I can’t believe it, but it’s finally here: my final semester at USC. I’ve had a great four years in Viterbi and I’m definitely looking forward to the the final push! I have a number of exciting things planned for the semester including interesting classes, fun extracurriculars, and hopefully a healthy amount of social events!

I’m taking six classes this semester: four engineering classes, one theatre class to finish off my minor, and a musical theatre class just for fun. The engineering classes I’m taking include Chemical Process Dynamics and Control, Mass Transfer, Chemical Process and Plant Design, and Sustainable Design and Construction.

I’m definitely most excited for Sustainable Design and Construction. This class is geared towards the LEED green AP exam, which tests understanding of sustainable design principles for LEED certified buildings. I’m excited for this class because I’m interested in getting involved in green buildings and sustainability as a career and I hope this course will help me out in the future.

LEED Sustainability Certification

LEED Sustainability Certification

I’m also very excited to be taking Chemical Process and Plant Design, which is my capstone senior design course. This course is a comprehensive design project meant to build on everything we’ve learned in Chemical Engineering over the past four years.

Besides my classes, I’ll be involved extracurricularly as always!

In the next few weeks I’m looking forward to my final semester of auditions with Troy Tones A Cappella. We’ll also be competing in the Absolute A Cappella competition in March, which will be a great way to go out strong!

When Troy Tones competes, we do it in style

When Troy Tones competes, we do it in style

I’ll also be serving again as President of USC Mortar Board. We have a numer of philanthropies and service events planned for the semester, and we’ll also be tapping in the new class of Mortar Boarder!

The 2013 Mortar Board Graduating Class

The 2013 Mortar Board Graduating Class

Last semester, I co-founded an LGBT pre-professional student organization called the USC Trojan Alliance, and I will be serving this semester as President. We have a number of exciting events planned for the semester including a career panel called Coming OUT in the Workplace, which will be held during the USC Career Fest!

Finally, in early February, I’ll be playing Billy Flynn in Chicago the Musical here at USC! I’m very excited to be playing such a fun and pivotal role in this production. The whole cast has been rehearsing music, dance, and acting since November and is thrilled to be putting on the show. There has been so much hype for “Chicago” that the tickets sold out in 12 minutes when reservations opened up! We added two more show times and will still likely have to turn people away at the door.

Cardinal Theatre Production's Chicago the Musical

Cardinal Theatre Production’s “Chicago the Musical”

It’s going to be a busy and difficult semester, but I’m excited for the challenge! I’m sure soon enough, graduation will be upon me, but for now I’m going to try to enjoy the rest of the ride.

Until next time,

Will