Tag Archives: happiness

Life These Days

By Brianneth Rocha

Edited by Natalie Grace Sipula

[3 minute read]

It seems like just yesterday, the world stopped in response to the pandemic. For the first few months of social distancing, I lost track of the days. Before I had time to perceive it, weeks had gone by. All plans were thrown out the window, and the year that marked the third decade of my life has been nothing like I originally expected. I could have spent all of my time dwelling on the lost moments and experiences, but instead I chose to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So, after giving myself time to reflect and acknowledge that my home would most likely be the center of my whole life for the rest of the year, I worked to find my motivation and passion.

At the beginning of the pandemic, things weren’t so bad, as I had school to occupy myself with. Society as a whole went on an exploration through the world of Zoom. There was frustration and even hatred towards technology, and for many learning technology has been like learning a new language. However, once we all settled into the basic framework of living in an online world, technology became the bridge connecting everyone via a virtual landscape. Lately, Zoom has been a key feature in my life. From classes to weekly meals with my friends, it seems that we are all in long-distance relationships these days. We have found a way to connect without the need for physical presence.

Photo by Beci Harmony on Unsplash
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Success Begins with a Healthy Mind

By Sasha Park

Edited By Natalie Grace Sipula 

College can often be overwhelming. While trying to juggle academics, extracurricular activities, social life, sleep, and potentially a job, we often neglect to take care of and check in on our mental health. USC has many resources that directly and indirectly help students to cope with stress and improve their mental health, especially in overwhelming and challenging times such as the circumstances we are facing today. Here are some resources you can reach out to in-person or visually for support.

USC Counseling Services:

Student Counseling Services can help you meet your academic and personal goals. It offers many resources including drop-in workshops and group counseling. For students in distress, it provides support in the form of individual therapy, crisis support, psychiatric services as well as consultation to those who are interested in reaching out to a student in distress.  When indicated, it also provides connection to other USC resources or community providers. You can make your first Counseling Consultation appointment online in your student health portal, and they are offering online appointments at this time as well: usc.edu/myshr.

Photo from Piqsels

Professor Beau, the Wellness Dog

No article about wellness at USC is complete without a mention of Professor Beau, USC’s first (and hopefully not last) full-time canine staff member. You can visit this professionally trained Golden Doodle at his office hours on Tuesday and Thursday at 12-1 pm and 11:20 am to 12:30 p.m. respectively at the Student Wellness Lounge (ESH 203). Plus, he’s hypoallergenic! You can check out his (verified) Instagram account here to get your Beau fix from home: https://www.instagram.com/beau_usc/.

Photo from the USC website

Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services

Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services is located in Engemann, Suite 356.  It provides immediate therapy services for situations related to gender and power-based harm (e.g., sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking). Through its educational programs, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services fosters a better understanding of sexual violence, relationship abuse, stalking, and healthy relationships/sexuality. Above all, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services serves as a haven for students and provides opportunities to make change on campus, through its educational programs and peer outreach program, VOICE .

Contact them at (213) 740-4900

Photo from Piqsels
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Say “Yes”

By Aidan Manley

Jeff Fellenzer, one of the professors in the Annenberg School of Communication who specializes in Sports Media studies, often brings in guest speakers to tell students about their own first-hand experience in the industry. While all these individuals provide insightful commentary regarding the relationship between sports and business, one speaker in particular offered a simple piece of life advice that has stuck with me ever since.

Ilan Ben-Hanan works at ESPN in Los Angeles as the Vice President of Programming and Scheduling. He plays a significant role in deciding which games ESPN will televise, what time the games take place, and many of the other elements that go into creating an efficient broadcast. But after he had described his experience of working at his dream job, he left the students with one final suggestion.

Say “yes.”

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