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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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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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Day in the Life of a First-Year E-OTD Student ⟩
November 2, 2025, by Cara

Classes Community School/Life Balance Videos

Come spend a day in my life as a first-year student in USC Chan’s Entry-Level Doctorate program! One of my favorite things about this program is that I am never bored with the curriculum. The curriculum ranges from foundational courses like philosophy, kinesiology, and neuroscience to exercising my creativity through reflective practices and crafts. No two days are alike, and I leave each class more passionate about the profession and inspired by the impact I want to make as a future practitioner.

If you have questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Our PP-MA Journey ⟩
October 2, 2025, by Global Initiatives Team

Beginnings and Endings Classes Community Diversity Getting Involved Housing and Transportation International Living in LA School/Life Balance What are OS/OT?

Hi everyone! We’re Angel and Haemin, international students in the 2025-2026 Post-Professional Master’s (PP-MA) program at USC. Coming from the Philippines and South Korea, we are starting this new chapter in Los Angeles! We’re excited to meet new people, explore new places, and grow together as OTs.

Angel’s Journey

My name is Angel, a pure-blooded Filipina and current PP-MA student for 2025–2026. I earned my OT degree in the Philippines and worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for three years—a role that brought me so much joy working with children and their families. In 2023, I got married, and by 2024 I had moved to the U.S. to be with my husband, first living in Chicago before deciding to continue my OT journey here in LA.

When I began exploring further studies, USC stood out immediately. Its Post-Professional MA is one of the few programs in the U.S. that can be completed in just one year, allowing internationally trained OTs like me to deepen our skills, discover new ideas, and connect with people from around the world—all while returning to practice sooner. I also heard wonderful feedback from colleagues who studied here, describing supportive faculty, a vibrant community, and an environment that pushes you to grow. Most of all, I was inspired by USC Chan’s mission to optimize people’s engagement in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life—a statement that perfectly reflects why I chose OT in the first place.

Life in Los Angeles has been a big adjustment after Chicago and the Philippines—new city, new culture, and no familiar faces. At first, it was daunting, but having my husband’s support made the transition easier. Together, we’re slowly building our rhythm, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying small routines that make LA feel like home. Lately, we’ve started visiting local cafés for matcha and coffee, and Little Tokyo has quickly become a go-to spot for food and culture.

So far, the PP-MA program has been both exciting and humbling. One of my favorite courses is Foundations in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, where we explore and challenge diverse perspectives on both OS and OT. Because our cohort includes students from many different countries, I have gained a deeper understanding of how culture and society influence a person’s occupations. I have also come to appreciate the importance of language in our work as occupational therapists when connecting with patients.

What I value most about this program is how it encourages us to think critically about OT while equipping us with practical tools to grow as clinicians and leaders. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about shaping how we want to contribute to the future of the profession.

Looking ahead, I see this year at USC as a stepping stone. My immediate goal is to gain licensure in the U.S. so I can continue serving people in healthcare. Beyond that, I hope to bridge what I learn here with my roots in the Philippines, finding ways to give back and strengthen OT globally.

Haemin’s Journey

My name is Haemin, and, like Angel, I’m a PP-MA student, class of 2026. I graduated from my home university in South Korea this year and moved to LA to attend USC Chan’s Master’s program. Being a PP-MA OT student at USC has been one of the most exciting chapters in my life. When I arrived in LA to start my journey, I had mixed feelings of both excitement and being overwhelmed. I moved into a new apartment, met new people and classmates, and tried to make a new daily routine. Even though there were a lot of things to take in on my own, I found myself becoming more independent and confident.

Back in 2022, I joined the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) program as an exchange student. It was such a memorable time to interact with people from all over the world with warm and supportive instructors. I loved exploring various OT fields through guest lectures and field trips, and it made me want to reflect more on the kind of OT I’d like to become. These experiences inspired me to deepen and broaden my own view of occupational therapy and to find the areas of practice that truly align with my interests and passions. Finding that USC provides strong support and resources to help international students achieve these goals gave me the confidence to come here for my master’s program.

Even though I have experience of living in the US before, moving to LA for graduate school was still a new adventure. I set up a new apartment and established daily routines like meal prep, errands, and transportation to balance my work and studies. It took time to adapt to a new environment, but I was able to figure it out thanks to so much support from my family, friends, and professors at USC Chan. As I figure out step by step, I find myself having done so many things, which makes me feel confident and mature 😊

One of the best parts of the PP-MA program is having classmates from all over the world. We share our OT experiences and cultures from our home countries, which makes every discussion richer and exciting. The atmosphere is so friendly and supportive, and the Global Initiatives team always makes me and other international students feel welcomed and connected. Working as a GI team member, I’m supporting students who want to celebrate their meaningful holidays, which is especially valuable in that I can learn about important cultural meanings from my classmates.

As for classes, Foundations of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy has been my favorite! At first, OS felt a bit philosophical and abstract, but it helped me see what occupation truly means and what the OT’s role is from a global perspective. Having discussions with international classmates adds so much fun and depth 😊

Even though we may have grown up in different countries and started OT in different ways, the PP-MA program at USC has brought us together. We’re learning, growing, and cheering each other on as we chase our own unique dreams as future OTs.

Outside the classroom, I love spending time at Hoose Library, which has a Harry Potter vibe. It’s so aesthetic and makes me focus on studying better.

Preparing for what’s next, one of my biggest goals during this program is earning the Sensory Integration (SI) certificate, which will be valuable for working with children. After graduation, I hope to continue working in pediatrics, especially with children and adults with ASD, and to expand into community-based practice. I’m excited to face my future clients with a richer perspective on occupation by everything I learned and grew from my time at USC.

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