Starting my journey at USC in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic brought forth a unique set of challenges, particularly when it came to finding a community where I could truly belong. Even though we had the opportunity for in-person classes, the new normal was anything but normal. We were masked, dorm-hopping was off-limits, social distancing became the norm and most club meetings shifted to virtual platforms. 

As an incoming freshman, this unfamiliar landscape felt overwhelming. The vastness of campus combined with the sheer size of the student population made finding my place akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. So, I sat in my shared dorm room, determined to make friends and not give in to the temptation of returning home at every opportunity.

I persevered, gradually forming connections, but a lingering question remained: Did I truly belong in these newfound circles? The combination of a finance major, AI specialization and briefly-considered-but-ultimately-abandoned minor in cinematic arts didn’t neatly align with any specific category, leading to moments of uncertainty. It often felt like I had an interest in everything, but I found it challenging to locate a single place where I could authentically belong.

However, I soon discovered that belonging transcended the boundaries of my academic pursuits. I realized that my quest for community could extend beyond the confines of my major and minor. This revelation opened doors for me to explore diverse avenues of connection and engagement.

One of the places where I found community was within the Daily Trojan. While my academic focus was on finance, I had always possessed a passion for storytelling and the power of the written word. Joining the Daily Trojan not only allowed me to cultivate my love for writing but also introduced me to a supportive group of individuals who shared my enthusiasm for meaningful storytelling. It was here that I discovered a shared passion for storytelling that united a diverse group of individuals, proving that common interests could form stronger bonds than the boundaries of academic disciplines.

Similarly, my explorations led me to accounting and other business organizations, even though my primary field of study was finance. I realized these groups provided valuable industry insights and networking opportunities that complimented my academic pursuits, allowing me to explore different fields of business. Despite numerous attempts from others in the organization to get me to switch to accounting, I remained steadfast in my commitment to embracing our differences. Not switching fields of study has also extended this friendly banter while staying true to my chosen path. 

In the midst of this journey, these experiences taught me that embracing diversity of thought and background is essential for personal growth. It’s not just about surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals but also about engaging with those who challenge our perspectives and expand our horizons. USC, despite its vastness and initial challenges, gradually transformed into a place where I could thrive as someone who appreciated the richness of interdisciplinary connections. Ultimately, the people that I met and the diverse perspectives that they brought kept me in these circles — and I now truly understand the meaning of “it’s the people that make me stay.”

My search for belonging in spite of the complexities of college life has taught me that community can be found in the most unexpected places, bridging the gaps between academic specialties and forging connections that enrich not only our college experience but also our personal growth. It serves as a testament to the idea that, at the heart of it all, we’re bound by our shared human experiences and the desire to find our place in this ever-evolving journey called life.

As I reflect on this adventure, I encourage each of you to embrace your own unique path and seek out connections that resonate with your passions, even if they don’t conventionally fit into your “niche.” Community can be found in unexpected places, so challenge yourself to explore new interests and engage with diverse perspectives. Doing so not only enhances your own college experience, but allows you to contribute to the campus community. Together, we could work to create a more inclusive community that celebrates the richness of our individuality while simultaneously fostering a sense of belonging. 

“Editors’ Epilogue” is a rotating column featuring a new Daily Trojan editor in each installment and their personal experiences of living in what seems to be an irrepressible dumpster fire of a world. Brianna Tang is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Daily Trojan.