When we first signed on to be editors of this magazine, we had to make the tough choice on what would define its future. From our very first phone call, we both knew it was time to create a new definition of what a balanced piece of print and digital journalism looked like: experimental yet honorary.

We make the choice to either tip, strike, counter or preserve balance every day. From finding moments of self-care within a hectic workday to preparing a nutrient-dense meal for dinner, we are constantly ebbing and flowing between binaries: chaos and calm, love and hate, inside and outside, or public and private; the list goes on.

But perhaps our favorite definition of balance, from the Oxford English Dictionary, errs toward the meta: “To weigh (a matter); to estimate the two aspects or sides of anything; to ponder.”

Balance, then, is more than about finding equilibrium; it is about inquiry.

As we tumble into 2026, we welcome this critical inquiry state of thoughtful consideration. Featured in this edition are articles ranging from the personal to the philosophical.

By first situating ourselves on USC’s campus — where a reputation of “work hard, play hard” permeates students’ social lives and resumes — Miaofu Tian explores how students define productivity amid this pressure.

However, as we all may know, parties aren’t the only way students socialize in 2026. Consuming social media posts from friends or influencers can sometimes leave a false impression of what a balanced lifestyle should be. Bella Carter examines the ways USC students admire authenticity over performance.

Yet, even if students are able to set a strong work-life balance, enforcing boundaries in personal relationships can sometimes be the trickiest challenge. Dor Peretz dissects empathy’s positive and negative forms in romantic, platonic, familial and professional relationships.

Turning to spirituality and religion is another way people find a balance in their lives. In their piece, Jay Garcia takes a close look at how different spiritual and religious practices can serve as a path to equilibrium as individuals face adversity.

With the addition of several new sections, we hope to tip the balance of what is considered strong journalism by broadening the scope of our creative capabilities and leaning into the unusual. The “Goings on” section, written by Franco Gutierrez, takes a close look at the past month’s news, artistic and political events — weighing the light-hearted with heavy news.

Veering away from hard news, “Creative Callings” provides space for writers who lean toward narrative prose rather than traditional reporting. This section welcomes poetry and fiction exploring each issue’s theme. Miranda Huang’s short story will look at the tension between time and self.

In our last new section, “DT Dialogues,” we aim to invite authentic conversation between professionals and writers in a long-form Q&A-style format, providing a deep-dive feature of one professional’s attempt to manage various work lives.

For this issue, we conversed with actor and professor at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, Paul Urcioli, on the ways he’s honored all aspects of his personal, creative and professional life.

Experimentation also threads through this month’s magazine — from the typography to the editorially driven photo spread by Tai Lyn Sandhu and beyond. Who said balance ever had to be achieved?

Before jumping headlong into the following pages, we want to thank the dedicated artists, photographers, short-form videographers and writers who made this issue possible, along with the entirety of the managing and copy teams. We welcome new and old readers to the magazine with wide arms and hope everyone can find something that clicks with their tastes.

With that, enjoy the latest issue of the Daily Trojan Magazine. Catch you next month!

                          Love,

                                    M&M