Meet Cevina Manzano, a junior mechanical engineering student at USC who’s not just surviving the rigorous coursework but thriving in it! Between engineering classes and her leadership role in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Cevina not only gets the job done, but has fun while doing it. Now, let’s dive into her best pieces of advice for incoming students on how to make the most of your experience at USC!
“USC’s campus is beautiful, but sometimes you need a change of scenery to stay sane”
Cevina recommends exploring nearby cafés, where a good atmosphere and a delicious matcha latte can make all the difference. Whether it’s a cozy corner or a lively environment, having a go-to study spot outside the library can help keep your productivity levels high. Cevina also creates a change in pace by taking classes outside of Viterbi. As a mechanical engineering student, Cevina took a metalworking and woodworking class, which she says were one of the highlights of her sophomore year. These hands-on courses helped her appreciate what she was learning in engineering and allowed her to broaden her perspective.
“Life hack..go to office hours”
If you’re ever feeling lost in your engineering classes (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), Cevina’s advice is simple: go to office hours. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, showing up and asking questions can make a huge difference. Professors love it when students engage, and sometimes hearing things explained differently helps concepts click.
USC Perks & Deals
USC students have access to some incredible deals, and Cevina is all about taking advantage of them. Some of these deals and discounts include: discounted tickets at Universal Studios, free admission to the California Science Center, Max streaming subscription, $5/month Spotify Premium and Hulu streaming package. These are only some of the many resources granted to USC students and they certainly make college life that much sweeter.
Building Community & Leadership in SHPE
Beyond academics, Cevina is passionate about community. As the VP of Outreach for SHPE, she enjoys planning events and helping fellow students find their place on campus. “It’s hard to balance extracurriculars with engineering,” she admits, “but it’s a fun change of pace from all the technical work I have to do.”
Cevina’s journey shows that being a mechanical engineering student isn’t just about coursework—it’s about making connections, exploring new interests, and taking advantage of all the opportunities USC has to offer.
