March 13, 2014 | Volume 4, Issue 6 | Los Angeles, CA
www.theodysseyonline.com | @TheOdyssey | Facebook.com/TheOdyssey
THE RIGHT WAY TO MOVE FORWARD PAGE 2
10 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED IN COLLEGE: FROM TRIVIAL TO SIGNIFICANT page 3 MARCH MADNESS: WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF page 8 Phi Delta Theta Puppy Philanthropy. Courtesy of Phi Delta Theta Facebook
2 EDITOR’S NOTE
Greek Life traditions
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As we approach spring break, I’m sure students are getting more and more excited about their plans. But after break, school will be right back in full swing. As sad of a thought as that may be, it means Greek life will be back in full swing.
DAVID KARLSBERG Delta Tau Delta
A couple weeks after spring break, Pi
David is a sophomore studying communication. You may contact him at epiphone504@gmail.com.
Beta Phi and Kappa Alpha Theta will have their philanthropies, the Alpha Gamma Delta house will open up and, of course, the paper will continue being printed and delivered to the row. So enjoy your week off and come back to school feeling less stressed. Just like the rest of the year, you’ll have plenty of campus events to look forward to when you return.
THE ODYSSEY AT USC CREATIVE TEAM Editor in Chief David Karlsberg Delta Tau Delta Writers Jay Juster, Phi Sigma Kappa Kristen Garrett, Alpha Gamma Delta
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10 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED IN COLLEGE: FROM TRIVIAL TO SIGNIFICANT
1. Ramen tastes best past midnight. I don’t know why. It just does.
2. Netflix is your best friend and your worst enemy. Seriously. It’s the abusive relationship of the 21st century.
KRISTEN GARRETT
Alpha Gamma Delta
Kristen is a freshman studying theatre. You may contact her at garrettk@usc. edu.
3. Call home at least once a week. If you’re like me and flew across the country to come to college, it can be a pretty lonely place. It’s nice to talk to people who have been on your team since day one, even if they do nag you about sunscreen. 4. Make time for yourself. College is probably going to be the most social time of your life and that’s great! But make sure you don’t abandon your hobbies, whether that means drawing, dancing or taking super long baths. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t allot some time for yourself, every week, to just do you. 5. Don’t be afraid to say no. Especially freshman. It’s great to want to get involved and you definitely should, but remember: when it comes to extra-curriculars it’s better to fully dedicate yourself to one or two things that fulfill and rejuvenate you than sort of do five or six things that you’re not passionate about. If it’s not contributing anything to your life, quit it. 6. Recognize when relationships are toxic and abandon them. I’m not just talking about romantic relationships, though this applies to them. If you find that you are caught in a one-sided relationship or if your “friend” is inherently selfish, cruel or just a generally toxic person who exhausts you, cut that person out of your life – immediately. It’s hard enough be a good friend to people you love. You don’t need to expend energy on people who poison you. 7. Don’t do things for the sole purpose of validation. Don’t agree to do something because you think people will herald you for your involvement or superior talent. Clubs, sports, people – don’t involve yourself if you’re only associating with them because you want to be validated. Validate yourself, then get the hell out. 8. You need to motivate yourself. This is what I struggle with the most at college. In a whirlwind of parties, people and potential, it’s hard to find the willpower to study for that particularly horrendous GE. But you are at college to become an adult, part of growing up is being responsible for yourself and that includes being responsible about your schoolwork. I don’t have any recommendations, as different things motivate different people. Just find what works for you and do it, because grades are important. You’re paying a lot of money to be taking that GE, you might as well give it your best effort. 9. Tenacity is key. Among many other things, my first year at college could be characterized by the excessive amount of rejection I’ve encountered. Whether it’s people,
jobs or bad grades you are going to be rejected nine times for every one time you get a “yes.” It’s disappointing, sure, but part of college is learning how to keep putting yourself out there. If you give up, you fail. So have a good cry, scream into a pillow and then move on. It’ll work out if you keep your head up.
10. You are not that special. Okay, I know this sounds extremely pessimistic, but hear me out. You know how complex you are? You know all those feelings you have and all the contradictions and multitudes you contain? Every single person in the world contains them, too. You are not special, because everyone is special. As a result, everyone becomes ordinary. Don’t elevate yourself or think you’re better than someone else. You’re not. If you’re open to the idea that everyone is just as important as you, it’s freeing. Be empathetic and sincere and just be kind to people. It’s not that hard.
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Greek Life traditions
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GREEK OF THE WEEK: STEPHANIE STEVENS
Meet Stephanie Stevens. She’s a super sweet girl from my hometown. She’s always there to help out her sisters when they need her. She always keeps a level head and thinks things through before acting on them. Year: Sophomore. Major: Anthropology. Hometown: Potomac, Md. Sorority: Delta Delta Delta. Fun fact: I am playing guitar right this second. Favorite quote: “Don’t fear the uncharted path.” Favorite movie: Harriet The Spy. What do you like to do for fun? I like to spend time with nature. I like reading, listening to music and meeting new people. Favorite band: Local Natives. Favorite color: Purple. Favorite food: Pad Thai. What are you passionate about? New experiences and getting out of my comfort zone. I am a big believer in going out and learning things for myself. I think the best lessons are learned through doing things on your own rather than living through the experiences of others.
What are your dreams? To travel anywhere and everywhere, learn as much as I can about everything I can and peacefully find success along the way. I also want to change the way people view themselves because progress comes once you believe in yourself. What inspires you? I’m inspired by people who are open-minded and courageous. People who are willing to do what is right despite how others may react. How would you explain your basic life philosophy? I like to be understanding and open to everyone I meet. I’ve found that when I treat people with kindness I get kindness in return. What should everyone know about you? I appreciate honesty in peopIe. I like making other people feel comfortable – allowing others to be themselves around me. What makes you happy? Being myself, un-apologetically, and living with purpose. Do you participate in any other organizations or jobs? I’m a member of the Environmental Affairs Organization and I am a photographer for the Daily Trojan!
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Greek Life traditions
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GREEK OF THE WEEK: RAGHAV LAKHOTIA
Meet Raghav Lakhotia. He’s a super friendly guy and he was one of the first people I met when I began looking into Greek life. He’s a great example of how a true fraternity man. Year: Junior. Major: Industrial and systems engineering; minor in business. Hometown: New Delhi, India. Fraternity: Theta X.i Fun fact: Spent all of middle school and high school traveling the world as a professional tennis player. Favorite quote: “An idea. Resilient, highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it’s almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed, fully understood. That sticks, right in there somewhere.” Inception Favorite movie: 21 What do you like to do for fun? Love watching and playing soccer, including FIFA! Favorite band: Nirvana. Favorite color: Navy blue.
Favorite food: Sushi. What are you passionate about? I am extremely passionate about start-ups, in general, and my own start-up, www.bestuniversityhousing.com. What are your dreams? Being able to transition from college into a successful start-up environment. What inspires you? Definitely looking up to my dad, who is a successful entrepreneur and a great role model. How would you explain your basic life philosophy? Make enough time for both work and play and give it your all towards whatever you care about so that you have no regrets in the future. What should everyone know about you? Love to travel a lot and meet new people and go on new adventures. What makes you happy? Traveling around the world and spending time with friends and family. Do you participate in any other organizations or jobs? Lead host for USC international exchange program and a lot of intramural sports.
6 PHI DELTA THETA HOSTS PUPPIES PHILANTHROPY Greek Life traditions
By: Alyssa Poteet On February 28, USC’s Phi Delt held their first ever puppy-petting philanthropy. However, the men of Phi Delta Theta had to overcome a bit adversity while planning for this event. Despite waking up to a house with no power, no fundraiser t-shirts and no dry lawn for the puppies to play on due to the most rain L.A. has seen all year, the house managed to overcome the layers of technical difficulties and still put on a great philanthropy. All guests were able to get dry from the storm and as they were welcomed into the house by a pen filled with dachshunds, shih tzu’s and more. Some attendees even brought their own dogs, adding to the plethora of pups. There was plenty of food and drinks for those who weren’t constantly playing with the puppies though, given the overwhelming amount of sorority girls, there weren’t many puppies going without entertainment Not only has the house raised an amazing amount for their cause, as a result
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of sororities signing up to attend this philanthropy, but the Phi Delt boys were hard at work the week prior as they hosted Taco Tuesday, Sangria Wednesday at Bacaro and an Around the World themed party to raise even more money and attention for the ALS Association. Phi Delt chapters, nation wide, support this organization in honor of member and professional baseball player, Lou Gehrig, who died of this disease. ALS can affect those who have it by limiting control of muscle movement and, potentially, leading to paralysis. The money donated to the ALS Association by Phi Delt will go towards researching treatments as well as helping those who suffer from ALS to live as comfortable and normal lives as possible. Even on the gloomiest day of the year, Phi Delt was able to get many Greeks to come out and support the ALS Association and raise money for a good cause. How could anything less be expected when there are adorable puppies involved.
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greek life traditions
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Scene on campus
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MARCH MADNESS: WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF March Madness isn’t just a catchy creative marketing title, it captures exactly what to expect when watching the tournament. There’s nothing more exhilarating than to watch the nobodies take out the top dog. Let’s look at the top five biggest upsets in March Madness history.
5. Richmond (15) vs. Syracuse (2), 1991. In an unmatched effort, heavily favored Syracuse never once led during the game. Coming within one point gave hope to fans, but three Richmond free throws late in the game put the nail in the coffin for this game. 4. Princeton (13) vs. No. 4 UCLA (4), 1996. What had been a close game, through and through, had six minutes remaining with Princeton falling seven points behind. Like a Hollywood movie, a switch was suddenly flipped and Princeton rallied together to shut down UCLA and come back in this thriller. UCLA’s Toby Bailey tried for a buzzer beater to tie the game, but dreams were shattered as the bucket was missed. Final score: 43-41. 3. Duke (2) vs. No. 1 UNLV (1), 1991. This game was a prime example of the principle of defense wins games. UNLV’s national player of the year, Larry Johnson, was held to only 13 points by Duke’s high-powered defense. At the end of the first half, the Rebels held a slight lead with a 43-41 score. In the second half, UNLV started to pull away until Greg Anthony, a key point guard for UNLV, fouled out. Duke began to come back. Duke’s Christian Laettner hit two free throws at the end to put the Blue Devils ahead and, despite a missed last ditch effort by UNLV,
Duke proved to be the victor.
2. Villanova (8) vs. No. 1 Georgetown (1), 1985. Villanova, the clear underdogs in this game, surprisingly kept Georgetown on their heels with a 29-28 halftime score. The game was back-and-forth, and the Wildcats didn’t take the lead until they went up 55-54 with 2:36 remaining. If that wasn’t enough, Villanova hit 11 of 14 free throws to hold off the Hoyas. This game made history because Villanova became the lowest-seeded team ever to win the national championship. 1. North Carolina State (6) vs. Houston (1), 1983. NC State took advantage of a slow paced Houston early, leading by halftime. After halftime, Houston went on a 17-2 run to take a 43-35 lead. NC State’s Dereck Whittenburg brought the team back to tie the score at 52. After the Cougars’ Alvin Franklin missed a free throw, NC State rebounded and held the ball until the game’s final seconds. A pass by NC was blocked, but the NC State player managed to grab the ball and heave a lob at the net from 30 feet away with time almost up. The ball was short of the rim, but Lorenzo Charles caught the ball in midair and slammed it down for the buzzer beater. The most memorable scene of the game was the after affect – Houston players collapsed while NC State’s coach, Jim Valvano, ran around looking for someone to hug. As every year seems to prove, there should be no shortage of teams falling short and upsets. Nothing is guaranteed during March Madness. Only time will tell who will cut down the net this year.
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Scene on campus
DEAR RACHEL CANNING Dear Rachel Canning,
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birthday, Nov. 1.
Thank you from all the millennials and people of our generation in confirming that we are lazy and spoiled. Not only do most of the older generations already think that we are entitled, but by suing your parents, you have really driven home the point.
Canning also called Child Protective Services earlier this fall and the investigation came up with nothing. Her father said the investigation was closed when the investigator determined that she was “spoiled.”
You have already lost the first case, and if you somehow win the next ruling in April, I will officially lose faith in our justice department.
This behavior led Superior Court Judge Peter Bogaard to rule that her parents are not required to pay a weekly child support, the remaining balance on her high school tuition or allow her access to her college fund. It seems that the judge and I were on the same page because those demands sound insane to a girl that left her home voluntarily.
Thanks again, Ryan McCready and the rest of my generation For anyone who doesn’t know what the heck I am talking about, Rachel Canning is an 18-year-old from New Jersey who is currently suing her parents. She is taking her parents to court in an attempt to get them to pay for her private high school tuition, weekly living expenses and college tuition. And how could I forget about the legal fees, she wants her parents to pay for that too. In my opinion, paying for high school tuition fees does fall on the responsibilities of the parents. But when the fees are more than $12,000 a year, which is more than some college tuition; it becomes less reasonable to expect that. Especially in this case where it is reported by the parents that Canning “emancipated herself by defying their household rules on curfew, drinking and respectfulness to them.” They also go on to say that she has been suspended twice, and they believe that her boyfriend is a bad influence. To combat the disrespect her parents gave her an ultimatum, which she choose to ignore and moved in with a friend. She officially left their house in October, and her parents decided that they would cut her off on her
She is currently working at TGIFriday’s to support herself. Working before and during college is how a lot of America pays for college tuition, and it bothers me that she thinks she shouldn’t have to. Especially if she left her home voluntarily, if she was forced out then it is a different story. Judge Bogaard is delaying his ruling on the payment of college tuition until April 22nd. Until then, it will be determined if Canning voluntarily left her home or was forced out by her parents. From what I have seen and read, her parents did the right thing to combat the growing sense of entitlement in the youth of America. Her parents still seem to love her and her dad put it perfectly by saying, “We’re heartbroken, but what do you do when a child says, ‘I don’t want your rules but I want everything under the sun and you to pay for it?’” This case also has a lot of potential to set a bad precedent if it is found that she left voluntarily and wins the case. It could cause serious litigation throughout the county to pop up almost overnight. For now we will just have to wait and see how it plays out on April 22nd.
10 RED VELVET CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 500 words on food
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (careful not to overmeasure) 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. 3/4 cup light brown sugar (or dark brown) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 egg, at room temperature* 1 Tablespoon milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2.5 teaspoons red food coloring (liquid or gel) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a few extra for after baking) Directions: Toss the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the
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bowl as needed. Switch the mixer to medium speed and beat in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Once mixed, add the food coloring and beat until combined. Turn the mixer off and pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer on low and slowly beat until a very soft dough is formed. Beat in more food coloring if you’d like the dough to be redder. On low speed, beat in the chocolate chips. The dough will be sticky. Cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling is mandatory. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. Scoop 1.5 Tablespoons of dough and mold into a ball, as pictured above. Place 9 balls onto each baking sheet. Bake each batch for 10-11 minutes. The cookies may have only spread slightly, that is ok. Simply press down on the warm cookies to slightly flatten and form crinkles. Stick a few chocolate chips into the tops of the warm cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Cookies may be frozen for up to 2 months. Cookie dough may be frozen up to 2 months - thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Cookie dough balls may be frozen up to 2 months. Bake for 1-2 extra minutes (do not thaw). *Room temperature egg is preferred. To bring egg to room temperature quickly, simply place in a cup of warm water for 5 minutes.
500 words on music
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500 words on music
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WHAT YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW: THE HEAD AND THE HEART
If you haven’t heard of The Head And The Heart, prepare for your life to change forever. Founded in Seattle in 2009, The Head And The Heart is an indie folk-rock band that has two albums to date: their self-titled debut album, The Head and the Heart, and their 2013 album, Let’s Be Still. The band consists of Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Charity Rose Thielen (violin, vocals). Their voices mesh together and, yet, each stands out in the three-part harmonies they are famous for. If you haven’t heard their music yet, it’s like a combination of the The Lumineers and HAIM – it’s folk with an edge. If you don’t do anything else, at least listen to the song “Rivers and Roads” from their debut album. If that doesn’t convince you, then you have no soul.
KRISTEN GARRETT
Alpha Gamma Delta
Kristen is a freshman studying theatre. You may contact her at garrettk@usc. edu.
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campus Scene connections on campus
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Humor lol missing tweets
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