So, if you’re offered a job in another state or one that demands excessive overtime, take a moment to step back. Make a list of your negotiables and non-negotiables, and consider whether the job is truly right for you. I’ve made the mistake of pushing myself out of my comfort zone relentlessly for the sake of a job. While growth often comes from challenges, it’s important to recognize when the sacrifices just aren’t worth it. Your life should reflect all the things that matter to you, not just your career.

A common refrain that you might expect to hear from Political Science majors is, “Majoring in Political Science made me realize I hate politics.” As a bright-eyed underclassman, I didn’t think this would be what I would become. I had dreams of becoming a political journalist with wide expertise. I would “speak truth to power.” I would “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” These are sentiments I hold a great respect for still, but the avenue that I see myself fulfilling these pursuits has changed dramatically.

Sometimes it feels like the friendliness at this school flows as much as the LA river. Maybe it was strong and powerful in the past. But over time, it’s slowed to a trickle. Then the walls went up, and now at times, the friendliness is barely there. In some areas, it’s more of a creek than a river, to be honest. 

I often joke that getting work-study at USC is harder than getting in, which isn’t entirely untrue. I’ve spent hours completing work-study job applications. I started with high hopes when I arrived my freshman year. Before going to college, everyone told me, “Just get a library job, you can do your homework during it.” Seems easy enough when you put it that way.

The thought of owning a pet during your college career has probably crossed your mind once or twice. Having a little, cuddly friend sitting on your lap while you're studying or having a pet to come home to after a long day of classes seems like the perfect way to beat the isolation of finals season. However, with the hustle and bustle of school and the never ending assignments, owning a pet can seem impossible.

Last semester, I wrote an article titled “Why I Decided to Minor in Digital Studies.” Meet her older, slighter wiser sister article, “Why I Decided to Drop my Minor in Digital Studies.” I recommend reading the prior article before this one for extra context, but if you enjoy a good TLDR: I am a cognitive science major interested in working in product design. I declared a minor in Digital Studies because I thought it would include courses that would help develop skills for a career in product design, while also allowing me the benefits of being a SCA student.

Here’s a roundup of my favorite courses I’ve taken at USC, as a (December) graduating cognitive science major.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to direct a film – especially a documentary? I’m here to tell you all about my experience taking CTPR 474: Documentary Production and the process of creating a 15-minute short documentary over the course of a semester.

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re well into the college application process or waiting until Thanksgiving break to crank out your essays (which is perfectly fine, that’s what I did!). You might be frantically watching endless TikTok and YouTube videos for advice on choosing the right major, deciding which colleges to apply to, scholarship deadlines to keep in mind, and how to write a compelling personal statement or the UC’s Personal Insight Questions. It's safe to say I was very overwhelmed with the ocean of opinions that sometimes clashed with one another.

Rounding out the whirlwind of fall break on a dreamy Sunday afternoon, a trio of music industry students, Girls Who Cry, hosted, For the Girls, Gays and Theys charity concert at Tommy’s Place.

One of my favorite parts of living in California is the ready access to incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the easiest ways to access them is by shopping at farmers markets. LA has an incredible number sprinkled all around the city (my favorite is in Brentwood), but if you don’t have a car, don’t worry! USC brings the farmers market right to McCarthy Quad most Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Attention all Marshall students! The Marshall Business Student Community (MBSC) has launched a comprehensive Marshall Handbook, a brand-new resource curated to enrich your Marshall experience. Who better to understand the needs and questions of an undergraduate student than a fellow student? The Marshall Handbook is a guide written for students, by students: the handbook ensures that every Marshall student has access to the collective wisdom of their peers.