Happy Sunday TP! From Kyrayla Office Hours to our GM, we hope you enjoyed last week’s programming surrounding the importance of taking care of yourself in order to best be there for those around you. First and foremost, I wanted to say that on behalf of Advo and Dev, a huge thank you to those of you who felt empowered to share what was on your hearts at this past GM. Your words and insights hold so much importance, and we hope you found value and support in being able to connect with our community. I hope we can continue to hold safe spaces like those in order to foster the sense of family we all want TP to be!
If any of you are interested in connecting with Professor Jino who led our amazing breath work exercise, he is more than willing to do so! His contact is: jadecast@usc.edu!!
In our last few weeks of the semester, remember to take care of yourself, and if you like, reach out to someone in TP you’ve always wanted to get to know!
Check out this week’s Dev corner for some cool finals preparation resources including study spot recs and other opportunities happening on our campus (including a webinar from a TP alum and Fullbright scholar)!!
Sending you peace and strength today and always,
Kyra
Connections & Opportunities
Alumni Relations
Check out this webinar hosted by TP Alum, Marigrace Buendia B.S. in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention and a M.S. in Global Medicine on Thursday 11/16 from 5:30-6:30! She just returned from doing her Fulbright work in the Philippines. Hear about her project looking at perceptions and practices of community health care workers around mental health, as well as her experience in the Fulbright Program.
Do you have a friend or family member that is now a TP Alum?! Send them this form so that we can be sure to stay connected with them!
Kyra’s Study Space Recs
Hey guys!! Get excited because we only have TWO WEEKS LEFT OF THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR!!! While it means we’re steps closer to Thanksgiving and Winter Break, it also means that we’re inching closer to finals season…..
But! Do not fear, because I am here to plug my favorite study spots around campus if you need to lock in! I feel that the environment I study in has a huge impact on my mood and my productivity! I’ve been trying to create or search for comfortable study spaces in order to get the things I want done!
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Doheny study sesh or even Leavey if it comes down to it, but I feel that these spaces are amazing resources on campus that are not utilized enough! I hope you find them just as useful as I do!
Check out some other mindfulness and mental health resources (including info about puppies @USC) I plugged to guide you for the rest of the semester. Good luck & happy studying!
Guys, when I tell you that the APASS (Asian Pacific American Students Services) Center is the MOMENT! They just had their grand re-opening a few weeks ago, and it is a huge lounge located on the fourth floor of the Student Union intended to be a safe space for us all!
APASS is open from 9:30-5, M-F and connects to La CASA’s center which we are also more than welcome to use as well! APASS has couches, booths, tables, and even a soundproof box that you can reserve for the times you really need to lock in! There is a Kitchenette shared by both APASS and La CASA where you can store your food in the fridge, use any of the dishes, brew some coffee/tea, or warm up your food in the microwaves! There are even plushies if you need something to hold onto to get you through that study sesh!
In addition, the center is constantly hosting a series of events for APIDA students to engage in! I highly recommend you check it out!
They are even looking to hire new undergrad/graduate staff for the Spring 2024 Semester! Find out more here
I’ve been plugging this center all semester and I love it! The KCLC “Quiet Study Room” is also open from 9:30am-5:00 pm and is located on the third floor of the Student Union Building, room 311. It is a center designated to empower students and their success, so the room is literally meant to set us up for success! There are outlets at each desk and all the chairs are ergonomically made as well! There are even disposable ear plugs if you really want that peace and quiet in your studying. You can even take a break from your studies and people watch the passerbyers of TCC from the lovely window!
3. Library for International & Public Affairs
This library is one of my favorites here on campus! It is located in CPA (JMC) below the building itself! If you love natural light when you study, this is the place to be. There are such tall and beautiful windows that bring in all the sun you need! Throughout the library, there are different nooks you can study in, whether it’s on a large table, a personal sized desk, or one of their couches. It is pretty quiet, but not as quiet as Doheny. The couches are really great for naps too! The hours vary, so be sure to check on the link provided, but on most nights, the library is open until 10pm!
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 Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is hosting their Communitea Dog Party! Therapy dogs & cats are looking to be cuddled! There are refreshments as well!
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!
Goodful Meditation 5-10 Minute Meditation Practice Videos
Practices include “15 Minute Meditation for Self Love,” “10 Minute Meditation To Start Your Day,” or a “15 Minute Walking Meditation!”
“I am - Daily Affirmations” App
I love it, because you can adjust the settings so that it delivers you up to 10 affirmation notifications throughout your day. You can also add them as a widget on your Lock Screen so you’re affirmed as soon as you open your phone! It’s nice to receive these little reminders and have a chance to show yourself some love in the midst of your day!
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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