Nia Livingson, CEA Content Creator

Why did you choose to study/intern abroad?
My personal goal in this study abroad experience is to put all of energy into my passions as a future journalist. As a college student, it is sometimes hard to manage and balance the many obligations I have while pursuing my long-term goals. This semester, I am enrolled in 19 credit hours, interning with Alpha Media Broadcasting Company, mentoring students as a resident mentor for South Tower all while running my own Limited Liability Company on campus. While these commitments have allowed me to grow tremendously throughout my undergraduate journey, I hope that through this study abroad experience I am able to hone in on my academic abilities and maximize my true potential in the media field. My supervisor in my role as a resident mentor told me in a meeting this semester, “To do your best, you have to be your best,” which is a quote that was a deciding factor in devoting all of my energy into my capacity to learn and grow academically.

Why did you choose your study/intern city?
I am a broadcast journalism student participating in the Communication, Media Studies and Tourism Studies Program through the CEA Study Abroad Program in Seville, Spain, in the Fall of 2019. This part of Spain is known for its culture, monuments and artistic heritage; however, these factors are only some surface-level perks of being in this beautiful city. My intent in studying abroad is not only to build upon my journalism foundations I have been pursuing at USC, but to fully indulge in the culture and language so that I am able to learn Spanish and understand the culture of Spain. In doing so, I will be able to understand the history behind the media controversies that exist in the society today. I also plan to conduct my own independent study that focuses on “The Effects of Social Media on College Students and Their Attitudes Toward Beauty” and can integrate my findings in my role as a MOJO videographer.

What are you most looking forward to during your abroad experience?
I look forward to diving into my research project. I plan to use the findings of my research abroad to offer a diverse voice and perspective to the media industry, significantly impacting my study abroad experience for the better in allowing me to challenge my academic capabilities. My introduction to media through entry-level journalism classes have informed my understanding on media literacy, but my vehement desire to build on these media foundations rely upon opportunities such as this one, that connect eager students, like myself, to outlets that allow them to apply, practice and perfect these concepts through real-world experiences.

Fun Fact (hobbies, interests, accomplishment, etc.)?
I love to travel, eat and sleep. I have a beauty business at my home university doing eyebrows and eyelashes. I love editing videos (no surprise here)