Student Blog
School/Life Balance

My Sponsored Weekend Trip to Catalina Island Care of USC ESA ⟩
December 19, 2025, by Makayla

Community Getting Involved Living in LA School/Life Balance

One of the amazing perks of being a USC student is the numerous free experiences that we can take advantage of throughout the school year. This semester, the USC Environmental Student Assembly (ESA) hosted its annual, fully funded, overnight trip to the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Science on Catalina Island. This free opportunity was one that I simply could not pass up, and I was lucky enough to be able to join their program. Especially during these stressful times in the middle of the semester that are filled with the never-ending stress of deadlines and midterms, having the opportunity to engage in nature-based occupations is essential. In doing so, participating in restorative and rejuvenating practices contributes to our sense of self and occupational awareness, not only for our overall well-being but also for our school performance.

During my trip, I was able to stay at USC’s own, one-of-a-kind satellite campus at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, with free room and board included. It is an active research facility and living lab where students and researchers uniquely investigate environmental and sustainability initiatives while immersing themselves in the pristine natural environment on Catalina Island. Here, I embarked on a weekend trip that I won’t forget, where we hiked through scenic views, snorkeled in the deep waters of rich marine life, kayaked across the rushing waves, and learned invaluable research from current students and USC researchers alike.

Saturday
6:45 AM
My friend and I loaded our duffel bags into the charter bus bright and early, excited to head to Catalina Island. First, we drove down to San Pedro to go to the Southern California Marine Institute, where our boat, Miss Christi, was docked. After some pictures and a safety briefing, we were on our way to the USC Wrigley Institute by 8:00 AM. While it was chilly in the morning, my friends and I sat on the boat’s deck to enjoy the fresh air and take in the vast sea around us

10:00 AM
We arrived at the USC Wrigley Institute and loaded into the campus. We had a trip briefing and mandatory campus orientation before we checked out our rooms and got ready for our first activity of the day. I learned so much about the rich history of the campus and local ecosystems, as well as their sustainability efforts, experiential learning programs, and research initiatives that advance meaningful work in helping our planet. The rooms were very spacious, just like a normal dorm on campus, but what was neat was that they also provided towels, blankets, and pillows.

10:30 AM - Self-Guided Hike
My first activity of the day was a self-guided hike on Deer Valley Loop Trail with my group, where we were able to hike through the lush greenery and take in the scenic views of the ocean and the USC Wrigley centers. This hike was definitely not the easiest at the start, with winding paths of uneven terrain and prickly pear cacti, especially in the hot weather. However, it was definitely worthwhile, as it was a great way to start the day and get some exercise in. Along the footpath we were able to spot a deer on the way down! Then at 12PM, we had a tight window to eat some lunch and head to the next excursion.

1:00 - Snorkeling
Next, we went snorkeling in the Blue Cavern Marine Protected Area, home to California’s richest marine habitats. We suited up in our provided wetsuits, fins, and snorkeling gear, and we were well on our way. While snorkeling in the deep waters of the channel, I saw so many Garibaldi fish perusing the rocky reef kelp forest and graceful eelgrass swaying by the ocean’s currents. Gazing into the Garibaldi fishes’ eyes, it was cool to knowing that they see me as much as I see them. As I traveled further, I saw a Halibut on the reef’s sandy bottom and many marine mammals and seabirds in the distance. This was such an awesome experience, especially being able to interact with the marine life up close.

3:00 - Hyperbaric Chamber Tour
After snorkeling and freshening up in the dorms, we headed down for the Hyperbaric Chamber Tour. As one of the only emergency medical facilities in the country set up to treat diving emergencies 24/7, year-round, hyperbaric chambers provide the proper treatment for scuba diving accidents. This includes treating decompression sickness and air embolisms that can be permanently disabling and sometimes fatal. How cool is it that USC has these facilities right on the waterfront of its own satellite campus for medical and research advancement?

6:00 PM - Dinner and Smores
Following all of our excursions for the day, we returned back to the dorms to shower, get some homework in, and take a quick nap before heading to the dining hall for dinner. After, we had some campfires going where we roasted s’mores to cap off the night.

Sunday
5:45 AM - Sunrise Hike
On Sunday, we woke up bright and early to catch the sunrise. Getting up, especially after a long day before, was no joke. However, we all went to the dining hall to grab some hot chocolate and made our way with picnic blankets to see the sunrise. Taking in the calm of the ocean was very peaceful and complemented the surreal sunrise right before my eyes. After taking lots of pictures, we headed back to the dorms to have breakfast at 7:30AM and check out of our rooms by 8:30AM.

9:00 AM - Kayaking
Our excursion for the day was kayaking within the Blue Cavern Marine Protected Area and beyond. I paired up with my friend to kayak around the island and even went a half mile off the cove to Bird’s Rock, a flat, oval-shaped island with so many birds perched on it. Looking down, we saw the amazing marine life below us, and while looking around the island, we saw other docks of boats touring the island as well. I couldn’t believe how far we went out and how deep the water was below us. After almost 3 hours out in the ocean, we headed back for lunch at 12PM.

1:30PM - Departure
Sadly, my weekend trip on Catalina Island came to a close as our boat, Miss Christi, departed Catalina Island to take us all back to the mainland and arrive at the Southern California Marine Institute. While I was so sad to leave, I took in the rich scenery on the boat’s deck as we traveled back to the mainland. I put my headphones on since the rudders of the boat were very loud and watched the endless blue waves crash next to us and some seagulls that had followed us up above. To my surprise, we were able to catch a pool of dolphins swimming right next to our boat. They gracefully jumped out of the water, and I was in awe at how close we were to them. I couldn’t believe it! We arrived at the Southern California Marine Institute shortly after, where we met our charter bus that took us back to the USC campus at 3:30PM. And that was my trip!

This trip was definitely a fever dream, being able to escape the busyness of college while finding much-needed calm in the midst of chaos. Especially in the thick of a busy fall semester, these worthwhile experiences give me clarity in hard or challenging moments that better days are to come. I am reminded to keep moving forward and that great moments can and will happen again in different ways, with different people, and in different places!

This trip served as a reminder in recognizing what a privilege it is to attend USC and have access to so much amazing programming. Having participated in this trip hosted by the USC Environmental Student Assembly (ESA), I was surrounded by many environmental studies and biological science majors. I am neither of those majors; however, I am so lucky to have been able to get to know so many new people that I would not have otherwise known or had any classes with. So, to anyone reading this, I highly recommend taking a chance at joining a new club or program on campus where you could meet so many people and communities that you would have never crossed paths with before.

Rewarding and fulfilling experiences are out there and are free; you just have to look for them!

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Finding My “Just Right” at USC Chan ⟩
November 13, 2025, by Angel

Beginnings and Endings Classes Community International School/Life Balance

As occupational therapists, we often talk about finding the “just right challenge.”

It’s one of those guiding OT principles that stays with you long after you leave the classroom or the clinic—that perfect balance between too hard and too easy. It’s the sweet spot where growth happens: not so high that it leads to frustration, and not so low that it leads to boredom or disengagement.

For three years, I lived by that phrase as a pediatric occupational therapist back in the Philippines. Every session, every activity, every goal I created for my kids was built around that idea. I wanted to make sure each child was supported just right—challenged to reach a little higher, yet still confident and motivated to keep going.

Back then, “just right” was something I applied to my clients. I had always reserved it for my clients, never considering my own journey.

When I entered USC Chan three months ago, I was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of fear. I had dreamed about being part of this community for so long—a place known for excellence, compassion, and innovation in occupational therapy. I was ready to learn, to grow, and to experience what it truly means to be part of the Chan family.

But as the days turned into weeks, I was struck by just how remarkable all my classmates are. In group discussions and reflections, they shared thoughtful insights about OT, ideas that made me pause and think, “How did they come up with that?” Beyond their knowledge, I was inspired by their professional experiences, their expertise in different areas of OT back in their home countries, and their achievements, including international programs like conferences and summer exchanges abroad. Each conversation opened new perspectives, and I often found myself quietly listening, trying to absorb as much as I could.

Soon, that admiration began to turn into self-doubt.

I started to feel small, even a little insecure. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I truly belonged in a room full of such talented and articulate people. I thought, Maybe I’m not as smart. Maybe I don’t have as much to contribute.

There were moments when I stayed quiet, not because I had nothing to say, but because I doubted whether my thoughts were good enough. I began to question myself, my knowledge, my experience, and even my place here.

Then, a quiet realization began to settle in the back of my mind.

This feeling—a mix of challenge and discomfort—was familiar. I had seen it before, not in myself, but in my clients: the look of frustration when a task felt too hard, the hesitation when they weren’t sure they could succeed, and the quiet pride when they finally did something they couldn’t do before.

I realized I was living my own just right challenge.

And in adulthood, that balance can feel even more delicate. Too much challenge can lead to anxiety, burnout, or even trauma. Too little, and we risk staying in places that feel safe but stagnant.

Being a student again after years of practice is not easy. You’re reminded that growth means starting over—being open, curious, and humble enough to say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.”

Those moments of doubt weren’t signs of failure; they were signs of stretching. Maybe I felt “not enough” because I was being pushed in the best possible way: challenged, but not defeated.

I came here not to prove I’m the best, but to become better. And growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you to think differently, reflect deeper, and reach higher.

At Chan, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to listen more than you speak. It’s okay to be in a season of learning, because that’s exactly what being a student is about.

In occupational therapy, we remind our clients and their families to trust the process. Progress doesn’t happen overnight; it unfolds through small, meaningful steps. Maybe we, as students and future occupational therapists, need to extend that same grace to ourselves—taking things one step at a time, one just right challenge at a time.

Looking back on my first few months at USC Chan, I can see how much I’ve grown, not just in knowledge, but in perspective. I’ve learned to value moments of discomfort because they mean I’m learning. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins: understanding a difficult concept, sharing an idea in class, connecting with peers from all over the world who share the same passion for OT. I’ve learned that being surrounded by people who are “better” in some ways isn’t something to fear, it’s something to celebrate. It means I’m in the right place to learn.

More importantly, I’ve learned to extend the same compassion to myself that I always gave to my clients.

Before leaving for USC, one of my patient’s mother shared a photo of me and her son in a post online as I said my goodbyes. Her words reminded me why I do what I do, and what it truly means to meet someone at their “just right” level. It’s not only about helping someone achieve their therapy goals; it’s about understanding their story, celebrating small victories, and walking beside them through both struggle and success.

So now, whenever that familiar sense of self-doubt creeps in, I tell myself: This is my just right. This is where I’m supposed to be—learning, growing, and embracing both the challenges and the joys that come with this journey.

Because life, like therapy, isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding that balance—that meaningful middle ground—where growth happens.

And for us as adults, that “just right” isn’t just about skill: it’s about readiness to learn, a sense of safety in trying new things, and having the courage to stretch without snapping. It’s about honoring our limits while still leaning into discomfort, trusting that growth doesn’t require perfection—only presence and persistence.

And here at USC Chan, I’m learning that sometimes, being in that just right space is exactly what I need.

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Surviving (and Thriving) During Finals Week: My Personal Study Tricks ⟩
November 6, 2025, by Ciara

Classes School/Life Balance

With midterm season finally ending and finals being a few weeks ahead it is officially the marathon portion of the semester. Between group presentations, essays, and late-night cramming for exams, I know firsthand how hard it is to balance studying for all your courses while also trying to keep your sanity unscathed or to put it plainly not “crash out”. Those 24/7 Leavey Library cram sessions don’t have to be the way you study for this upcoming exam session. I like to apply the “work smarter, not harder” saying to my study methods, so if you are a little stressed for this upcoming final exam period and are on the prowl for some study tips then follow along:

Have an Idea of Yourself:

My biggest advice is simpler than one would think: know yourself. This can mean various things in the study context, but I like to think about this in terms of knowing what environment works best for you. For instance, coming into my freshman year, I didn’t exactly know what environment worked best for me but through trials, I quickly learned that I don’t work best in a group studying environment. It’s not beneficial for me to spend a chunk of my study time in groups when I usually find myself getting distracted or having my mind wander amongst the different personalities in the group.

On the flip side, if you work better and are more motivated in groups, then try to organize study sessions with classmates; a great way to truly comprehend content in a group setting is trying to teach it to your friends.

Leavey Library offers study rooms that you and some friends can book; this environment is the perfect mix of group work while also not having too many distractions, so if you’re interested, you can reserve study rooms (or study pods if you like to go solo) here. Whether you like group studying or solo studying, it’s good to stick to your strengths during this final period especially with how many exams you may have during a rather short period.

My Dear Friend: Quizlet

After quite a few exam periods, I don’t know how I would survive without Quizlet. I love studying with Quizlet for a few reasons.

First, you can use it wherever you have the app. When I have downtime such as waiting in line in the Village or sitting on the Metro, I pull out my Quizlet and already start familiarizing myself with the content I’m studying.

Secondly, I feel like making the Quizlet yourself forces you to re-read notes and try to understand the content so that you can later test yourself. If you want to go beyond, I find it helpful to make practice exam questions after reading my notes and put them in a Quizlet and use the “Test” function to make my very own practice tests.

If you want to try the entire “Ciara Study Method,” then accompany Quizlet review sessions with writing and explaining concepts using a whiteboard. The combination of memorization-based studying provided by Quizlet and the visualization and active recall based studying provided by using whiteboards leaves me feeling my most confident going into exams.

Plan Ahead:

This next piece of advice may scare the community of procrastinators, but during the final period, I find it vital to plan ahead. For me, I use Google Calendar to put my exam dates and deadlines (ex: essays) in. Based on that, I can put when I should start studying for my exams, which is usually at least 3 days ahead of the exam during final periods.

If you find yourself always studying at the last minute I would highly suggest starting to start calendering or even starting out with writing To-Do lists for yourself. The last time I found myself procrastinating during final exam periods, I felt so stressed throughout the pre-exam period and during the actual exam. I felt more confident and performed academically better when I spaced out my studying amongst several days with breaks rather than doing it all in one night with no breaks, which takes me into my next point…

Take Breaks:

Going hand in hand with planning ahead, I find it essential to give myself breaks. I know the temptation to work for hours straight is strong but simply said: neither the mind nor body can run on fumes. I prefer to study amongst several days so that I naturally give myself breaks and time to enjoy college life and go explore California with my friends.

When I am running low on time, I like to do the Pomodoro technique. With the Pomodoro technique, one works in 25 minute intervals separated by 5 minute breaks and then a longer break after several intervals; the intervals characterizing the Pomodoro technique have shown benefits in improving focus, and combatting burnout and procrastination. If this technique sounds interesting to you, click here for a free Pomodoro timer. 

Studying for finals can be stressful and overwhelming but it doesn’t always have to be. These 4 main tips help me feel academically prepared for exams while still taking care of my mental health. When I manage my time correctly, study with intention, and give myself breaks, I find myself saying “bon voyage” to burnout and panic.

Good luck Trojans and future Trojans, and during this upcoming exam season remember: be kind to yourself and trust the work you’ve put in!

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My Favorite Hidden Study Spots at University Park Campus ⟩
November 5, 2025, by Avery

Community Life Hacks Living in LA School/Life Balance

Happy Midterms season, Trojans! As I am now in my third year living and studying on USC’s University Park Campus (UPC), I thought I’d share some of my favorite, and often overlooked, spots to study. Whether you’re gearing up for midterms, catching up on readings, or squeezing in those final essay pages, finding the perfect study spot can completely change your productivity (and your mood). Here are some of my favorite hidden spots at UPC to hunker down and knock it out.

Category One: Coffee shops
My favorite way to study is with a fresh iced latte and a good friend across the table. My two favorite spots near UPC for just that are Ministry of Coffee (MOC) and Eruta Nature.

Ministry of Coffee is tucked right next to the Trojan Catholic Center. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, plus plenty of coffee, matcha, and pastry or lunch options to power you through the afternoon.

BONUS: Right above Ministry of Coffee is the Trojan Catholic Center library. It’s the perfect spot if you need a quieter, more peaceful place to focus. I like to take the stairs up to the library when I need to switch things up.

Eruta Nature, located inside Rock & Reilly’s in the USC Village, is another gem. By night, the space transforms into an Irish-themed pub and sports bar, but in the mornings, Eruta Nature serves up freshly baked bagels and excellent lattes. You can almost always find a table to sit at, and their coffee-and-bagel combo deals are hard to beat.

Category Two: Library Hidden Gems

Everyone already knows about the big two (Leavey and Doheny Library). These two huge libraries hold hundreds of students studying every day. However, there are some lesser-known hidden library gems on campus too.

The USC Hoose Library of Philosophy sits on the north end of campus, just above Mudd Hall. It’s hard to describe this library as anything but magical. Whenever family or friends visit campus, I always make sure it’s on the must-see list. It’s that beautiful. If you want to romanticize your study session and feel like you’ve stepped into a Disney movie, the Philosophy Library is the perfect place.
Be warned, though: it’s small, has limited hours (9 a.m.–4:45 p.m. on weekdays), and is closed on weekends. Plus, no food or drinks are allowed — so plan accordingly!

The Doheny Memorial Library Bookstacks are one of USC’s best-kept secrets. While Doheny is known for its grand, ballroom-like study rooms featured in movies and TV shows, few students venture into the quieter, hidden side of the building (where the books actually live). Just past the front desk, you’ll find the entrance to nine floors of low-ceilinged, maze-like stacks. Tucked among the shelves are secluded desks and tables that make perfect hideaways when you need zero distractions. Just don’t get lost on your way back out!

Category Three: Miscellaneous

Many students don’t realize that when classes aren’t in session, you can use empty classrooms to get some work done. I especially like studying in the classrooms in Taper Hall and DMC. It’s a bit of a gamble, as you will get asked to leave if a class starts up, but it often works well in the afternoons or evenings when the buildings are quieter. There’s something nice about having a whole classroom to yourself to focus, spread out and bring a study group, or even practice a presentation.

The Tutor Campus Center (TCC) sits right in the heart of campus, next to the bookstore and the Tommy Trojan statue. The first floor is home to several popular lunch spots that accept dining dollars, as well as the Admissions Center. But the real hidden gem is upstairs — take the grand staircase (or the elevator) to the second floor, where you’ll find several student lounges. These spaces are sometimes reserved for events, but when they’re open, they make for a perfect mid-day study spot or a comfortable place to relax between classes.

Happy studying, Trojans! I wish you the best of luck!

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