Student Blog

USC’s Hidden Gems: My Favorite Study and Rest Spaces ⟩
August 8, 2026, by Makayla

Life Hacks School/Life Balance

As a recent graduate of USC, I wanted to share my now un-gatekept and hidden gem study and rest spaces on the University Park Campus. For me, the best places that I like to study or hang out in between classes are in areas with an open view of nature and plenty of plugs for charging, while prioritizing spaces that have close proximity to a microwave to heat up my lunch. Many of the popular places to rest on campus are great but many times are crowded. In the midst of all the busyness that comes with being on a college campus, there is no shortage of places to hang out around campus to find your peace and quiet! Finding the right environments, niche spaces for alone time, and your go-to places are essential for creating healthy routines that you can stick with throughout college.

School of Cinematic Arts 3rd Floor Rooftop
This is the perfect place that allows you to take in the rooftop views of the School of Cinematic Arts, with some shade to study or hang out with friends. Also on the 3rd floor, are indoor study spaces and a small area where students can use a microwave and a sink as well!

RestSC
This space is nestled in the University Religious Center (URC), and it is a space dedicated to resting and recharging. Here, there are couches, pillows, and moon pods, which are zero-gravity beanbag chairs. They also have a smaller space similar to RestSC with beanbags and blankets located in the library in the Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs (DMC) as well. I have frequented this space many times to take a quick nap between classes!

Annenberg Digital Library
This corner space tucked in the Annenberg Digital Library is a great place where you can work with your laptop propped up with the pillow or even take a nap while enjoying the view of the Allyson Felix Field or people-watch out of the corner windows. Plus, they even have shades that go down for privacy.

Career Center Interview Rooms
In the basement of the Career Center in the Student Union, you can find the interview rooms where you can book one of their many private rooms. I have come down here to take calls, interviews, work between classes, or sometimes catch some nice AC during a hot day! You can either reserve a room beforehand using their reservation room requests, or they take walk-ins as well. I would take these spaces over any Leavey Library study room any day because you can take all the time that you need, and you don’t have to worry about anyone interrupting you.

School of Dramatic Arts: Dick Wolf Drama Center
Just behind Taper Hall is the School of Dramatic Arts, where a lounge is located downstairs in the Dick Wolf Drama Center. Here is a nice place with a mix of natural lighting and dim lighting to hang around, eat your lunch, or study. They also have vending machines and microwaves to heat up your food too!

Doheny Library Faculty Hall and 2nd Floor
Across from the main library area in Doheny Library is Faculty Hall, which is my go-to place to catch up on work on a Sunday morning. This area has plenty of tables with nice cushioned chairs and plenty of plugs for charging. I like this place because you get the natural lighting from the windows that face the Alumni Park, and the square tables are nice for quiet group studying as well. I will warn, though, that it does fill up with people throughout the day, so I recommend saving your seat at a table when the library opens. The 2nd floor is also a great option, too!

4th Floor Taper Hall Lounge
Now this lounge is one that I stumbled across when I was randomly exploring the 4th floor of Taper Hall. This lounge belongs to the USC Dornsife English Department, and it is a great nook to hang out before going to a class in Taper Hall. Here, I like to take in the view of Trousdale Parkway, and there is a microwave and fridge as well; it’s perfect for heating your lunch in between classes. There is also a 3rd floor lounge for Academic Innovation & Research Engagement that is also a great place to study with board games and coffee too.

Price Student Lounge
On the first floor of the Price School is their student lounge that has many couches and cubicles. Again, there is a microwave conveniently located in here, and this lounge leads you to the courtyard in between Verna and Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD), another nice outdoor space as well.

USC’s Student Equity and Inclusion Programs (SEIP) Centers

Within the Student Union and Ronald Tutor Campus Center are USC’s SEIP Centers that house seven different student development centers and three culturally affirming lounges. These places are not only great spaces to hang out, study, or heat up your lunch, but they offer programming that strives to support many students’ identities. While many of these spaces on campus go unnoticed, these were my first stop in terms of getting connected to resources on campus. I even got the chance to work at one of these centers, which was at the Asian Pacific American Student Services. Especially because many spaces have been newly renovated, it has been a place where I have found my community through different programming that offers peer mentoring, professional development, networking opportunities, and several intersectional, community-building opportunities. The Occupational Science Minor Department even does Anti-Procrastination Cafes at many of USC’s SEIP Centers during finals season as well!

2nd Floor Tables at Ronald Tutor Campus Center
Last, but not least, are the 2nd Floor Tables at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center just outside of the First Generation Plus Success Center (FG+SC). These tables are just upstairs from some food options, and they are in the shade with plugs for charging, which is an added plus.

Bonus: Health Science Campus Spaces
I have also spent some time on the Health Science Campus (HSC) when I took a couple of classes and volunteered at Keck Hospital in the past, so here are some added HSC spaces that I would definitely check out if you are ever up there.

Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute is just right across from the Intercampus (ICS) UPC-Union Station-HSC Bus Stop, and if you take the elevator up, you can find a few different floors with indoor and outdoor seating. I have frequented these floors if I am waiting for the shuttle bus to arrive, and it is also a great place to catch the sunset, too!

Donald W. and Kathryn Shaw Graduate Student Lounge
This lounge is located in the Keck School of Medicine, and it is a HUGE space with tables, cubicles, cushions, outdoor seating, and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave. This is the perfect place to stop in for lunch or squeeze in that last bit of studying before heading to class.

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Finding Your Balance in Graduate School: Advice from an E-OTD Student ⟩
August 4, 2026, by Marilyn

Beginnings and Endings Classes Getting Involved School/Life Balance

Starting graduate school can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. While everyone’s experience is different, here are a few things that have helped me navigate life as a USC Chan E-OTD student and that I hope will help you as you begin your own journey.

One piece of advice I’d give to any incoming USC Chan student is to never be afraid to ask questions.

Before starting the E-OTD program, I completed my Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at USC, but my experience was very different because it was mostly online. Being in an in-person program has shown me just how approachable the faculty are. Your professors, advisors, and job supervisors genuinely want to see you succeed, not just as a student, but as a future occupational therapist. Go to office hours, ask questions in class, or even stop by to say hello. You never know where those conversations might lead, and who knows, they may even become your future colleagues someday.

Another thing I really appreciated about the program is the flexibility with scheduling. Before your first semester, you’ll be able to choose your preferred schedule from the four options provided, making it easier to find one that works with your life, whether you commute, work, or have responsibilities outside of school. No matter which schedule you’re assigned, everyone takes the same core classes and completes the same immersions; the timing of those immersions is just different depending on your schedule. Later in the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to take electives based on your interests.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that having a life outside of school isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. One of my favorite occupations is spending time with the people I care about, whether that’s classmates, old coworkers, lifelong friends, or family. Even something as simple as grabbing lunch or planning a beach day helps me recharge.

Just as important are the moments I spend by myself. Working out, reading a book, dancing around my room, or taking myself out for coffee or a meal are all ways I practice self-care and protect my mental well-being. As much as I love school, I know I’d burn out without that balance. I’m definitely a planner (my friends and family can attest to that!), so I intentionally make time for fun alongside studying. I’m far from perfect, and I can absolutely be a perfectionist, but every day I try to find those small moments to pause, breathe, and remind myself that taking care of myself is just as important as preparing to take care of others.

Graduate school is a journey, and while it can be challenging at times, remember to give yourself grace, celebrate the little wins, and enjoy the experience along the way.

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AOTA Conference: A Look Into the Student Experience ⟩
May 5, 2026, by Guest Author

Community Getting Involved Living in LA

The annual AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) conference took place in Anaheim, California on April 23-25. Keep reading for some student experiences at the conference!

Megha Gala

Walking into my first AOTA Inspire Conference, I thought I was coming to learn techniques. I didn’t expect to leave questioning and expanding what it truly means to practice occupational therapy.

One moment that stayed with me was during “Parkinson’s Treatment Strategies Across All Stages.” The speaker didn’t just talk about motor symptoms, she spoke about preserving self. How a simple cue or adaptive strategy can mean the difference between dependence and dignity. It reframed Parkinson’s for me not as decline, but as a continuum where OT holds space for identity. In contrast, “A Holistic Approach in Acute Care Oncology” felt quietly powerful. Amid monitors and medical urgency, OT was positioned as the profession that asks, what still matters to this person today? That question lingered with me long after the session ended.

I also found myself unexpectedly inspired by “Alternative Exercise in Parks for Stroke Rehabilitation.” It challenged the walls we place around therapy reminding me that recovery can happen in sunlight, in community, in movement that feels like life again. And then, seeing innovations in VR and hand rehabilitation robotics it felt like watching the future unfold in real time.

But the moment that truly grounded me was seeing a USC Chan professor on that stage. Confident, impactful, shaping the narrative of our profession. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. This is where I’m being trained. This wasn’t just a conference. It was a shift from learning OT, to belonging to it.

Sri Raagavi Devi Kumaravel

Attending the AOTA Conference as a USC Chan student was an inspiring and meaningful experience. As an international student, receiving the Berro Award gave me the opportunity to attend my first occupational therapy conference in the United States, and I am deeply grateful for that support.

One of the most impactful sessions I attended explored inclusive travel using Disneyland as a case study. Since the conference took place in Anaheim, the experience felt especially immersive — we could even see the Disneyland Ferris wheel from the conference room. Seeing Disneyland presented as a “microcosm,” both inclusive and exclusionary, changed the way I think about accessibility beyond healthcare settings and into everyday community experiences. I was especially intrigued to learn that travel is not simply leisure, but can also support autonomy, self-esteem, identity exploration, and personal achievement.

I also attended sessions on school-based practice using the CO-OP approach, sleep health interventions, and school engagement in children with cerebral palsy, which strengthened my clinical reasoning and reinforced concepts related to my evidence-based project.

The conference reminded me how occupational therapy can shape communities, participation, and meaningful life experiences beyond clinical settings.

Dana Nguyen

Attending the AOTA Conference as a recipient of the Michelle Berro Scholarship was both an inspiring and affirming experience. Surrounded by passionate occupational therapy practitioners, students, and leaders from across the country, I felt a strong sense of belonging within the OT community. Each session I attended expanded my understanding of evidence-based practice, advocacy, and the evolving role of occupational therapy in diverse settings. Sessions expanding from Artificial Intelligence for Low Vision to OT in Adult End-of-Life Care challenged me to think more holistically about client-centered care. Beyond sessions, exploring technologies such as virtual reality and robot-assisted devices brought neurorehabilitation concepts to life. I also connected with OT students nationwide and participated in NBCOT activities, where I gained both knowledge and confidence. Additionally, hearing directly from clinicians who are making meaningful changes in their communities reinforced my commitment to becoming a practitioner who not only supports clients but also advocates for systemic change. I am incredibly grateful for the Michelle Berro Scholarship, which made this opportunity possible. This experience has strengthened my passion for occupational therapy and motivated me to continue learning, leading, and contributing to the profession.

Maria Nicole Carmela Sombillo

It was my first time attending the AOTA Conference, and I knew I had to make the most of it. Even though I was the only one from my cohort and didn’t have a constant companion throughout the three-day event, I set a clear intention: to immerse myself fully. I carefully organized my schedule to attend as many sessions as possible, listened intently to each speaker (J.M. Martinez’s keynote address even made me teary-eyed), explored poster presentations, and made sure to ask questions. I also took every opportunity to connect with exhibitors and fellow attendees.

As a pedagogy resident, most of the sessions I attended focused on transitioning to academia and understanding the foundations of being an educator. From this experience, I came away with five key takeaways: the more you know, the more you realize what you don’t know; networking builds connections and opens opportunities; showing up daily makes a difference; inspiration can be found in the everyday grind; and most importantly, you must pave your own way and pursue what sparks you.

Overall, the conference was an eye-opening and insightful experience, and one I look forward to attending again!

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30 Days of Occupation ⟩
April 30, 2026, by Trinity

What are OS/OT?

Hey everyone! We are in the process of switching ambassador teams. While some of us will remain the same, others are going on to the next big adventure. As a goodbye, some of us wanted to share are favorite occupations that we participated in for the month of April. Access to occupation (or meaningful activity) is a right, and here are some of the ways we exercise that right!

Trinity Mecham

My most favorite occupation is going to Disneyland. After attending the AOTA conference in Anaheim, I got to go to Disneyland with a few friends and professors. Disneyland has become my happy place!

As a student, attending classes and having brief opportunities for clinical introduction are important occupations. This month, a group I am in for the Motor Control elective got to tour Rancho Los Amigos Rehab.

Another occupation I love is spending time outside. Even just taking a brief walk is an occupation I love but definitely take for granted. This month I spotted an adorable snail while on my walk!

Makayla Lui
In honor of OT Month, I will be sharing 3 occupations that I tried for the first time!

Attending AOTA Inspire and Trojan Family Reception
The next occupation that I tried for the first time was attending the AOTA Inspire 2026 Annual Conference & Expo. I volunteered in the morning with the People Power booth and in the afternoon, I was able to explore the Expo Hall with some friends. Here, I got the opportunity to connect with OT researchers, practitioners, and educators from across the nation. I got to participate in some cool experiences, such as doing a paraffin bath, designing my own pen charms, and even experiencing some OT technologies and interventions. Afterwards, I grabbed lunch and attended some sessions with friends before heading to Downtown Disney. Afterwards, I attended the Trojan Family Reception, where I was able to help present an OT button to University President Beong-Soo Kim, along with my fellow student ambassadors. I got to watch USC Chan present awards and speeches over dinner, and it was so nice to see my fellow professors and classmates for an amazing night!

Presenting my Research Poster at the 27th Annual Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work
An occupation that I tried for the first time was presenting my research poster, “Locomotor Exploratory Behaviors in Pre-Walking Infants Born Full-Term,” at the 27th Annual Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work presented by the USC Office of Academic Programs. Since last summer, I have participated in the USC Undergraduate Research Associates Program under the USC Development of Infant Motor Performance Lab (DIMPL), where I have been aided in the research project studying the immediate impact of dynamic weight support on the locomotor exploratory behaviors of pre-walking infants born full-term and preterm. I compiled my work on video coding and assisted in data collection to create my first research poster to present the lab’s findings. While at the symposium, I was very nervous and anxious at first, especially since this was my first time here, and I knew that I would have to present to multiple judges. However, I found that when I got there, I was amazed to be around so many remarkable people advancing research at USC and the world at large. I had the privilege to experience poster presentations, art exhibitions, and electronic media spanning across arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, math, and engineering. I had many judges come visit and ask questions, and even one judge told me I had the most organized graphs of my entire section, so that was really reassuring to know.

LA Kings Hockey Game

Another occupation that I tried for the first time this month is attending a hockey game! One of the greatest perks of being a USC student is all of the fun and enriching experiences within the greater Los Angeles area.

When I heard that the Late Nite ‘SC program was offering free tickets to an LA Kings game, I had to sign up because even as a Los Angeles native, I had never gone to a hockey game before, and having the game so close by at the Crypto.com Arena was an added perk. This night was especially special because the LA Kings gave us the chance to go on the ice after the game. Additionally, it was Anže Kopitar’s Legacy Night, celebrating a legendary hockey player who has played for the Kings for 20 years and who will retire at the end of the 2025–26 season, so we were given free sunglasses at the door that emulate his trademark visor look from his helmet.

I actually attended this event alone; however, I quickly made friends with someone who sat with me on the free, chartered bus, and we instantly clicked. When we got there, we quickly grabbed some dinner, and we both bought Hello Kitty drink cups as souvenirs to remember the game.

We watched the game go into overtime; however, the LA Kings sadly lost in a 7-round penalty shootout in the end. After, we got a free Anže Kopitar poster and headed on the ice for some quick pictures and looking up at the arena, I got to take it all in.

Avery Lord

Attended the annual southern California Best Buddies Friendship Walk
This month I attended the annual southern California Best Buddies friendship walk with USC Best Buddies club! We took our club to Long beach where we met with other best buddies chapters across southern california to walk to support friendship and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, all while raising money for Best Buddies of California. We enjoyed a good breakfast, decorated sashes and T-shirts, walked all the way around shoreline aquatic park, and had a celebratory dance party at the end! I loved getting to deepen my connections with both my buddies and fellow club members outside of our usual meetings, as well as make connections with people from other schools.

Cooking new meals at home

As I get closer to graduating college I am attempting to master a necessary adult occupation: cooking! I have been aiming to try new recipes this month instead of just relying on dining halls and takeout. The better I get, the more I realize how much fun cooking can be, especially when I turn it into a social activity and cook with people I love. This month alone I have made steak salad, homemade prosciutto and arugula pizza, beef and sweet potato bowls, and chicken tacos to name a few. I am looking forward to trying even more new recipes and techniques

New fitness habits: Yoga
Recently I have been engaging in a new favorite occupation, hot yoga sculpt classes! This has quickly become a meaningful part of my routine because it challenges me both physically and mentally. The combination of strength, cardio, and mindfulness helps me manage stress while also building endurance and flexibility. As a college student, it gives me a structured time to disconnect from academics and focus intentionally on my well-being. I’ve also found that pushing myself in this environment has helped me build confidence and stay consistent with my fitness goals. This occupation has become an important outlet for both self-care and personal growth - plus I love going to classes with friends!

Cara Ishisaka
Ambassador Bonding at the Getty
A few of the ambassadors and I attended Getty’s annual “College Night,” where the museum is reserved just for college students across LA. We enjoyed free food and interactive activities like origami, mindful coloring, and screen printing our own tote bags through screen printing. We also explored the exhibits through a self-guided scent tour using scent strips that represented different historical eras, ranging from earthy and floral to musky and sweet like ice cream. We had fun imitating some of the artwork as well. While I wish the entire team could have joined, I appreciated the time I spent with my fellow ambassadors. We don’t often see each other outside of work due to our different schedules, so it was nice to have the chance to get to know each other better and strengthen our bond.

Attending My First AOTA Conference
I also had the opportunity to attend the AOTA Inspire 2026 Annual Conference, where I volunteered all three days as a room monitor for educational sessions on topics such as wound care, heart failure, patient-centered research, and population health. After, I explored the expo hall, where I picked up several tote bags, a back scratcher, and created my own fidget pen. I also heard from practitioners, companies, and interprofessional teams about the latest technologies and resources to support practice. To celebrate the end of the conference, I attended the Trojan Family Reception, where the ambassadors and I met University President Beong-Soo Kim and gave him an “I love OT” button. He was so kind, and I appreciated his support and recognition of the profession. I especially enjoyed celebrating the USC Chan Award recipients, including Dr. Florence Clark, whose research I’ve read and discussed in Theoretical Foundations, and Michael Sugar, one of my favorite guest speakers from Crafts. It was also great to reconnect with former ambassadors and professors. Overall, my first conference was one to remember, and I look forward to hopefully attending next year as an attendee.

Ciara Greenaway
Attending USC Yard Show
This week, I attended USC’s Yard Show with a few of my friends for the first time. The Yard show is a cultural celebration and tradition that highlights performances from the “Divine Night” organizations. Sitting on the lawn in front of Doheny, we were able to watch this spectacular celebration that blended a series of steps, strolls, and dance moves to share the unique identities, histories, and achievements of their respective historically Black sororities and fraternities. Through the night we cheered on friends we spotted and were amazed with the show. While this was my first time watching the Yard show, it definitely won’t be my last!

Teaching Yoga and Yoga Therapy
Since the start of my college journey, I’ve been looking for some physical activity that I feel most connected to. With doing Allstar and Competitive Cheerleading all throughout high school, sports became interlinked with my day-to-day functioning; however, going into college, I knew my cheerleading chapter was closed, so I’ve been on a search for something new. Last spring semester I took Pilates (and loved!) and this spring semester I decided to try Yoga and Yoga Therapy. I wanted to learn how Yoga can be incorporated into my life as an activity that supports my health and well being while also learning more about its therapeutic practices. In my classes, we were tasked with instructing the class through a pose in Yoga and through a catered therapeutic routine in Yoga Therapy. I was a little nervous to do this because I’ve never really taught in a more formal sphere before, but it turned out to be so much fun!  I taught Trikonasana or Triangle pose in Yoga and taught a Yoga routine for those tackling back pain with my fellow group members. Yoga has become a place where I get to relax and shake off the stress from other classes and matter’s, and teaching yoga was also seemingly relaxing. Trying new physical activities has been such a rewarding experience and I’m to incorporate Yoga into my routine and who know maybe even teach Yoga or Yoga Therapy in the future!

Angel Illaya

Taking Care of My 3-Year-Old Nephew
One of the most meaningful occupations in my recent years has been taking care of my 3-year-old nephew, Calvin. When I first moved to the U.S., I spent a lot of time with him, and those moments quickly became very special to me. During that transition, I was not yet working as an occupational therapist, which made me feel like I had lost an important part of my professional identity. Spending time with Calvin, whether we were playing, laughing, or simply going through his daily routines, gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment during that time. Some of my favorite moments were listening to his imaginative stories and watching him engage in pretend play, where his creativity would really come out. His curiosity and energy made even the simplest moments feel meaningful. I loved watching him explore the world, use his imagination, and express himself so freely. At the same time, this experience reminded me of the importance of patience and being fully present. Looking back, caring for him not only strengthened our bond but also helped me reconnect with my passion for working with children and reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.

Writing Blogs as a Student Ambassador
Another meaningful occupation I participated in was writing blogs for my role as a student ambassador. Through this experience, I was able to reflect on my journey, share insights about my program, and provide guidance to prospective students who may be considering a similar path. Writing became more than just a responsibility, as it gave me a space to slow down and process my experiences in a more intentional way. It allowed me to look back on moments of challenge, growth, and adjustment, and put them into words that felt honest and meaningful. At the same time, writing helped me express myself creatively while continuing to develop my communication skills in a more professional context. I began to appreciate how powerful storytelling can be, especially in connecting with others and making experiences feel more relatable. This occupation was meaningful because it gave me a platform to advocate for my field and represent my program, while also encouraging deeper self-reflection on how far I have come and who I am becoming throughout this journey.

Attending the AOTA Inspire Conference for the First Time
Attending the AOTA Inspire Conference for the first time was an experience I will always remember. I was able to attend through the Chan Leadership Award, which allowed me to go for free, something I am truly grateful for as it made this experience possible for me as a student. As an international student, this was especially meaningful because it was my first time attending a large professional conference in the United States. Coming from the Philippines, where there are fewer occupational therapists, seeing how many passionate occupational therapists are part of this profession and how strong the community is made the experience feel incredibly meaningful. Walking into the conference, I felt both excited and inspired. As someone who is still new and currently a student, I found myself simply taking everything in, listening, learning, and absorbing as much as I could, holding onto the ideas and experiences that resonated with me. I enjoyed learning new ideas and perspectives in a space where everyone shared the same goal of helping others. This experience made me feel more connected to the profession and more confident in my path as an international OT student.

The Joy of Pottery Painting
Last month, one of my close friends decided to celebrate her birthday by trying a new occupation: pottery painting. As occupational therapy students, we often talk about the importance of engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities, so I loved the idea of celebrating through a creative experience rather than the usual dinner outing.A few years ago, before starting OT school, I took a beginner pottery class and really enjoyed it. Since then, I had not revisited pottery or ceramic painting, so having the opportunity to return to it felt both exciting and nostalgic. Our friend group visited Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own pottery studio where you can choose different ceramic pieces and customize them with your own designs and colors.

What I appreciated most about this experience was how calming and immersive it felt. Pottery painting encouraged me to slow down, focus on the present moment, and engage creatively without worrying about productivity or perfection. It was also a reminder that occupations do not always have to be complex to be meaningful. Sometimes, simply sitting with friends, painting, laughing, and expressing creativity can have a huge impact on emotional well-being and social connection. From an OT perspective, pottery painting also incorporates many skills we often discuss in class, including fine motor coordination, visual-motor integration, sustained attention, creativity, and sensory engagement. Beyond the physical components, it also fostered social participation and stress relief, which are equally important aspects of health and wellness. Check out some of our artwork below!

 

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The Occupations That Make Me Who I Am ⟩
April 23, 2026, by Makayla

Beginnings and Endings School/Life Balance What are OS/OT?

In honor of OT month, I would like to share a piece reflecting on how my engagement and participation have contributed to my daily routines, roles, and identity. As an undergraduate senior set to graduate next month, I am very much in an introspective and contemplative period as my time here at USC is numbered. I want to reflect on my occupations, the meaningful activities that occupy my time, and the collective experiences that have made me who I am today.

Shooting film photography is an occupation that has supported my identity since I was a child, and it involves using a point-and-shoot film camera to capture memorable moments, whether it be with friends, family, nature, or my life as it plays out. The nature of film photography is that it can be an intentional or spontaneous activity where I am able to express my creativity and capture candid shots. Something special about my own film camera is that it was passed down from my dad, who captured film of his own life as well. The element of surprise when I review my developed film is what makes film photography so enjoyable because it is not viewable in the moment, so you never know what to expect or how one moment of my life was captured. Over the years I have acquired countless photographs, from when I was little up until now, that have captured candid memories that can take me back to a brief moment in my life whenever I reflect upon them.

My practice of shooting film photography contributes to my own identity, as I am a very sentimental person. This extends into my collection of photos, shirts, and other trinkets that are reminiscent of enjoyable past experiences. As a result, this trait can manifest in how I interact with people or people I had known previously, acknowledging our prior experiences or history of knowing each other before. I always come back to photos and these memorabilia to reflect on how I lived out those experiences and how different a person I was.

Additionally, creativity is central to my identity, as I capture photographs stemming from my inner imagination to craft the best representation of the important events in my life. A photo never changes, even when the people in it do. With a few clicks of a button, I embrace the side of me that never wants to stop crafting and creating the perfect shots while having tangible items to be remembered by.

In this current day and age, while it is easier to use your phones in capturing photos of much higher quality, I see using film photography as preserving tradition, and I believe that there is power in raw memories when you cannot see them right away. I recognize how associations from the past are able to reinvoke new meanings through a present lens. I realize that longing for past memories is a mark of a life well-lived, and in the face of life’s ups and downs, these memories serve as a reminder that better days are to come with different people, places, and contexts.

Going to the beach is another occupation that has supported my identity, and this entails riding my bike on the strand, walking my dog, sharing a meal with a friend, tanning on the sand with a good book in hand, celebrating birthdays, or swimming in the ocean’s waves. Because I live close to the beach, it has become central to my identity, as it contributes to my sense of leisure through relaxation and rejuvenation, while other times it offers me physical health benefits through exercise and vitamin D. My participation at the beach contributes to my identity as a Southern California native because when I gaze upon the beach, I recognize what a privilege it is to savor these moments and be able to share the beauty of nature with so many close friends, relatives, and fellow beachgoers as well. Participating in different activities at the beach contributes to my identity as a nostalgic and introspective person, where I can prioritize my mental well-being while basking in nature’s solace, as well as recognize how many different versions of myself have been to the beach for different capacities.

Attending concerts is an occupation that has supported my identity, and this activity involves seeing a musical artist’s performance at a venue while I am accompanied by friends or family. The concert experience for me can include dressing up, buying merchandise, and singing along to the musical artist that performs. Seeing a musical artist in person is a surreal experience for me because I am able to reflect on the moments where I am listening to them in my own day-to-day life. Seeing them before my eyes, singing live, is exciting and a full-circle experience to me. My participation in concert-going is reflective of my musical expressions that are central to my identity, as I feel deeply compelled by the emotions and song lyrics that the musical artist sings.

Participating in the collective effervescence of the concert experience contributes to my sense of social closeness, and these experiences, alongside other music fans, contribute to my identity in belonging, community, and deep emotional connection through musical curation. Collective effervescence at a concert entails synchronized singing, dancing, clapping, or cheering that follows concert norms and social etiquette. Concert-going is not only an occupation for community gathering, belonging, and mutual appreciation for artistry and culture, but it also reflects life’s realities and experiences around us.

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