I can only tread for a little bit longer. I focus on my hands and feet swirling around in vicious little circles to keep my head above the water. It’s the only thing that can distract me from the thousands of square feet of open water that surround me on all sides. The waves are so choppy; I can barely see the shore in the distance. I try not to think about the fact that I am alone in...

The University of Southern California is like Disneyland. It’s a place “where dreams can come true,” but more importantly, there are countless opportunities represented in fantastic depth. At Disneyland, if you enjoy futuristic technology, there’s Tomorrowland supplemented by opportunities like Autopia—for those interested in cars, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters—for those interested in space, and the Disneyland Monorail—for those interested in how the components of Tomorrowland function together. The same can be said for USC. My...

“Take a Pad, Leave a Pad,” I scribble onto the back of a notecard in the bathroom, ten minutes before homeroom. I tape the notecard onto a basket packed with feminine hygiene products leaving it right next to the sink. I remember being a freshman, scared out of my mind about courses, upperclassmen, and a million other things. The last concern high school girls need to be worried about is their bodies. So many girls, myself included, have felt embarrassed...

Beyonce stole one of my most prized possessions and I am still not over it. Beyonce used the poem, “For Women Who Are Difficult to Love” by Warsan Shire, as inspiration for her critically acclaimed visual album, Lemonade. This was my poem. I clearly didn't write it, nor do I own any rights to the poem, but over the years, I had held it so close to my heart that the stanzas became almost a part of me. Quite frankly,...