#dornsifelife

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Dornsife Advisement

One of the hardest aspects of college life is often the task of picking out your class schedule and charting your own personalized four-year academic path. The long list of available courses alone can seem daunting and even overwhelming, especially for a freshman experiencing the process for the first time. Luckily, as a student at USC Dornsife, you have access to a great team of academic advisors who are ready to work with you and develop a plan that fits your personal goals. Dornsife students are assigned an advisor for each major and minor they declare; as a double major in political science and French, I got to work with two advisors, each of whom specialized in offering advice and support in their respective departments. Before registering for classes each semester, I scheduled a meeting with my advisors to examine class options, to review my degree progress, or even simply to discuss any concerns I had about my academic experience thus far.

The Dornsife Overseas Studies Office also provides excellent advising services for those students who are planning on participating in one of Dornsife’s numerous study abroad opportunities. Before I left for USC Paris during the fall of my junior year, I met several times with Vito Grillo, my study abroad advisor, who walked me through course registration for the program, provided detailed guidance on navigating the visa process, and connected me with USC Paris alumni who gave me valuable advice about what to expect when I arrived. Being able to meet with Vito and email him at any time with questions or problems gave me the confidence I needed to fully enjoy my time abroad. Whether you’re heading overseas for the semester or simply trying to pick your classes on campus, Dornsife’s advisors are a great resource for students seeking to make the most of their undergraduate academic experience.

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Perks of living in Los Angeles

My first time going to a taping I remember standing and waiting outside the studio for 2 hours until we were finally let inside and able to take our seats. Worst part is no food and no bathroom :( You’re in these studios for maybe 5-7 hours for a taping and I know that sounds awful but in the end it's an amazing experience. You don’t get many opportunities to see how these shows are filmed and it's one of the perks of being in the entertainment capital of the world :)

Living in LA I’ve gotten the opportunity to go to fun tapings of shows like So you think you can dance, The Voice and Jimmy Kimmel! I remember wondering how people get to be in the audience for these shows and after googling it I found out that it's completely FREE and you just have to sign up to be a part of the mailing list. I’ve never typed my email in a box faster..

Going to these tapings was so cool and getting to see how they film these shows that I’ve been watching for years, it was like a dream!

At "So you think you can dance", I was about 2 feet away from the stage and got to see all the dancers up close. At "the Voice" I got to see the judges expressions in real time as the singers blew them away. Also got to see Nick Jonas and that was AMAZING!!

It was funny how all these stages and sets look so big on TV and in videos but in real life they were actually super small and kinda crammed. It's all about those camera angles!! 

Photo 1: A friend and I outside the Jimmy Kimmel taping!

Photo 2: Us outside the studio for So you think you can dance!

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How to navigate the college application process as a first-generation college student!

Navigating the college application process as a first-generation college student is daunting! Reflecting on my experience, there was so much that I was taking into consideration: the prestige of a college, the resources offered to students, as well as the pride I would bring to my family and community. While it was an enjoyable experience there is no denying that mass amounts of stress were there.

If you’re a senior preparing yourself for the college application process and you will be the first in your family to do so, please be kind to yourself! Do not be afraid to reach out to your counselors, mentors, family, friends, and your USC counselor that is available for your region. There are an abundance of resources available at your fingertips.

As you prepare to write your Common App essay, make sure you outline what you would like to talk about. Make sure the focus of the essay stays on you. For example, if you are writing about how a specific person has influenced or inspired you, make sure you highlight the results of their influence on you rather than just mentioning their achievements. It can be hard sometimes to keep an entire essay just about you, but this is your moment to express yourself and allow your admissions officer to get to know you on a personal level.

Next, you want to make sure that you are telling your story in a very sincere way. There is no need to write a really dramatic story (I have heard this advice countless times over the years and it is not helpful) but do portray raw emotion through your writing. If you have a witty personality, let that show. If you love creative writing, let that show. If you have a fascination with certain subjects, let that show. This is like a written version of show and tell, so “wow” your reader with your true personality because it can be felt through your writing.

After you have outlined and revised your essay numerous times, you want to get it peer-reviewed! There is no right or wrong amount of people who can read your essay. Share with everyone you would be comfortable reading your story. Have your English teachers read over it, your counselors, tutors, anyone you know whose input would be invaluable for you. Allow your readers to have ample time to read and provide feedback. As you meet with them, ask them questions like “What stood out to you?” or “What are some key takeaways from my story?”. By asking them these questions, you can take note of what is highlighted in your essay. Did they align with what you hoped would be the takeaways? Were there some comments that you didn’t expect? These are all good questions to keep in mind when writing.

As I mentioned before, this can be a long, tiring, and stressful process but you can do it! Be patient with yourself and do everything in steps. If you need a break from writing, take that break (but not for too long)! Just know that when you hit that submit button, you will sigh from relief, happiness, and pride. Good luck to you and fight on!

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How I decided on my two Dornsife majors

Some students know exactly what they want to study in college as they’re applying… and that’s awesome! This was not the case for me, though. I had (and still have!) a wide range of academic interests, and it was tough to choose just one. 

I chose Dornsife for exactly this reason— Dornsife not only allows students to be initially indecisive, Dornsife encourages students to explore a diverse array of subjects. I was accepted to Dornsife as a math major. I have loved math my entire life, and was genuinely interested in pursuing it as a major. At the same time, I was interested in International Relations, and moreover, I was curious if I could combine both Math and International Relations in a tangible way. 

Within my first week at USC, my Math major advisor recommended that I look into the Intelligence and Cyber Operations major, which pairs International Relations, Economics, and cultural studies courses in Dornsife with Computer Science and Information Technology courses in the Viterbi School of Engineering. 

I glanced at the course requirements and was immediately hooked— this major packaged so many of my interests, and offered an interdisciplinary program that I hadn’t come across before when looking at other schools. 

I officially switched my major the next day, and haven’t looked back since. The Intelligence and Cyber Operations satisfies my passion for mathematical thinking and applies it to real world issues. 

That being said— I still wanted to explore the humanities courses that Dornsife offers. In my second semester, I took a Philosophy course and was eager to see if I could incorporate the discipline into my course plan. 

While I initially intended to pursue a minor in Philosophy, I quickly added my second major— Philosophy, Politics, and Law. I made this decision not out of a desire to expand my resume or sound “impressive”; moreso, I was eager to take all of the courses required by the major. I predicted that I would likely take several of these courses as electives regardless. Though I was nervous about the challenges I might face pursuing a double major, I took a leap of faith. 

Even despite their apparent differences, my courses are all interconnected. Dornsife’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies is evident in the classroom. Whether I decide to work in government, national security, law, or journalism, I am confident it will be equally applicable as I continue down my uncertain but exciting academic path.

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Making the Most Out of Your Junior and Senior Years

Hello high school upperclassmen! College awaits in the near future, but first step is to graduate high school. For most of us (high schoolers and college students alike), this is not the semester we imagined, but we can still make the most out of it. Here’s some advice on how to do so: 

Try your best in academics. I understand this may be difficult with the online format because most of us are used to in-person classes. It’s a new process for us all so take advantage of resources that your school offers. As I’ve learned in one of my college courses, the foundation for learning and information retention is getting enough sleep, proper nutrition and hydration, and taking breaks (Zoom fatigue is real). Hang in there, folks! 

Make connections with your teachers. Go to their office hours (if offered) and ask questions. More often than not, they are happy to explain math problems or talk about your ideas for an essay. For juniors, this can be opportunity to find who you would like a teacher recommendation from for college applications. Your teachers are here for you (and they’re also adjusting to this new online teaching format too). This is a good practice for college too since all of your professors will offer office hours where you can discuss topics that you don’t understand in class, get feedback on papers, discuss paper topics, and possibly a research opportunity! 

Practice self-care and self-compassion. Find practices that help you destress and relax. Maybe it’s Netflix and a hot bath or scrolling TikTok for a set amount of time as a study break. Even better if your chosen form of self-care is something away from a screen (since we spend most of our day in Zoom classes), like taking a short walk/form of exercise or playing with a pet. Understand that you are doing your best given these unusual circumstances, so be kind to yourself and your mental health. 

Keep in touch with your friends. It’s easy to maintain friendships when you see each other in class, in the hallway, or in the cafeteria, but with remote learning, we miss those casual interactions. Scheduling weekly/biweekly FaceTime or Zoom calls with friends to catch up, play Among Us (or the latest game that’s taken GenZ by storm) or simply do homework while on the call can help alleviate loneliness.  

@seniors: Try not to let senioritis kick in. It’s tempting, I know, but high school isn’t over yet. Also, it’s important to do well in your studies until graduations because colleges will request your high school transcript which includes both semesters of senior year. Also, for those taking AP or IB exams, a high score can count towards college credit or waive some college course prerequisites. The grind is worth it!  

Take this time to do some self-reflection and self-discovery. Have you picked up or rediscovered a hobby during quarantine? What is important to you (values, hobbies, etc)? Where and who do you want to be in the next 4 or 5 years? Have you decided on a major or area of study that you’re passionate about and interested in? It’s okay not to know too! Interests and paths may change and that’s why many college students change their major at least once. 

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Staying connected in an online world

Online school is hard. If there’s anything I learned last semester after being shoved into COVID times, it’s that staying connected – either with friends, coursework, or activities – becomes infinitely harder. For some, the environment of an online education makes it impossible to absorb information, and they felt the need to take time off from school. Whatever the situation you are in for this semester, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with your coursework and your support system when everything is virtual.

One way I have been trying to remain focused on my schoolwork is by separating my rest and work areas in my home. I am lucky to have both a desk in my room and a couch and coffee table in my living room, which gives me two options for places to go to lecture/study. It’s usually a good rule of thumb to stay out of bed when you are trying to do work, as your brain associates your bed with rest. Consequently, you will not be as productive, and it will affect how you sleep at night. Try to have a dedicated workspace where you do all of your tasks for the day and save your bed for relaxing and sleep. If you find yourself getting bored of your setup, try to take a day to go work outside! That was one of my favorite things to do before coronavirus and its currently keeping me sane. Make sure to mask up and socially distance if you decide to work outside!

Maintaining a healthy social life has become incredibly difficult during coronavirus, but there are ways to maintain relationships in a safe way. One thing that has helped me recreate study groups is utilizing group chats and video calling. Apps like GroupMe or Facebook Messenger have a platform that allows large group chats where help on concepts and homework can be sought. You can even reach out to individuals in groups to form your own study groups, and video call when you want to have study sessions! In terms of having fun with friends, take advantage of online games and entertainment. For a lot of my clubs, the social events have been replaced with meetups to play games like Among Us, Scribbl.io, and Pictionary. These are a lot of fun, and I look forward to them after a long week of working hard for classes. There are also ways to share screens in Zoom to play movies and TV shows. For example, over the summer, one of my clubs had an Avatar the Last Airbender watch party. The possibilities for fun are endless if you get creative with the tools at your disposal.

While coronavirus has certainly made college more difficult, that doesn’t mean we can’t capture some of its essence in an online format. With all the platforms for connectivity, it is easy to maintain contact with your peers, friends, and loved ones. It can feel lonely doing classes from your childhood bedroom or your apartment, but it doesn’t have to be.

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How Did I Decide on My Major?

Picking a specific major to apply to on your college application can be a very difficult and nerve-racking process. When I was applying to schools I remember thinking, how can a teenage high school senior be asked to choose an area of study that will shape their career path for the rest of their life? This question was tormenting me, because I equated my major with my direct career path. I was talking with my parents, my teachers, and my college advisors about what subject I would possibly be passionate about it for my entire life. After exhausting the ears of all of my closest academic advisors and friends on the subject of my specified major, I had a new perspective thrust upon me by my older brother. He framed college majors as an acquired skill set rather direct career path. The area of study you major in gives you a certain toolkit of expertise and abilities that you can then apply to any job or path you take. Obviously, your major should be something that you are interested in or passionate about, but it really doesn’t lock you down to a certain job or life path. What you do with your degree is entirely up to you. In my personal experience, I was torn on whether to major in neuroscience or not. Eventually, I ended up settling on this path because I knew it was a subject I was highly interested in, but also because it gave me a skill set that I could apply to many different careers. I knew that coming out with this major I would be a critical thinker, I would know how to problem solve, I would know how to understand the intricacies of a highly complex systems within their greater higher order functions. These are broad skills I can apply as doctor, or as a consultant, or as a teacher, or as a head of a non-profit. I also decided to major in neuroscience because I knew that I could always switch if I wanted to. Choosing your major on your application is not as big of a deal as we make it up to be. Going into USC, I was registered to be receiving a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience while also being on the pre-med path. At USC I explored different interests, met new people and heard about their passions, and learned more about the field of Neuroscience and more about myself. Now, I am registered to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience as well as a minor in Archeology and Education with no pre-med emphasis. I’m sure next year, or even next semester, I will change my mind again. As I grow, I know I will change my mind, and especially in Dornsife at USC it is particularly easy to take new classes and switch your majors and minors. We’re all about the interdisciplinary lifestyle here. Now, I know after reading this you may be still stressing out about what to list as your specified major, but I hope to leave you with these two simple facts to hopefully ease your mind; your major is not a direct correlate with your career and you can, and most likely will, change your major in college. 

Good luck and best wishes! 

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How to Explore LA During COVID

I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over two years now, but I still feel like a tourist. I had big plans for returning to campus this year -- museums I was going to visit, concerts I wanted to go to, restaurants I planned to try. Of course, Covid-19 threw a pretty major wrench in all of these plans. My roommate and I had to adapt, and we managed to find a number of fun, socially distanced things to explore in LA.

The first thing we learned is that food trucks are your best friends. Many of the food trucks around USC have stayed open through the pandemic, and they have some of the best food I’ve tried so far in the city for super reasonable prices. One of my new favorites is Taco Zone, a food truck near the Autozone on South Vermont that sells tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. They cook all of their food on a stove right in front of you, and everything on their menu is in the range of $1-5 (cash only). My all time favorite food truck, though, is still Mariscos Jalisco. This truck sells absolutely the best shrimp tacos I have ever had, for only $1.50 each. They’ve been reviewed and recommended by famous LA food critic Jonathan Gold, so you know they have to be good. The Kogi food truck is also a classic, serving Korean-Mexican fusion food (although more expensive than the other options). 

We also recently discovered Zipcar, a service that allows you to rent cars by the hour as long as you are over 18, unlike most car rentals. We’ve used it to go to the Griffith Observatory (the outdoor part is still open), drive up Mulholland Drive, visit the Hollywood walk of fame, and to explore some of the beaches near campus. Our favorite covid-safe trip so far has been one to the Arts District, a neighborhood right outside of DTLA that has a bunch of outdoor art installations (mainly graffiti art). The great thing about living in LA is that the weather is always good enough to do things outside, which means that even during Covid there is no shortage of safe places to visit and activities to partake in.