hi, i'm belinda

[aquarius sun, gemini rising, leo moon]

I was born in Los Angeles, raised in Taiwan, and am now returning to California for university. As a graphic design enthusiast and self-taught computer programmer, I've always adored the connections between technology and design made possible by the ceaseless innovations in our ever-changing world.

I picked up computer coding as a hobby towards the end of elementary school. While I fawned over One Direction like my classmates did, I was also watching Steve Jobs and Jony Ives' Apple keynotes on repeat. Whether it's sketching out floor plans and interior designs while maximizing the functions of each component, or simply coding small projects and transitions, I've always had an aptitude for the combination of the innumerable forms of design and cutting edge technology.

I am currently a sophomore studying cognitive science and data science at the University of Southern California. Saying that I'm interested in bridging together artful conception and innovation is an understatement, it is what I've dedicated my time to for years.

When I'm not at school, you can find me indulging the heavenly truffle parmesan fries at The Lobster by the Santa Monica Pier, constantly redesigning my website , or recording covers for TikTok (you might also find me with a camera in hand every once in a blue moon)!

Feel free to reach out to me and start a conversation about music, fries, and just about anything and everything!

what to pack?

what are some things to pack to make your life easier at school?

my number one recommendation would be your favorite snacks! there are a lot of limitations that comes with the types of food you're allowed to bring on planes, but there are definitely chips, crackers, and other snacks that you can bring! i know a lot of my friends that brought ramen/instand noodle flavors that they like. you can also talk to friends and look online to see what you can get here.

if you have specific skin care products or makeup that you are used to using from home, it would probably be easier for you to bring those from home first. if you are able to get them here, bring just enough to get you through your transition phase. trust me, it will help you settle in a lot easier.

i personally also brought my guitar. traveling with instruments isn't the easiest thing on the planet, but it's worth it to me. i find myself enjoying the nights when i get to play my guitar in bed, whether it's just having a chill time with myself or if i'm playing for some friends who are over. as much as i dreaded practicing the violin back home, i actually find myself missing my violin from time to time!

USC...?

usc definitely has a reputation, whether it's good or bad is up to personal discretion.

i personally am completely in love with this school. i love the school spirit, the "work hard play hard" culture, the classes offered, the extracurricular clubs i'm a part of...the list goes on. but just because i like usc doesn't mean that you will too. hopefully you've all done your school research before you applied; if you didn't, i strongly recommend you to at least read about usc a bit before you come.

usc's reputation as a party school might be concerning to a lot of incoming students, especially with the school's recent scandals with the fraternities. some tips for navigating the school's party cultures:

never go to a party alone, always have a trusted friend who will be able to take care of you
- it's understandable that you and your friends will want to have fun at parties, but it's more important to be careful of your surroundings. one of you must stay sober; one of you must be the "mom" of the group.
know the reputations of the parties you're going to
- talk to your friends to see if they're well aquainted with the party scene. if they are, ask them about the parties you're going to. some fraternities are known for spiking their drinks. knowing what you're going into will help you prepare for what's to come.
make sure to know your limit
- know when to stop when it comes to substances. do not drink or smoke more than you can take. while you're looking to have fun on a night out, it's also imparative that you take care of yourself.
remember to have fun!
- studying and working hard all week (or even longer!) can be incredibly draining. have fun with your friends on a casual night out will definitely help release all your pent up stress! just remember to be careful while you're enjoying yourself!

after my first year at usc, i feel incredibly comfortable expressing my identities fully. everyone is inclusive, open minded, and just incredibly kind. i've met some of the kindest souls on earth here at this school. there are lot of opportunities with extracurricular clubs and other events that really promote an inclusive learning environment.

dorm essentials

a dorm definitely won't be the same as your nice comfy room back home, but there are some things that can help!

mattress topper
nice comfortable sheets that fit your bed
pillows, blankets, and comforters
kettle
a brita filter
bath towels
clothes hangers
laundry basket
storage boxes
trash can
handheld vacuum (or a fullsize one)
utensil set
toolkit
desk lamp
power strip or surge protector

decoration tips

you'll probably want to decorate your dorm with cute lightings and posters hung up across your dorm room walls. they are very cute and will definitely make your dorm feel a lot more cozy, but something to keep in mind is your dorm's rules on hanging things on walls. for usc's dorms, you are not allowed to leave marks on walls, so definitely be careful if what you're planning to hang up will leave a mark on your walls.

while we all love a bit of christmas spirit in our dorm rooms, christmas trees and wreaths are also banned from usc dorms. there are cute alternatives to christmas trees being sold in the usc village target though!

homesick :(

being homesick is honestly inevitable. it's a rite of passage. it's okay to cry at night because you miss your parents, or even just your bed. adjusting to a brand new environment takes time. what really helped me is just to go out with friends and do things that i liked as a distraction. we went to karaoke and dinners at my favorite places. hung out a lot at each other's dorms and did whatever was possible to make each other feel as comfortable as possible while we are away from home.

i also facetimed my parents a lot, almost everyday actually. it really helped me feel less alone to know that my family will always be there for me and are just one phone call away.

first year at usc away from home