The consumers and caretakers of the University’s natural spaces cross paths in often undetectable ways. Students find themselves outside to get away from the commotion inside of classrooms and towering brick buildings — caretakers make an effort to allow students and visitors to enjoy these natural spaces.

Johnny Tien, a University’s campus arborist, studied horticulture and agriculture in college and now finds himself taking care of USC’s trees, conducting inspections and planning which species of trees are fostered on campus. 

“I take a lot of pride in my job … a lot of pride that I’m a USC arborist because USC is a well-known place … I feel like I have a lot of responsibility to make sure the campus [looks] its very best,” Tien said. “I think when [students find a good-looking space], they can relax.”

Tien said a key way students use natural spaces on campus is to unwind from the stress of classes, a sentiment echoed by some students that find importance in having access to natural spaces. 

“If the campus didn’t have any trees or any green spaces, I think I would be a lot more … down on myself, [because natural space] takes me away from school for a second,” said Sydney White, a senior majoring in cinematic arts, film and television production. “When I sit up, sit here and I’m able to look at the sky and look at the leaves, it opens up my mind and … my world. I don’t feel so cubed in.” 

Having a place to ground herself through the challenges of the college experience is invaluable for White. 

“[In] the chaos of all of it, it helps me feel calm,” White said. 

The access to public spheres leads students like White said, to ground themselves in a world driven by chaos.

White said the world is so much bigger than academics, and the access to nicely-trimmed hedges and grass alongside beautiful flowers and trees leads some students to be grateful to be on campus.

Brady Travers, a freshman majoring in public relations and advertising, said he shows gratitude for what the work staff do to maintain the campus by being mindful of shared spaces and cleaning up after himself in public spheres.

“Some people aren’t as careful in their cleaning-up practices, especially in outdoor spaces, because they think someone will clean it up, but that’s not always the case,” Travers said. “[Some are] not as aware of how much your actions and your potential thoughtlessness could affect other people’s livelihood.”

Travers said it is very easy to think someone will always pick up after you. Taking initiative and actively participating in the maintenance of the University’s natural spaces, according to Travers, is a reflection of the school itself: a neat campus communicates that Trojans are well-equipped to handle the luxury that is being at a well-maintained University.

Like Tien said, maintenance’s efforts to keep up with the school’s natural public spheres isn’t just about looks; it’s about reinforcing USC’s welcoming environment. Maleah Allen, a senior majoring in health administration, said natural spaces on campus are great places to meet new people.

“People tend to approach you more when you’re outside in this open space. You can build relationships, whether that be friendships or something more personal,” Allen said. 

The people who work to maintain the natural spaces strive to make them enjoyable for everybody. Like Tien said, maintenance staff’s focus isn’t solely on keeping spaces healthy but to positively reflect USC’s sense of camaraderie.

“[On] Trousdale, [on Hahn plaza], all the green leaves make [visitors] feel comfortable. I think this makes them, maybe, reflect how [students and parents] chose their decisions … They can see [the University] is very friendly,” Tien said.

 Although, Allen said sometimes those efforts can be eclipsed by a lack of appreciation.

“People tend to function in a hierarchy. I feel that there are students here that don’t view staff workers as being equal or that they don’t deserve the same attention as others, but I think it’s extremely important,” Allen said. “Human interaction is one of the main pillars of just functioning … If [staff] weren’t helping or contributing, a lot of the operations at this school would not be functioning.” 

She said students should both actively thank staff and appreciate having an accessible natural space.

“[By] being present, being outside, enjoying it, you’re taking advantage of having accessible green space,” Allen said. “In a way, you’re appreciating the work the staff is doing to keep up with everything … Saying ‘thank you’ and ‘I appreciate all your work’ could also be another factor that people should try and implement into their routine.”