Student orgs. Research opportunities. Club sports. Welcome back concerts. Sororities. Fraternities. Football season tickets. Beach outings. Seth Meyers comedy show. USC has it all. And if you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to do it all, believe me! But it’s all about finding what excites you most; that’s what’s going to drive you and make you become the most successful version of yourself you can be!
Getting Yogurtland with my freshman year suitemates!
As a first semester freshman, I was so impressed by all of the opportunities available for anyone wanting to take advantage of them. I was definitely one of those people going down from table to table at the fall involvement fair signing up for any and every email lists that sounded interesting to me. Soon after that, my inbox was flooded with tons of organizations letting me know about upcoming events and how to get involved.
Football!
I can’t even remember how many information sessions and general meetings I went to the first couple of months of the school year. It’s easy to get swept up in all of the hustle and bustle going on around campus and to feel overwhelmed at times. I had to make a decision which of those 50 orgs I wanted to commit to and make a difference in. Luckily after attending a few meetings it was clear to me which orgs I wanted to be most involved in.
At SWE Regional Conference freshman year in Palm Springs!
Once you do find those few organizations you’re passionate about, continue to deepen your involvement in them. From this you will develop your passions more and feel a greater sense of a purpose on campus.
Retreat freshman year in Frazier Park with the Catholic Center!
This advice goes beyond student life; it extends to academics as well! Really engaged in the material taught in your class? Talk to the professor about it during his office hours! Does your friend’s course sound interesting? Take it! Think being another type of engineering sounds more aligned to your long term goals? Talk to your advisor! Does the company presenting at that info session seem to offer what you want in an internship? Talk to the representative!
With the Intel campus rep, one of my first information sessions at USC!
Follow whatever your heart tells you, and try to find the path that is best for you. The more you follow your heart and passions, the more happier you will be and the more you will love USC!
