Whenever I think this program has thrown all its surprises at me, I come the next day and continue to get astonished again and again. From getting a deep dive into speakers’ interesting lives, gaining exposure to topics I’m unaware of, or exploring the beautiful campus of what is USC, my mind is always utterly astonished.

This week in the COMMS 101 class I was educated all on culture. It inspires me to hear stories of those in my generation taking action in politics. For example, I was specifically intrigued in Emma Gonzalez’s efforts in the #NeverAgain movement. The thought of how much confidence and pride it takes to stand in front of 800,000 people to make a point is truly amazing. I aspire to emulate such qualities. The discussion of music as a political pathway was equally as captivating. As a great music fan myself, I not once thought my favorite artists like Childish Gambino, Tupac, and Erykah Badu could be talked about in an educational setting. Prior to my learning, I felt that adults would always deem down on Hip Hop as an unserious form of art. So when we discussed it as a cultural revelation and piece apart the messages from songs I was fascinated. Another activity where I was able to expand on my interests was the podcast. Exploring the podcast world opened my eyes to how fun it was to engage in an auditory form of media. I liked the authenticity of the medium. The creative freedom that I had when making the podcast allowed me to explore my passion and interests in an academic format which I found very enjoyable.
In the JOUR 101 class, learning about the news and broadcasting world made me gain a much deeper appreciation for the profession. It is truly a talent to produce such fast-paced media at such a high quality. Engaging and creating the VOs and SOTs was a fun way to use humor and catchphrases in writing. I enjoyed the entertainment-styled medium to talk about current events. Through this class, I realized how crucial it is to stay informed about the news in our lives. The practice of keeping up with current events not only broadens our understanding of the world but also empowers us to make informed decisions. Whether it’s local, national, or global news, awareness of what’s happening around us fosters a more engaged and knowledgeable society.

Participating in a scavenger hunt with my class and exploring the beautiful university of what is USC was an incredibly fun and intriguing experience. As we navigated the campus, each landmark and hidden gem we discovered added to the excitement I felt about having this oppurtunity. The architecture, gardens, and historic sites we encountered were not only visually stunning but also rich with significance to our city of LA. I enjoyed talking and socializing with new peers as a group. The scavenger hunt left me with a newfound appreciation for the beautiful college and how privileged I am to be part of such a great program!
