My MJ Manifesto

June 25, 2009

My day was off to a better than normal start. I had finished all of my work earlier than usual and got home well before I typically do. It was just past 1:00 p.m. and I decided to watch a movie at home. I wanted to clear my mind and remove myself from the day’s news cycle so I didn’t view any news channel even for a second. Two hours later, I finished the film and decided to reconnect with what was making headlines at that moment. I switched the channel and my jaw dropped. In complete disbelief, I sat in front of my computer and looked for more information. In the process, I had the following conversation with my friend Katie Riese on Google Talk, it captured my raw reaction in a way I would have never expected.

3:27 PM

Katie: sad day for shawn?

me: You have no idea

I just found out two minutes

ago

[…]

3:28 PM

me: I was watching a movie

and just turned on the TV

I am in total shock

Katie: :-(

me: wow... still cannot believe this

[…]

3:32 PM

[me:] I literally said "Oh My God" for the past 5 minutes

[…]

3:44 PM

me: […] CNN now playing my favorite MJ song of all time

It is incredible that of all the days I chose not to sit in front of the TV watching cable news for hours, while reading stories on the internet and staying connected with social networks, I ended up isolating myself for the first two hours of one of the biggest stories of the year. In the twelve months since then, I have had plenty of time to reflect on the death of Michael Jackson. There is a lot to say and a lot more to celebrate but my initial thoughts on the night of June 25, 2009 remain the same one year later.

Michael & Me

It seems like I was destined to become a fan of Michael’s because he was one of the first western artists my dad listened to himself. He came to the U.S. in the late1970s as MJ and Off the Wall were gaining popularity globally, including in India. When my dad went home in the early 1980s, he saw the country had caught on to the music he had picked up in the States. The King of Pop was the first artist I ever remember listening to and like so many young boys, became a fan in no time. I would play his tapes and CDs while dancing around the house all day long. We didn’t have MTV but our friends would tape Michael's music videos and specials just for me. I would watch them just inches from the TV over and over again trying to imitate his moves. All my life I have enjoyed MJ's music and work, when he was popular and when he was not. Michael was my first celebrity idol and he will likely be my last.

Master of Music

On the surface, The King of Pop’s accomplishments as a singer can be recognized simply by the records he has set and the numerous awards he has won over the years. It’s estimated that Michael sold 750 million albums, behind only Elvis and The Beatles. Then there are the multiple albums that went to #1 and were certified platinum. MJ has taken the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on 13 different occasions, not including his work with other artists. In terms of awards, there are too many to list but a few deserve one more mention. Michael remains the only individual artist to win eight Grammys in one year. He holds the record for most American Music Awards won by anyone with a total of 23, including the “Artist of the Century” award. Those are just two stats out of many. MJ's most significant single accomplishment comes from his greatest work, Thriller. Some estimate the album has sold upwards of 100 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest selling album of all time.

This record will likely never be beaten in today’s world of MP3s and the ability to buy individual songs from an album.

Beyond accomplishments, it is worth celebrating Michael’s music for more than just his commercial success. His songbook and catalog include incredible works that often rise above the classic sound and style of pop music. Most artists try to reinvent themselves and MJ was no exception. His career spans more than five decades and as trends came and went he stayed on top of what was in style. The King of Pop's albums in the '70s conquered disco with Off The Wall, widely regarded as one of the best of that genre. The pinnacle of his career came in the '80s with two albums that embraced rock while having a universal pop sound. Still strong in the '90s, Michael worked hip-hop and modern R&B styling into his songs and maintained it into his final studio album released in 2001, Invincible.

Technically, MJ’s songs stood above most of what pop music produces as well these days. He often wrote about serious and socially conscious topics in his songs, especially his later work. He asked everyone to self-reflect in “Man in the Mirror” and in “Earth Song,” demanded that we care more for the planet. Michael did limit the use of profanity in his music and often chose love instead of sex and condemning violence rather than condoning it. In fact he often talked about the “fight” in his songs but instead of using fists, he used the “force” to answer that call. MJ’s songs, both singles and lesser-known tracks were also much longer than your average pop song. He wasn’t afraid to make some of his biggest hits run six minutes. Many of his songs had a complexity to them, made up of a mix of unique sound effects, breaks, and harmonies. A lot of them started as melodies in his head, then became demos and ultimately were the basis for entire songs, like “Beat It” for example. Whether it was incorporating a gospel choir, rock chords, or words from African languages, the King of Pop gave each song substance. However, he could carry a song all by himself as well. Some of his best vocal performances are songs like “Gone Too Soon,” where he sings the entire track without any backup. Most important of all, every song had a great beat. It didn’t matter what decade and what genre he was in, Michael always wanted to rock with you and make you dance.

Moonwalker and Much More

Some artists are singers who dance, while others are dancers who sing; MJ was the rare breed who perfectly balanced both. He deserves to be in the conversation of the greatest dancers who ever lived. Michael will be most remembered in this skill set for the moonwalk. Today it is one of the first techniques students of modern dance learn in class. His moves, however, extend beyond one popular step.

MJ told stories with his choreography and not only did he perform in this arena, he created. The King of Pop's routines connected with audiences and became timeless. Besides the moonwalk and “Billie Jean,” there is the gang fight from “Beat It,” the zombie dance from “Thriller,” or even the forward lean in “Smooth Criminal.” His tours evolved and the look of different numbers did as well but the choreography, including the routines mentioned above, remained virtually the same.

Dancers who grew up learning his steps on TV would go on to perform those same moves on tour with Michael years later. He channeled his music and the story he was telling into movement and once he came up with a narrative, it almost never needed adjustment.

Video Vanguard

There is no better way to describe MJ’s contribution to film than the MTV award that bares his name. The records and accomplishments he has in this field are far above any other artist. From the most expensive music video ever (“Scream”) to the longest running (“Ghost”), he has done it all. The crowning achievement of the medium and his greatest work, “Thriller,” has been entered into the National Archives and was recently named the greatest music video of all time on MySpace.

While “Thriller” is considered the birth of the modern music video, Michael’s other videos also helped to get the medium to where it is today. MJ has done every type of concept in the book. In the early days, it was just him for the entire clip with bright lights or a flashy background, like "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." Then there are the concert videos ("Dirty Diana"), where Michael is with a band and performing for a live audience. He has used the storyteller format as well, creating several characters who face the subject of a particular song. MJ called upon many friends for celebrity cameos (“Liberian Girl”) and memorialized lives lost (“Gone Too Soon”), both of which barely feature The King of Pop himself at all. Then there are the visually creative, whether it’s “Leave Me Alone,” made up completely of photo-like images or “Remember The Time,” which journeys to Ancient Egypt. But behind the mini-movies with incredible dance routines, some of his most impressive works are the socially conscious videos. In “Heal The World,” we see children showing soldiers how to achieve peace and in “Earth Song,” we see the planet reverse the course of destruction brought on by humans. Even stronger are videos like “Bad,” “Beat It,” and even “You Rock My World,” which suggest dance as an alternative to violence.

Ultimately, the term “music video” doesn’t seem fitting for Michael. Many of his short films were almost 10 minutes in length. Some of Hollywood’s biggest actors may never get to work with the likes of Spike Lee, John Landis, and Martin Scorsese; all three directed for MJ. His creative vision and courageous choices have lead to a body of work that has sealed his place in history for this medium alone.

House of Jackson

Michael developed a sense of fashion that he chose to maintain through the years. It became an easily identifiable part of his celebrity primarily because his look was incorporated into both his videos and tours. While everyone did not necessary think he was vogue, his style did have its followers. The look of many pop stars today is a nod to MJ and at the height of his career, he created a fashion frenzy that set the trend of a decade.

The King of Pop's most consistent look was the military suit. Often over-the-top with bright colors and sparkles, it were distinct and adaptable for both appearances with the president and at the Grammys. The little accents of his look though became much more of a trademark. Constantly wearing sunglasses, usually sporting a fedora, and of course having white socks. He also placed tape on his fingers but it was the glove that became Michael's most recognizable accessory.

Toward the end of his career, his style was almost exclusively his and not one commonly copied. His contribution to pop music style lives on though in artists like Justin Timberlake, Usher, or Ne-Yo who each have rocked a fedora, likely a look they saw MJ sport when they were younger. His greatest contribution to fashion was when he was truly on top of the world, the Thriller years. The red jacket with zippers was a true craze that many famous faces have admitted to mimicking in the '80s. That look remains relevant with multiple references in pop culture today in both song and film.

Touring Titan

The King of Pop has often been described as the consummate performer, a title he quickly earned from his solo concerts. The last one available on DVD is the Dangerous Tour. The HBO special, which featured a live telecast of his performance in Bucharest is one of the most expensive concerts the network has ever purchased the rights to and one of the most watched. Two of Michael's tours, took the top spots in a recent poll for the best to ever to play at Madison Square Garden. His performance on tour shows his ability to put together an unforgettable night mixed with classic numbers and new routines, constantly keeping his audience entertained.

In his "Live in Bucharest" special, we see a skill MJ masters throughout all of his shows, an unforgettable entrance. He jumps out of nowhere onto the stage and stands there motionless for minutes, letting the moment “sizzle,” as he puts it. From there he can keep the audience for the first half of his song all by himself, no backup dancers or stunning visuals behind him. Over the next two hours, an amazing flow of special effects, impressive choreography, and a lasting social lesson take the stage. The tour was an incredible undertaking at the time as the set for each concert took three days to complete.

What made Michael’s show so incredible is his ability to know what to keep and what to change. For each tour, his routine for “Beat It” stayed virtually untouched, some changes came to “Thriller,” and almost completely new openings and finales were created. His performance alone is impressive but his ability to play director of the show simulateously is what makes him stand apart from the rest. Everything comes on his cue, allowing him to hold moments for effect and play with the audience. Even on slow songs, MJ has mapped out the choreography to help him tell that song’s story. It is one thing to hold a crowd with bright colors, pyrotechnics, and backup dancers but Michael had the audience just as involved when it was simply him with his voice and his moves.

Based on the Dangerous Tour special and what clips of the HIStory Tour that are available on YouTube, it is clear MJ had a formula. A dramatic entrance, a set list comprised of classic hits and new tracks along with a Jackson 5 medley, and a strong moral message to end the show. This blueprint remained in what would have been his final show. The outdoor venues holding almost 50,000 people were gone though along with the techniques for performing his songs at those locations. Michael's final set of concerts would be in a more intimate setting, giving him a chance to create a completely new kind of show.

This Is It

A couple weeks is all that separated MJ from a triumphant return to the stage and the tragic death preparing for that moment. It is without a doubt, the dark ending to one of the brightest careers in music but it should also shine a light on his commitment for excellence and showmanship. Often artists who lose their life to drugs are in the lows of their careers and removed from the world. While Michael’s state of being at that time could not have been healthy, he was fully involved in developing a masterpiece. MJ never made it to opening night but it is safe to say This Is It could have easily been the greatest concert ever put on by a pop star.

The film that came in place of that show was a celebration of The King of Pop’s creative genius. In those behind-the-scene moments the public was not expected to see, we got to watch Michael, at age 50, show us how he still reigns over music. His voice sounds incredible, the choreography he created decades before remains fresh, he is still in tune with what is current and able to adjust his work accordingly.

On the surface, one must appreciate the incredible costumes, sets, and production of the show. MJ was going to be dressed in some of the most stunning and technologically advanced outfits. His set included the classic cherry picker, new larger-than-life props, and a huge LED screen. Most impressive were the vignettes they shot for the tour that replaced his music videos as introductions to songs. It was Michael’s touch on the show though that shined more than any of these elements.



Some of his songs seemed as if they were reborn in the film. MJ's decision to strip the beginning of “Human Nature” to just him and a few piano keys was brilliant.

Slowing down the start and end of “The Way You Make Me Feel”was equally fresh.The vignettes for “Smooth Criminal” and “Earth Song” were impressive, short pieces of cinematography that provided a new take on their original music videos. The most clever addition though was the reinvented routine for “Thriller.” Clearly inspired by the “Ghost” music video, he put a brand new spin on the story and made it in 3D. The look was great but even more enjoyable was the dance break at the end, lifted from the song, “Ghost.”

Throughout the film we see Michael making meticulous changes to the show. Holding notes, mapping out dance moves, cuing his musicians, and assigning the location of props were just some of the decisions we see him make on camera. Each improves the planned performance exponentially.

Although his show never made it to opening night, through the footage captured on camera, we see that MJ was set to end his career on top. While he didn’t get the chance to bring this final project to life, he was able to set one more record. “This Is It” is now the most successful concert film of all time. More importantly, it has helped to shift the focus back to Michael’s creative genius.

This Isn’t It

We will never get that ultimate King of Pop show but we will get to see his music evolve and take new forms of entertainment. His songs were made for a Cirque Du Soleil show and now he’s getting two. A new video game will celebrate Michael's dance moves and hope to pass them on to players looking to learn them. Most of all, his music will continue to be available and we’ll get to hear previously unreleased music under the world’s largest record deal ever. Penned after his death and totaling $250 million, it confirms MJ's place in music history. While current artists are struggling to keep the industry growing, Sony has turned to a fallen artist to carry their company through this decade.

Not Normal

It has been said that Michael was arguably the most famous living person in the world. Perhaps after the current U.S. president at any given time and the Queen of England, he came in third. That level of celebrity is one that few can fathom, including many of today’s stars. It would likely be difficult for anyone to live a regular life under that level of constant attention but especially for an artist who was deprived of the upbringing every kid deserves. The King of Pop discusses this topic in the appropriately named “Childhood” track from HIStory.

“No one understands me,” is one of the early lines of the song. It was chosen as the theme for Free Willy 2 but it’s clear the meaning also tells Michael’s story. He address his critics head on, “People say I’m not okay / ‘Cause I love such elementary things…” but instead of showing anger, he asks for acceptance. “It’s been my fate to compensate for the / Childhood / I’ve never known…” MJ ultimately looks for understanding from those watching. “Have you seen my childhood?” he asks, likely as both a reference to an upbringing that was rough by anyone’s standards but also as if he feels like it is a lost possession he has not found. Toward the end of the song Michael ends with a compassionate request, “Before you judge me, try hard to love me.”

Some have said that MJ actually had two childhoods; the first was when he was young, eager to prove himself as a mature and talented singer. The other, when he was older, trying to recreate the experiences he missed out on because of a grueling schedule. Neither were healthy or what any child deserved. No one can defend his’s lifestyle but it is fair to argue that he was a victim of a life robbed of its childhood and innocence. A loss Michael spent his whole life trying to recover unsuccessfully.

Jackson, Not Jacko

Most celebrities have trouble with media coverage but given Michael’s level of fame and often-curious behavior, he was a favorite of all news outlets. While most probably covered his story accurately, it was a few who ruined the image of the industry as a whole for MJ. They became the subject of numerous songs as the King of Pop could never handle that level of scrutiny. “You’re a parasite in black in white,” he said of them in “Tabloid Junkie” from HIStory. It comes with the territory of the public spotlight but in his later years, scandals ultimately eclipsed Michael's music career in the eyes of many reporters. His death has forced everyone to reexamine his life and weigh his merits with his missteps. In the final analysis, MJ's story cannot be told without acknowledging those troubling times but his triumphs overshadow any of those moments. Put simply, Michael made one the greatest contributions to music in a generation.

Touching Tributes



In the year since his death, we have seen MJ celebrated with both glamorous and humble gestures equally honoring his life. From admiring fans taking to YouTube to an incredible video put together by Spike Lee, all have been touching. Every major awards ceremony has worked the King of Pop into their show, from an intricate set of performances at MTV’s Video Music Awards to a brief acknowledgment in the Oscars’ “In Memoriam” montage. All help to underline how much Michael is missed but also how rare of a talent he was, a performer we may never see the likes of for decades to come. Most importantly, they have helped to start the process of closure and move the world toward appreciating his legacy. These tributes come on the heels of new projects that will truly let his music live forever.

June 25, 2010

On the one-year anniversary of Michael’s death, I am still saddened by the fact that he was deprived of that chance to make his grand comeback. He was just days away from making one of the most incredible creative works of our time come to life. The past 12 months have allowed me to learn so much more about MJ, both as an artist and person. I am more proud to be a fan of his now than I have ever been before and glad that he has played a part in my life since I can remember. My greatest takeaway from the past year though remains the same as the one I made on Twitter the night he died. For me, he still remains and will always be The King of Pop, the definition of an icon, and the greatest entertainer of all time.

The Case for USC

It’s a hot, sunny afternoon on a January Monday in Beverly Hills. I’m driving deeper into a neighborhood off of Santa Monica Blvd. (CA-2) looking for parking. After driving three blocks and passing several signs saying “No Event Parking” I find a spot that I hope won’t result in a ticket. I get out of my car and check to make sure that my tuxedo is looking its best and head back toward the busy street. As I turn right, I walk past film critic Leonard Maltin, also in a tux. I’m late and he’s distracted so I just keep walking and head into the Beverly Hilton two hours before the start of the 2006 Golden Globes.

Moments like these make me realize what an incredible experience I had during my four years at the University of Southern California.

May 1 is the deadline for high school seniors to inform several colleges in the U.S., including USC, whether they wish to matriculate to that particular institution.

Since sending in my deposit back in 2004, I have often been asked “Why USC?” It is a question I kept answering through college and continue to respond to today.

I quickly learned why USC was my first and only choice. In high school I never had an expansive college search but I never desired one. The combination of professional programs, location, school spirit, and strong alumni convinced me that the university was where I wanted to spend those crucial four years of my life. Like so many other alumni, I walked away with a clear view of what I wanted to do in the world.

“I discovered my passion for film and making movies when I was a student at USC in the 1960s, and my experiences there shaped the rest of my career.”

Those were the words of George Lucas when he announced that he would make the single largest donation to USC in the history of the university.

I haven’t had quite so much time to reflect as he did nor am I able to make that kind of a donation but the feeling is the same. I have always loved journalism and wanted to purse a career in that field, but USC helped me to appreciate that craft at a level I would not have otherwise imagined before starting there as a student.

Discovering USC

You would think my love affair with USC started at childhood and that I was destined to attend the school. While that is the story for many alums, my arrival to the school was by chance and a little luck. In fact, had you asked me before my junior year about USC, I would say I don’t know much about the University of South Carolina. While taking the PSAT my junior year, I remember checking “business” as an interest and requesting colleges contact me in the months ahead. I still don’t believe I would have been under USC’s radar but I am so thankful they sent me a flyer in the mail. Instantly, I was intrigued about a school that offered degrees in broadcast journalism and business while located in Los Angeles.

I still remember the night I found out I got into to USC. I had called the Office of Admission about my application and someone told me that a decision had been made but that they could not tell me what it was over the phone. I was later informed that even the little information I got was against university protocol. Days later, I remember driving home and speaking to my parents, they called me and asked if I was on my way, as if they were anxious to see me. I assumed the worst and rushed home. I didn’t ask them if they got the mail but feared they had and were waiting with bad news. For some reason, I drove to the mailbox and decided to check, I parked the car in the middle of the street and opened the door. Inside I saw a large white packet with a Trojan head in the corner. Instantly I knew that good news was coming my way and screamed out loud “Yes!” and started to run home. Halfway between my house and the mailbox I realized that I had left the car running and parked in the middle of the street. I ran back, got in the car and drove the few feet left. Inside with my parents, I opened the packet to see a folder with “You’re In” on the cover. It was as if the school knew I was still unsure what the decision was on my application, even though I received a large packet.

Professional Programs

It’s Tuesday night and I am inside the Annenberg Auditorium standing on the room’s stage talking one-on-one with former White House counsel John Dean about the upcoming 2006 midterm elections. He had just spent the hour as the guest of hundreds of COMM-310 students discussing the Nixon administration as he does each semester in Robert Scheer’s Media and Society class. But he stayed late and took every question from students who waited to meet him, giving each the chance to learn from his experiences.

That class summarizes so many important aspects of a USC education. Majors at the school are made up primarily of practical courses that are directly related to professional fields of study. Those courses are taught by instructors with extensive experience in their respective fields, often making indelible marks in their industries. They go a step further by introducing you to the people who have made historic contributions to our culture and continue to made a difference in public discourse.

Many USC students start their weekend on Thursday nights but for years, one course has gotten hundreds of students to pack uncomfortable chairs for almost four hours and delay the end of their week. On one particular evening, we all were waiting in line outside just to get into class. It was taking longer than normal because our professor, Leonard Martin, was greeting every student at the door. He was so excited that night for a first in CTCS-466. Each one of us were receiving 3-D classes because we were screening Beauwolf before it hit theatres, something we did every week, but never one that required upgrades to the Norris Cinema Theatre and special eyewear for students. After the film, USC alum and director Robert Zemeckis discussed his latest project, filmmaking in general, and his time at the school.

This class is also an example of that course-professor-guest combination that is often found at USC. It also reflects the strength of the school in a field like film and the chance to have fun in the classroom while at the university.

These courses are just snippets into a college with 17 professional schools and 30 departments in the liberal arts. Most degree-programs on campus allocate one-third to the major itself and another third for school requirements. The final piece is left for a student to spend across the university’s diverse collection of academic units. In all, USC offers 150 majors and 120 minors to create thousands of possible educational experiences with breadth and depth.

Los Angeles

The university is located near the downtown of the second largest city in the country, bringing amazing opportunities to students that can be matched by few other schools. L.A. is the capital for several industries and an important core for many more. Studying in this environment creates the chance for students to supplement their education outside the classroom, like interning for ABC News at the Golden Globes. Time left for fun can be spent in a world of entertainment as well as nearby escapes made by natural beauty.

Almost perfect weather will be your backdrop all year. Whether you want to play in the sand, go skiing, appreciate the arts at concert halls and museums, or spend an evening at a nightclub, it is all there. Plus you are bound to witness a Hollywood moment in the four years at USC. Unique concerts, an advanced film screening, or a TV shoot are happening all around you.

As the only true megalopolis on the west coast, L.A. is one of the most diverse cities in the world. While other international hubs tend to come to mind first, it is the gateway to the Pacific Rim and the city to watch in this century. The Eastern world is reaffirming its place on the global stage and L.A. will take on a more important role nationally. USC and its students will have a front row seat as this change takes place.

School Spirit

The spirit of USC is often best reflected by the Spirit of Troy, the university’s marching band. They are talented and professional but can be obnoxious when the moment allows for it. One of those moments is during finals. Every year, students discover Leavey Library, a building they may not had the chance to use all semester. As the 24-hour library on campus, it can become a temporary home for many students days or just hours before exams. But with that tradition comes another, every night after ten, the Trojan Marching Band comes outside and performs an impromptu concert of USC favorites. It is unlike any other study break because it lets everyone take a breather, love their university, and then get back to finals. Appreciating school spirit can be short and sweet or it can last several hours. The above moment is a simple, casual event that is icing on the cake. But sports are the main course for the Trojan Nation uniting those who follow the team closely and those looking for an afternoon of fun.

Saturdays in the fall are famous for the experiences they create on college campuses across the country. My most memorable moment was my first. It was yet another beautiful day in southern California with the sun shinning. I remember being in a dark, concrete walkway climbing up large steps by myself. I had been separated from my group and was trying to find some of my roommates. I was in a hurry and constantly calling them on my cell phone but when I got to the top of the steps and into the light I paused. In front of me was a see of red made up of more than 90,000 fans inside the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. It was the first time that I felt like “I had arrived,” like I was a part of something, a member of the Trojan Family.

A Trojan for Life

Every college relies on its alumni to advance its standing in society. It is often a common pitch to prospective students that they should spend their future at a particular campus based on who has walked there in the past. It is easy to boast about particular members of one’s alumni but each college will have extraordinary cases. These individuals could have easily accomplished their success at any other institution. Therefore it’s the body of alums that make for an impressive association. USC has such a population, more than 200,000 strong, which is bread to help its newest members and honor some its oldest.

In the six years since I joined the Trojan Family, I have been amazed at the response I get from the school’s alumni. When traveling, I am almost always stopped if I am wearing any USC paraphernalia. More importantly, when I reach out to alums, I am almost always greeted with excitement and enthusiasm. The past two years since graduating have been a whole new USC experience. I have met and interacted with so many alums by email and in person and it all starts with, “Hello from a fellow Trojan.”

The network that has been created goes beyond just a club or organization. It’s a bond that makes you proud of your school and excited to become one of its ambassadors. It is a lifelong title and responsibility but most importantly, a family.

A Decade of Dominance

USC has had a long tradition of excellence in several disciplines but it is a recent 10-year run that has brought a transformation of the University Park Campus. The late 1990s created the foundation for the world-class institution that is now garnering attention from all corners of the globe.

The school’s “Master Plan” was already in motion and efforts to improve the university were being noticed. TIME magazine named USC “College of the Year” in 2000 for its emphasis on public service and outreach to the surrounding areas of South L.A. That was just the beginning as the school’s endowment, freshman profile, and student programs became more impressive. Today USC sits comfortably in the Top 30 of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Top Colleges” list and was just named “The Decade’s Hottest School” by TheDailyBeast.

From its humble beginnings in 1880 with just 53 students, the West’s oldest independent teaching and research institution has become a school of 35,000 with an endowment of $2.7 billion. When a student begins at USC, he or she comes from high school with a 3.7 GPA (unweighted) on average. They are the result of a selective process in which only 24 percent of applicants are offered admission.

To those considering the school, keep in mind the unique combination of academics, environment, fun, and community that await you. Best of luck on your college search and hopefully you will be hearing “Welcome to USC” in the fall as one of the newest members of the Trojan Family.

This is SC360

Welcome to SC360, a place for my perspective on issues not found in traditional and social media. I want to use this outlet to reflect on major topics and discuss them at length, something that is often hard to address in other mediums. The goal of this blog is to provide a final arc of media that makes my view come full circle.

My primary responsibility right now is covering the Yakima Valley as a reporter for KNDO-TV and KNDO.com. I do my best to supplement those experiences by connecting with others on Facebook and tweeting to followers on Twitter. Additionally, I am always looking to provide new content on my YouTube channel and plan to launch a hub for all of my media, shawnchitnis.com, later this year.

It is through all of these forums that I hope I can inform, entertain, and maybe even inspire. Thanks for taking the time to visit SC360, I hope you find it insightful or at least amusing.

Cheers,

SC