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Top of the Rock

Jan 24th, 2013 by

One thing I love about being in Los Angeles for school is how easy it is to go on adventures! Last semester, I joined SC Outfitters, a student organization that plans outdoors trips in Southern California. It’s open to the whole USC student body. In September, I went on my first trip with them – a 15-mile night hike to the top of Santiago Peak under the full moon. In November, I had another exciting day with about eight other Trojans, including two guides, in Malibu. We were going to hike to Eagle Rock, a rock that resembles Pride Rock in the Lion King.

 

On the day of the hike, I woke up at 7am (an accomplishment in itself) to meet everyone else in front of Trojan Grounds, our 24-hour on-campus coffee/snack shop. After everyone introduced themselves, we piled into two cars and drove to Malibu. I love driving along the Pacific Coast Highway because you have a great view of the ocean the entire time and get to see some unique houses along the way. It’s a true California experience!

 

When we arrived at Topanga State Park, I immediately noticed how quiet it was! It was definitely a change from the bustling city. After a few snacks, we set out on our hike. What we weren’t quite expecting was how muddy the trail was! A few times, my shoes became so caked with mud that I thought they’d stay in the ground when I tried to take a step. Luckily, we made it to the top without falling victim to slippery mud…on the way down, not so lucky for one of our group. At the top, we ate lunch, climbed through a few small caves, and enjoyed the view. It did in fact feel like a scene from the Lion King. As we headed back, it started to rain lightly, but it wasn’t very cold, despite being the middle of November. Thanks Southern California weather!

 

Back in the parking lot, we washed off our shoes, so as not to destroy the cars on the ride home, and headed back, happy and tired. I love being able to meet people and explore the wilderness with such ease during my time at USC. The things I really want to try are just within reach – sailing, rock climbing, and backpacking are all on my to-do list!

 

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Before Everything Starts

Jan 10th, 2013 by

Besides nervously checking my grades and seeing how well I did academically last semester, I have just been relaxing back home in Shanghai and also catching up on all the TV dramas I have missed. Although Shanghai is extremely cold these days, I still love it because I get to reunite with families and have my favorite food – hotpot!

During break, I watched an excellent movie that was once brought up in my IR 316 Gender and Global Issues class, “the Whistleblower,” starring Rachel Weisz. This film is based on a true story and is about a female police officer (Rachel Weisz) from the U.S. volunteering for an U.N. peace mission in Bosnia. She thought she was joining the best police force and working for the right cause. However, later she finds out about many U.N officers working together with local human traffickers and trafficking girls across borders themselves. A huge conspiracy web involving both the bad guys and the good guys is slowly discovered by our heroine who cares and sympathizes for victims of human trafficking. At last, she reveals this scandal to the world by going to the press.

The hard facts that showed up at the end of the film about the officers involved in the trafficking not getting punishments back in their own countries left me speechless and disappointed. I had little idea how corrupt the U.N. could be and how some people could do horrible things in the name of peace-keeping. Although I learned about how prostitution can happen more often around military camps in my gender class, seeing it was certainly much more surreal than just reading about it. This film taught me to always look beyond the surface because the front is sometimes deceiving, and to never to be too sure about anything. This was definitely a lesson learned in a hard way.

Another year, and another new semester is just around the corner. To be better prepared for this next round, I have already been buying textbooks online and previewing all the available syllabi. I will be taking a very exciting international relations class called “Intelligence and Espionage (IR 304).” Intelligence has always been a mysterious but attractive field to me. Now, finally, I have one of the best opportunities to unveil its mysteries without exposing myself to too many dangers. Perhaps it’s because I have seen too many spy movies and dramas, but I want to get to know intelligence for real. It might turn out to be a disappointment, or it might be something even more exciting! I cannot wait to find out. I will keep you posted!!

 

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Hello 2013!

Jan 8th, 2013 by

This semester, I went to football games, ate a lot of Ramen noodles, met a lot of great people, got a job on campus, drank a lot of Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccinos from Trojan Grounds, got lost in the book stacks in Doheny Library, and more. It was challenging, fun, new, and everything in between.

Over break I went home to the cold, snowy state of Massachusetts to see friends, Connecticut to see family, and Vermont for some winter fun. While I loved being home, I began to count down the days until I got to go back to the sunny USC campus. Sure, I would have loved to enjoy another week or two without homework and tests, but I truly missed the place that became so comfortable and familiar so quickly. I’m beginning to realize that peoples’ advice has always been right; don’t take your college years for granted. The first semester of my freshman year has gone by faster than I ever could have imagined. Maybe a little corny and cliche, but definitely true.

As I write this, I’m 35,000 feet above some Midwestern state on the six hour flight (ugh) back to LA. I can’t wait to see what the next semester has in store for me! Wish me luck. Until next time, fight on!

 

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Diving In

Jan 7th, 2013 by

Coming from a high school with a total enrollment of 150 kids, I was quite surprised when I arrived at my first college class, which was over 300 students. The schedule of classes told me this would happen, but actually being in a room with hundreds of other students trying to learn the same material was rather overwhelming (yet fascinating, to say the least). I sat in the second row; not too goody two-shoes, but close. I was so naive about college classes; I had lugged my 1,000 page textbook with me to lecture and pulled it out in class. As I surveyed the class and saw no one with a textbook, and noticed many students were already asleep, not only did I realize I brought that heavy book for no reason but also I understood just how different my college experience would be from high school. If I wanted to stand out, I needed to work hard and talk to my professors on my own; it was time for me to grow up.

As my semester progressed, I was able to learn the ropes of classes and figure out how to succeed. Having hard-working yet awesome floormates was also a huge help. I was placed on the all-girls floor of Birnkrant. I’m not going to lie, I was initially quite skeptical of living with all of that estrogen, but I could not be more thankful. For starters, I get along very well (almost too well) with my roommate. We have the same thoughts, do the same dances, and even cuddle together. One minute we could be having a blast, the next we could be  helping each other with our studies. For me, having a great roommate made my semester even better.

Equipped with a cool roommate and a growing circle of friends, I was ready to tackle a new aspect of school: the social realm. I remember attending the Fall Sports Rally with a few friends and was in shock to be in such an electrifying environment. Everyone proudly sang the Fight Song and other USC songs, and the band played their hearts out. All of the sports teams were introduced with their long list of awards and recognitions. I soon became an avid sports junkie and Trojan fan. I also attended Visions and Voices events, Conquest, and basically anything that was going on in the quad.

There is always, I mean ALWAYS, something going on, which is so exciting for someone like me. I’ve come a long way from my first day of classes until the end of the semester. I have made huge adjustments but have learned valuable lessons along the way. Yes, class work is hard. Yes, midterms and finals stink. But, I made it through while having the time of my life. I am a growing, proud Trojan who cannot wait for the adventures awaiting me in the spring.

 

 

 

 

 

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Trojans in the Caribbean

Jan 7th, 2013 by

When I unfolded myself like a piece of origami from my filled-to-capacity American Airlines flight in Miami, I did not expect to find many Trojan fans on the East Coast. Maybe some disgruntled Trojans who had been a tad optimistic and had purchased tickets to Miami hoping to see the Trojans play in the Natty (National Championship), but I didn’t expect to be wearing my Dornsife Ambassador hat. Yet, as soon as I kicked off my sneakers and donned my flip-flops, I ran straight into a silver-haired man in a USC visor who greeted me with a friendly “Fight On!”

Visor guy was a USC alum who introduced me to his son Gabe, a motivated high school junior researching colleges. Using my USC Dornsife Ambassador training, I answered his questions about our pre-med program. Then, Gabe threw a few curve-balls my way by inquiring about USC’s Naval program. He wanted to serve in the Navy as a doctor. I told him about ROTC and we spent a lot of time together during the cruise.

Meeting fellow and prospective Trojans on the cruise really solidified my belief that the “Trojan Family” means something no matter where you are in the world. After the cruise concluded, Gabe’s father gave me his card so that we could keep in touch; he could barely contain his enthusiasm for the University. It’s good to know that wherever I travel in the world, a USC student or alumni could be right around the corner.

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If only the day was a few hours longer…

Dec 19th, 2012 by

Hi guys!

I’m Sayuli and I’m a Neuroscience major on the Pre-Med track. I’m a Resident Honors Program student, so I applied to USC during my junior year and I got to come to SC as a freshman instead of doing my senior year of high school, which has been such a fun experience! This year, I’m doing Thematic Option and the Freshman Science Honors program.

I’m from a smaller city in the Bay Area, so coming to live in a big city like LA has been crazy – even without a car to drive around in. There is always so much to do here, whether on campus or out in the city. The BEST part of my first semester  has been meeting a ton of new people and getting involved in different student organizations. I love singing and all things music so I am stoked to be past of Asli Baat, USC’s South Asian a cappella team this year!

The sheer number of things to do at USC can be a little overwhelming, and the hardest part for me as a first-semester freshman was figuring out how much I could cram into the 24 hours I had, when I really just wanted to do everything. It was encouraging see that so many of the other students I met here are studying majors and minors that are completely different from each other and are able to get involved in such diverse things. Although I am in love with science and want to do research while I’m here, I am taking several music classes and I hope to turn it into a music minor someday. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of the university and trying out everything you can while you’re here!

I have many years to go here as an undergraduate and I could not be more excited by the thought of what is still to come. There is so much to be learned here, not just from classes but from all of the unique people I meet – that’s something I can truly appreciate even during the more stressful days of college life.

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Time flies when you’re having fun!

Dec 19th, 2012 by

I can barely believe that yet another semester of USC is complete. As cliche as this sounds, it feels like just yesterday that I was moving into Pardee Tower and saying goodbye to my parents at the top of Parking Structure X. In just one and half years, not only have I made new friends, learned a whole lot of stuff, but also, even more surprisingly: I have learned to live on my own.

Don’t get me wrong: living in dorms freshman year was a necessary and extremely fun experience. After transitioning into apartment life in sophomore year, however, I finally understand what it truly means to be independent. When I come home from school there is no dining hall to run to; instead, I must make time to buy groceries each week–and I have even learned how to cook a few dishes! This time last year, I literally did not know how to boil an egg.

I guess what I’m saying is, you never really know how much you can handle until you push yourself to try new things. As silly as it sounds, I was legitimately worried at the beginning of this year about how I’d be able to handle school stuff as well as take care of my own living space, eat healthily, etc. I’m pleased to say that I am, slowly but surely, learning to manage all the different aspects of my life. This process has involved many foods spoiling (because I never realized the importance of expiration dates) and me eating several questionable dishes, but hey–variety is the spice of life!

As sophomore year part 2 approaches, I really hope I can take all of the lessons I’ve learned so far and apply them towards the future in a positive way.  New year, new experiences! Happy 2013 :)

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Hello!

Nov 19th, 2012 by

I was once in your position, looking forward to discovering USC! The last year of high school became a race. I was running as fast as I could to come to USC. Now that I’m in my Junior year I can say that this university exceeded my expectations and provided me with so much more.

My most defining characteristic is that I am a Biological Studies and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Studies double-major. While these two programs characterize my academic pursuits, many other programs have contributed to my unique college experience. Joining the USC Helenes, the longest standing USC all-female volunteer organization, proved to supplement my academic experiences. This organization coordinates a multitude of events including: dog walking, high school mentoring, elementary school tutoring, food drives, and many more volunteer opportunities.

In addition to studying and volunteering, I can be found working at either of my two jobs. I work as an Intern at the USC Office of Admission. This job has provided me with an immense knowledge about the university. My second job as a Spanish Translator with the non-profit Iridescent Learning helps me maintain proficiency in my native language.

As I continue to become more involved in the university, especially through the USC Dornsife Ambassador program, I feel like I am finally getting the hang of balancing academics, social activities, and work. Anyone who has come here will tell you that this is one of the greatest learning opportunities of your life. I have a little under two years of college left ahead of me, but I will make the best of them. Follow my journey on this last stretch. Graduation is the destination, but the learning occurring along the way is the trophy.

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Round Two!

Nov 19th, 2012 by

Hi there!

I’m Melia, and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in International Relations. I started at USC completely undecided, but I soon fell in love with the global spectrum and thought-provoking ideas of IR. Our world absolutely fascinates me. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and I’ve had the privilege of traveling often. There are no books that can teach you as much as experiencing something or somewhere for the first time. I have a need to understand people and places on a deeper level, and I believe that this is necessary for everyone in our increasingly more inter-connected world.  I want to share that understanding and hope to pair my major with another in Broadcast Journalism to help turn my dream into a reality.

I grew up in “beautiful view” Bellevue, Washington. My family means everything to me, and each of them helped shape who I am today. I get my optimism (and love for Rock n’ Roll) from my dad, my strong-willed nature (and my constant need to sing) from my mom, and the part of me that remembers to be silly (and to not take myself too seriously) from my brother. They are and will always be the most important people in my life, and it is still hard to be away from those I love. But Los Angeles is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and there is always something new to experience.  My dad sent me a list of songs about Los Angeles when I was choosing between schools. “Are there lists of songs about Durham? Ithaca? Boston?” No, there aren’t.

“I don’t even notice what life was like
Now I’m in LA and it’s paradise.”

“Cause the sun is shining all the time
Looks like another perfect day
I love LA.”

As much as my heart will always belong with my family, I have found my second home at the beautiful University of Southern California. Being a part of the Trojan family is an indescribable feeling, and I belong to so many more families within the USC community. I am honored to be a part of the Trojan Scholar Society and the Polymathic Academy, filled with some of the most brilliant and capable minds of today. I am so blessed to call the beautiful women of the USC Helenes my sisters, and to serve alongside them as the hostesses of USC. I am proud to work with the bold and bright women of the Marshall Women’s Leadership Board, the future female trailblazers of the professional world. My life has been changed by Best Buddies and Norma, my buddy and my inspiration. I volunteer at an animal shelter, teach a history class at a local high school, and of course, I love my wonderful Dornsife Ambassadors, who remind me every day how fortunate I am to be at this university.

So that’s me. I appreciate all things nerdy, sing in the shower, and listen to Christmas music all year. I brought Mr. Bear-Bear and Blankie to college (shhhh), talk to my family every day, and video chat my cat all the time. I’m that friend with the distinctive laugh you can identify from a mile away (“Like a really happy hyena!”), who bawls like a baby at the movies and will eat all the food in your fridge. I’m just like you and made this decision once too, and now I’m positive that I made the right one. This is where I belong, without a doubt. I hope you learn to love USC like I do, because USC would love to have you.

Fight On!

Love, Melia

P.S. Follow me on Twitter!

 

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