’s vibrant holiday atmosphere. Here are a few festive activities to enjoy for the Holidays around LA!
A Freshman Perspective: Things I’ve Learned From This Semester
As my first semester here at USC comes to an end, I’ll say that my experience here has been nothing short of both pleasant adventures and those much-needed learning curves. So, here is a list of things I’ve learned over my time here on campus.
Scholarships to Apply For During Winter Break
Winter break is the perfect time to unwind, reflect on goals, and secure funding for your education. Here’s a list of scholarships to prioritize, sorted by deadline, so you can make the most of your break while working toward your academic and career dreams.
Review of DFTC’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show
This past Halloween season, I discovered so many people close to me that were unaware of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This year, I worked on DFTC’s production of it as a lead Hair and Makeup artist, but this was far from the beginning of my obsession with the franchise. The campy, raunchy, music-filled show is an unforgettable experience each time.
Exploring Fitness Classes Near USC
Staying active while juggling academics can be challenging, but fortunately, the area around USC offers a variety of fitness classes that cater to different workout preferences. Whether you’re into high-intensity interval training or prefer the mind-body balance of yoga, there’s a class for everyone. Check out some of my favorites!
How I Stay Healthy With Dining Hall Food
When they say “unlimited,” I really take it as “unlimited.” Once, I hopped through all three dining halls in the span of an hour, which you may equate to “big back tendencies,” but jokes on you, there were just flies in certain establishments that I could not ignore. If you like seeking college advice from the greats of TikTok and Reddit like I do, you probably have been reassured that the possibility of the “freshman 15” is combatted by all the walking you will do around campus.
Step in Line: A Beginner’s Journey into the World of Line Dancing
Many people have misconceptions about line dancing due to stereotypes, both negative and positive. Some examples include this idea that line dancing is all about doing repetitive moves to cheesy songs about heartbreak and drinking, being labeled as simple or outdated, and simply facing cultural criticism. The truth is that line dancing is much more complex than people think and actually challenges social norms in the sense that it represents community and jubilation.
Matcha for Beginners: Everything You Need Before Starting!
I’m very particular about my matcha, which should be a concern if you’re a matcha addict like me, who is also trying to stay on a budget. Last year I spent a bunch of money going to cafes or Dulce runs just so I could have my weekly matcha, but now I can have it every day by making it at home!
Friendsgiving Recipe Ideas
Here are all of the Friendsgiving recipes, from appetizers to desserts, that will make your gathering deliciously unforgettable. Most importantly, Friendsgiving isn't just about the perfect dish; it's about spending time with all of your close friends.
5 Shows USC Students Should Watch With Their Free Max Subscription
Looking for a more fulfilling way to procrastinate than doom scrolling? Luckily, USC provides free HBO Max (now just Max) specifically for these situations! Perfect for midterms or finals season when you’ve already cleaned your whole apartment/dorm, and now there’s nothing else to feasibly rationalize not working. As a professional procrastinator, here are some of my recommendations for shows to binge watch deep into the night and early morning.
Gluten-Free Fall Items From Trader Joe’s That Will Change Your Life
For people who are gluten-free like me, it can be tough to find items that meet our dietary needs year-round. By the time the fall season rolls around, the store shelves are filled with seasonal items that we can’t eat, and we’re left out of the fun. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has been hard at work to make sure both you and me can enjoy the sweeter, spice filled side of autumn, at no cost to our digestive systems.
Review of Problem-Based Learning at Maastricht University
I studied abroad at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and it was a huge culture shock! From the Dutch food to the public transportation to the cold weather, there was a lot to adjust to. One of the biggest changes was the university itself. Maastricht University uses problem-based learning (PBL), where students work in small groups to solve complex, real-world problems. This was a major shift from USC, where I was used to large lecture halls and scantrons. As someone who is comfortable speaking up in class and working in groups, I was eager to try out this new approach. So, is problem-based learning the future of education? Here's my take.
Watch American Idiot: A Green Day Musical
“Don’t wanna be an American idiot!” Green Day's punk rock album is reimagined in the revival musical American Idiot: A Green Day Musical, presented by Deaf West Theatre at the Mark Taper Forum (October 2 to November 16, 2024). The production uniquely combines American Sign Language (ASL) with spoken English, making it accessible for both Deaf and hearing audiences. I saw American Idiot with friends and loved it! If you enjoy Green Day, musicals, or are a part of or want to learn about Deaf culture, check it out!
Easy Recipes to Try for the Fall
The coziness of fall is upon us, and with it an abundance of fall recipes to bake or cook. As someone who just got her own kitchen a little over a year ago, learning the balance between making dishes that are nutritious and ones that aren’t too difficult to make has been a journey. Also, I love to bake, and finding times to bake as a busy double major has also been a challenge. This year, I have found a few recipes that give off the coziness of fall without too many steps (or dishes)!