One word that comes to mind when I try to describe USC and Viterbi is “engaging.” Throughout my college experience, USC has engaged me in all kinds of ways:
Academically: Particularly in my upper division ISE courses, my professors have really drawn me into their subjects both in and out of the classroom. Many of my assignments are group projects, and I have found that there is a lot I can learn about my class material by discussing it and working through it with my peers. For example, last semester, my friend Hannah and I performed a systems analysis of a Chase Bank ATM machine for our ISE 370 class. Once I had applied the principles we learned in our class to something that I regularly used, I began to see applications in other parts of my everyday life. This allows me to see how important these principles are and makes me enjoy learning them even more.
Here’s a picture of Hannah working on our project last year.
Socially:Some people have asked me if it’s hard to make friends when you come to college. Where do I begin?! If you have read any of our other blogs, you know that Viterbi students are involved in all kinds of organizations. If you live in a dorm your first year here, it is likely that your resident advisor (RA) will periodically hold events where you can mingle with others from your floor/building. There are tons of clubs and special interest groups for students. Getting involved in a club is a great way to meet other students who share your same interests.
Culturally/Globally: There are tons of ways to learn about and experience other cultures. Last summer, I studied abroad with the Viterbi Summer Overseas Program in Madrid, and learned a lot about Spain. This semester, I am enrolled in a class called iPodia, where I am interacting with students from other universities in South Korea, China, Israel, and Germany. At the end of the semester, we will all travel to South Korea to meet each other. If you don’t think that studying abroad or visiting another country is for you, don’t worry! There are lots of ways to experience other cultures on campus! Specifically, the Visions and Voices program often holds presentations that highlight other cultures. In addition, there are tons of cultural clubs at school that have events to share their culture with others. Just last weekend, I went to a Japanese culture show. Finally, you’ll definitely be learning about at least a couple of other culture through the general education (GE) program. I am planning on taking an East Asian Contemporary Film class next semester- I can’t wait!
In Madrid last summer:
Professionally: The main goal of going to college for many people is to find a good job. There are so many resources for USC students to find jobs and internships, including career fairs, resume workshops, company info sessions, USC job sites, and more. USC has an awesome career center where they hold on campus interviews, and Viterbi specifically has it’s own career services department. I actually have 3 internship interviews next week!
Athletically: Let’s face it; a big part of the USC experience is football. Before every football game, the whole campus is covered with students, alumni, and others tailgating. It’s quite an experience to see so many members of the Trojan family all celebrating together and preparing for the game. Basketball also gets pretty big in the winter. If you like playing sports, you’re in luck! Just walk down Trousdale during the involvement fair, and you’ll be bombarded by all kinds of club and intramural sports teams trying to recruit you. Personally, I play club water polo, and absolutely love it- especially when we travel in the spring!
With my Water Polo Team:
To sum it up, USC students are engaged both in and out of the classroom. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find that USC has the resources to help you explore your interests.
Happy Spring Break!
