Written By: Allison Chavez
It’s currently Friday morning, the morning of our graduation. I am sitting here in disbelief that the program has ended so quick. I fell in love with USC and the Annenberg Youth Academy. In a way that I never thought I would, especially in such a short time.
As I took pictures on the way to my final day of class, I realized things would never be the same. Although, I may return to the Wallis Annenberg Hall again in the future, will the twenty-six people in my cohort be there to greet me?
Reflecting, everything seems so unreal. More specifically, the way time moves. However, I am more grateful for the opportunities this program presented me. I made friends that I know I will cherish forever and learned skills that will follow me for the rest of my life.
Starting off, I learned the skill of perseverance. This emerged from being in anchor in the second week of AYA. I sat down on the chair having to restart multiple times because there was a word that was pronounced wrong. Nevertheless, I continued to give it my all, even when I was slowly slipping off the chair.
Professor Rogelio Lopez encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zone. He led us into projects like podcasts, with completely no experience. However, the 26 of us managed to figure it out. He taught us that although we may not have the fancy supplies needed to make a podcast, such as a studio, we are capable of completing anything we set our minds to. This value will follow me through my college journey and the rest of my life.
However, Professor Rogelio Lopez did laugh on Thursday when he mentioned that he could hear our siblings in the background of our podcast. But I mean hey, we still did an excellent job.
This program has presented me with numerous resources. Ranging from the guide through our college applications, financial aid, and hearing from amazing guest speakers.
Each and every individual in the program has influenced me to fight on! I am so proud of my cohort and the projects we have accomplished. I am excited to see the impact we will have on the world, and how we choose to highlight the unheard stories in our community. Thank you Brittany and Karen for creating a second home for me.
Dear USC,
I can’t wait to see you again.
Best of luck, Allison Chavez.
Communicating Change 