What a crazy, rewarding, trying, surprising, relaxing, hectic first year at the University of Southern California! I still remember moving in from the Bay Area and settling into Birnkrant with high hopes and a desire to overcome the “little fish, big pond” condition. I spent the first few weeks losing my mind in a self-imposed, academically-motivated isolation, but I soon realized that I had to get out there and belong to an organization or five to really get those Trojan Family vibes and perks.
Here are 15 things that I never imagined would happen during my first year:
-
Becoming an Annenberg Admissions Ambassador and guiding prospective students
-
Seeing the legendary actress Cicely Tyson perform through SC’s Visions and Voices Initiative
-
Hearing from former U.S. President Bill Clinton at the USC President’s Distinguished Lecture
-
Appearing
on the Jumbotron at the USC vs. Colorado football game during Breast Cancer Awareness Month -
Rubbing elbows with the CEOs of CBS Corporation and The Walt Disney Company
-
Refining my studio photography skills with the help of the Annenberg Digital Lounge
-
Teaching my own Spanish class to third and fourth graders at Los Feliz
-
Attending a red carpet premiere at the famous Chinese Theatre
on a school night (oops)
-
Finally singing and screaming along to Wicked with fellow Birnkrant residents
-
Appearing on BET Networks through my USC Black Alumni Association Mentorship
-
Picking the brains of Disney content creators at the USC School of Cinematic Arts
-
Designing publicity campaigns for events like NAGCHELLA in North Area Government
-
Receiving inspiration (and a private backstage dance?) from The Buried Life guys
This interaction was especially meaningful – Since 2007, they’ve inspired me to pursue my own wild bucket-list dreams (and I can now cross meeting them off of my list!) 
-
Rapping along to Mr. Chainz in my front yard (McCarthy Quad) during USC SPRINGFEST
-
Taking my rightful place on the Iron Throne at HBO’s Game of Thrones Pre-Screening at USC
Being a Trojan makes it possible for me to meet and hear from my favorite famed persons, network with top executives in the entertainment industry and contribute to incredible academic and social spheres on campus. I’ve made hundreds of friends and memories this year while pursuing my love of Communication, Spanish and Marketing! How to explain all of these wild successes?
Fight On until next year!
JOY OFODU | From Joy to the World 