From the Coliseum to the Classroom: My PR Playbook

Welcome to the adventure that is the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism! I am Morgan Wright, a junior studying Public Relations. In my three years as a Trojan, I’ve learned that making the most of your USC experience is about exploring different opportunities, while balancing your well-being. Whether you're just starting or already on your journey, this guide will walk you through how to maximize your time here at Annenberg.

Your Path is Yours and Yours Only!

If I could go back in time and give freshman-year Morgan a piece of advice, it would be simple: breathe. I used to constantly question myself —"Am I taking enough units? Am I doing this right, especially when others are doing that…?" It’s easy to get caught up in comparison, but remember, your academic journey is the foundation of your USC experience. Don’t be afraid to explore classes outside the typical scope of your major. These are the courses that can shape your future in unexpected ways and help you discover what truly excites you. Take the classes that make you eager to learn, rather than forcing yourself into something that doesn’t feel right. This semester, I’m especially excited about JOUR 432: Sports Commentary and MOR 468: Cross-Cultural Negotiations.

Cross-Cultural Negotiations explores different cultures across the globe and teaches different techniques to effectively negotiate with said cultures. This is my first class in Marshall, and I chose this course because understanding how to communicate across cultural boundaries is critical in the PR world. Whether you're negotiating with international clients, managing a global brand, or simply working in diverse teams, having a strong grasp of cultural nuances will be invaluable.

Sports Commentary is my fifth class in Annenberg, but my third with Professor Miki Turner. Professor Turner is one of those professors who keeps me on my toes, but also gives great insight into the Journalism world and PR. I encourage every Annenberg student to take one class with Professor Turner, or just pick her brain. She has so much knowledge and insight that brought me perspective on today’s evolving media landscape. 

Annenberg is filled with professors like her, along with countless resources to help prepare you for whatever career path you choose. Whether you’re heading into journalism, PR, or a completely different direction, there’s no shortage of guidance and mentorship. But don’t rush the journey — your path will unfold in its own time. Trust that the experiences and lessons you gain here will shape your future in ways you can’t always predict. Embrace the process, and let your curiosity lead the way.

Get Involved!

USC isn’t just about what happens in the classroom. Some of the best opportunities for growth happen outside of it! There are tons of student organizations within Annenberg and the wider USC community where you can gain experience, connect with peers, and develop leadership skills. USC is so great that students can even create their own organizations to bring to campus.

This is my first year as an Annenberg Ambassador and I am so excited to introduce new people to this beautiful school. During my sophomore year, I reactivated USC’s unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. I wanted to bring a new organization to campus that brings together students, from different majors, to bring equity initiatives and serve the community.

EngageSC is a great resource for finding clubs and organizations, offering a wide range of options from pre-professional societies to hobby-based groups. Luckily as an Annenberg student we have access to the Annenberg Media Center. You can discover media-focused clubs and student-run outlets that align with your interests. The easiest and most effective way to find clubs is simply by talking to the people in your classes. Not everyone will be in your major, so you'll likely meet people involved in different organizations. Their insights can open doors to new experiences and interests you hadn’t thought of before!

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and dive into something you’ve never tried before. Annenberg, in particular, is a hub of creativity on campus, with students and faculty constantly pushing the boundaries of media and communication. Whether you're into traditional journalism, PR, or even exploring new media outlets like podcasts or digital storytelling, Annenberg is the place to experiment and grow. So, take advantage of the incredible opportunities here and make your college experience as vibrant and fulfilling as possible!

Prioritize Self-Care  

Amidst all the excitement and hard work, remember that your well-being matters. College can be overwhelming, and it’s important to find time to recharge and care for yourself. I often have to take a step back and remind myself that I am in California. Go to the beach. Travel off campus. 

 Your time at USC is what you make of it. Dive into your classes, build strong connections through clubs, and always make space for self-care. Each step of the way, Annenberg is here to help you become the best communicator, journalist, and leader you can be.

Here’s to making the most of every moment — Fight On!