Heyyy Troy Phi! On behalf of the Dev Team, we hope you all are having a wonderful week. Keep trudging on! You got this! See you on Tuesday for Kyralie Office Hours– we can’t wait to make Valentine’s with you.
In honor of the lovely (pun intended) upcoming holiday, this week’s Dev Corner, we are celebrating arguably one of the most important forms of love—self love! Read to hear from us! <3
P.S… Feel free to send this Valentine to someone you love!! <3 (huge shout out to Elianna and Nicole for the Jollibae sticker!!)
Para sa pagmamahal,
Kyra
Kyra’s Care Corner: Learning How to Love Time Alone
Today’s affirmation: I am allowed to put myself first.
I’ve always been someone who has thrived off connection with other people. For those of you who know me, I love to be in the presence of others. With the right people, I feel safe, at peace, and know that I can be myself. It’s like taking a breath of fresh air.
As I’m sure is the case for many people, when it comes to being away from those people and it’s finally just me, myself, and I, it can be so difficult to extend the love and compassion I have for others right back to myself. With being alone, inevitably, comes discomfort.
Luckily, this 2024, one of my “Ins” is staying uncomfortable. I want to challenge my boundaries and push myself to try new things! And for me, that means doing something I am not quite fond of — spending more time alone.
While much easier said than done, I know that investing in myself is the best way that I can learn to show myself the love that I deserve. Time alone means that I have the autonomy to decide how I want to spend it! I can engage in what’s meaningful to me, whether that’s journaling, reading a new book, baking Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (based on a true story), making new Pinterest boards, or going to mass in between classes.
I’m learning to be okay with time that I get to have to myself. It’s a blessing and has been an opportunity for me to be mindful of my emotions, feelings, and what’s really in front of my most immediate surroundings. It’s allowed me to stop and smell the roses.
Self love is always a journey, but I’m glad nonetheless to be on it <3333
Jordan’s Care Column
Welcome back everyone to Jordan’s Care Column. My name is Jordan and I am back yet again to share my ideas, comments, and concerns about anything remotely related to self-care. This week, I will be specifically talking about party life and why I’ve decided that going out is simply not for me. I have made the executive decision that I am meant to live a quiet and simple girl life. You may be wondering, “Jordan, what do you mean by this??” If you weren’t thinking about this, I am going to talk about it anyway.
Ever since starting USC, I have had the idea that when the weekend rolls around, it is going out time. Put on those weird urban outfitter corsets, throw on the beat up white sneakers, and hit the frats. However, last weekend I seriously questioned if I even enjoy partying with a bunch of sweaty strangers with blinding lights and mainstream loud music. I came to the conclusion that the only reason I go out is because it feels like that is what I am supposed to be doing. But who said that I am supposed to enjoy partying? NO ONE. Absolutely no one is telling me to enjoy doing these things. After having this realization, I stayed in, ate greasy cheese pizza, drank some tea, and spent quality time with my close friends. Best decision of my life.
The weekends aren’t for partying and dancing to bad music. The weekends are for you and taking care of yourself after a long week. If this means going out and partying then great! Have at it! But if it means staying in and watching your favorite show, then that is equally as valuable. Do not feel guilty for choosing to have a quiet night. This isn’t lazy, or boring, or wasting your young life. Staying in and taking care of yourself is the least boring thing. You are choosing to do what is right for you and only you.
All my love,
Jordan
Lissa’s Lovely Recipes
Hi Kapamilya! It’s one of your Director of Development Interns, Lissa! Valentine’s Day is this upcoming week so I thought I would plug a few lovely recipes that are perfect to share with whoever your valentine is. Be it a lover, your friends, yourself, or any other loved one, I’m sure these foods will put a smile on anyone’s face! I hope you enjoy these treats and all the love that they’ll bring! ♥️
Mahal Kita, Lissa <3
Personal Development Resources
Reminder that I am here as a resource to all of you! In addition to resume support, I can also serve as a trusted person and provide a safe space to practice interview questions with you, and provide suggestions if you happen to need that. Beyond professionalism, I’m here just to chat. I love hearing people’s stories and would leave to hear all of yours, too! Reach out to me @kaligaen@usc.edu or @kyraaligaen on IG whenever. 🫂
Mindfulness & Mental Health
USC Student Health offers a bunch of free online/in-person wellness workshops intended to cater to the different needs of students! Options include how to deal with test anxiety and how to manage your stress! Take advantage of these resources and sign up via mySHR!
Mindful USC offers mindfulness-related classes, programming and events designed to foster growth, health, wisdom, compassion, and connection within and among the diverse communities of USC.
Register for ongoing classes here!
Check out their virtual drop-in sessions available from Mondays through Fridays— all are welcome regardless of your experience with meditation!
Practices include “15 Minute Meditation for Self Love,” “10 Minute Meditation To Start Your Day,” or a “15 Minute Walking Meditation!”
USC Troy Philippines Mental Health Resources & Services Guide
Feel free to refer to this compiled list if you ever need to, or if you have any recommendations for resources to add to this list– please reach out to me @kaligaen@usc.edu so I can do so. Please, please let me know if you need help or assistance navigating any of these resources!
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