Andrea Bennett
Los Angeles
Writer, PR pro, music lover, crafter, and cat lady :)
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Articles by Andrea Bennett
Dear Decaturish - Supporting Schroeder for Tucker council
We accept letters to the editor on behalf of candidates running in the Nov. 4 municipal election. Letters to the editor are opinions of the authors of the letter, not Decaturish.com. Everyone has an equal opportunity to submit a letter to the editor. Candidates were invited to submit up to three letters on their behalf. All letters must be signed and are typically between 500 and 800 words. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. We also reserve the right to publish longer letters.
Best Dating Apps in Japan: Which One is Right for You?
Dating in Japan? YOITOKI is the go-to app for meaningful connections. Explore its features and how it compares to Pairs, Tinder & OkCupid. This article is from Yoitoki blog. Finding love in Japan isn’t always easy, especially if you’re new to the dating scene here. Whether you’re a local, an expat, or just curious about dating culture in Japan, having the right app can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose?
Couple Sponsor Replay - Talking About Real Relationships
The term ‘Couple Sponsor’ is often misunderstood. Many people think of it as a simple financial transaction, but in reality, it refers to a mature relationship where people support each other emotionally and share their lives together. This typically develops between financially stable middle-aged men and young, independent women. The core is not about one-sided support, but mutual understanding and respect. 💡 Such relationships are emerging as a new alternative for many modern people.
How to get cheap flights last minute: 10 tried & tested tips
One of the biggest obstacles when you’re craving an immediate getaway is too-expensive airfare. Indeed, figuring out how to get cheap flights last minute has always been a challenge for travelers when wanderlust strikes late. But it’s not impossible, and with a little know-how, you, too, can score a deal — even at the 11th hour. Here’s how to get last-minute flight deals. We’ll start by looking at how airlines price tickets, then share the best tips, tricks and hacks to snag deals.
Williams Kastner Member Heidi Mandt Selected to Faculty of Prestigious IADC Trial Academy
Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that Heidi Mandt has been selected as a faculty member for the 2025 International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy. Known as the “Crown Jewel” of the IADC, the Trial Academy is one of the oldest and most esteemed programs for honing defense trial advocacy skills. Heidi has been an active member of the IADC since 2018 and has taken on numerous leadership roles within the organization.
Four Years Later: New Graduates Reflect on USC Experience
Four years ago, Nadia Filanovsky, Lauren Gilmour, Anthony Llamas, Neysa Sanghavi, Meg Schwartz and Leily Zhu spoke excitedly about what they were looking forward to as new Trojans. Now, these members of the Class of 2022 talk about how USC lived up to their expectations. Nadia Filanovsky ’22 As a first-year student in 2018, native New Yorker and Trustee Scholar Filanovsky was excited to expand her horizons at USC.
Graduating USC senior Divya Jeyasingh: ‘Trojan Family is very real’
This spring, Divya Jeyasingh is receiving a bachelor’s in health promotion and disease prevention from Keck School of Medicine of USC and a master’s in health care decision analysis from the USC School of Pharmacy. In addition to working towards two degrees, the Portland, Ore., native was involved in a number of organizations including USC Helenes, the university’s oldest all-female service organization, and Swim with Mike, a foundation helping student-athletes with disabilities.
How graduating USC senior Nadia Filanovsky expanded her horizons
In 2018, native New Yorker and Trustee Scholar Nadia Filanovsky was excited to expand her horizons at USC as an incoming freshman. The economics major hoped that by graduation, she would “be comfortable in my field of study, a bit more traveled, and ready to take on the world,” as well improve both her Spanish and driving skills. We checked in to see where she is now. What have been the highlights and high points of your USC experience?
Senior Lauren Gilmour: How USC widened my perspective
Four years ago, incoming freshman and public relations major Lauren Gilmour answered some questions as she set out on her journey as a USC student. Recently, the graduating senior who switched majors and is now headed for a career in accounting reflected on the best moments, the challenges and growth she experienced since 2018. What have been the highlights and high points of your USC experience? Every day waking up with all of my best friends living a few doors down or a shared wall from me.
Graduating USC senior Anthony Llamas shares wisdom on failure and success
During Move-in Day in fall 2018, then-freshman Anthony Llamas shared his journey to USC while his family helped him settle in. The son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college student, Llamas attended a prep school in San Jose on a full-tuition scholarship and maintained a 4.1 GPA while working 40 hours a week at a local movie theater, before being accepted to USC.
Graduating senior Neysa Sanghavi reflects on impact of volunteer work
When Neysa Sanghavi arrived at USC from Mumbai, India, with a Dean’s Leadership Scholarship in 2018, she was already an accomplished humanitarian, conservationist, author and scholar. She had worked on turtle conservation in Costa Rica, researched HIV among former sex workers in India, and was named the youngest and first brand ambassador for Rwanda in India for her work with genocide survivors.
USC graduating senior Leily Zhu talks about gaining a global perspective
In 2018, incoming freshman Leily Zhu talked about what she hoped to experience as a USC student. The business major from Omaha, Neb., was most excited to study abroad and gain a global perspective. The soon-to-be USC alumna answered some new questions on her last four years. What have been the highlights and high points of your USC experience?
Graduating USC senior Meg Schwartz reflects ‘happy bubble’
As an incoming freshman, Meg Schwartz said getting into USC — her dream school — was a huge confidence boost. She arrived as a communications major and leader with the gender equality youth initiative Girl Up in 2018 and wanted “to take advantage of every moment living in this ‘happy bubble’ surrounded by opportunities” at USC. Four academic years later, she reflected on her student experience, how she’s changed and what’s next. What have been the highlights and high points of your USC experience?
Mural celebrates USC’s Asian American and Pacific Islander students
First-year student Neel Iyer didn’t have a robust Asian American and Pacific Islander community to lean on while attending high school in a Georgia suburb. “There weren’t too many of us in high school, so we didn’t have a consolidated community,” Iyer recalled.
USC debate team survives Zoom era to win USC’s biggest title in 30 years
Trojan Debate Squad members Julian Kuffour and Kevin Sun marked their final debate together with a big win. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) USC’s recent debating dominance in the Texas Open national competition was historic, the biggest win for the Trojan Debate Squad in 30 — and perhaps many more — years.
Nat King Cole Generation Hope Puts Instruments in the Hands of Children
Nat King Cole Generation Hope Puts Instruments in the Hands of Children The charity is run by the late musician’s twin daughters Casey Cole and Timolin Cole Augustus Nat “King” Cole, the trailblazing singer, jazz pianist and actor was, says his twin daughters Casey Cole and Timolin Cole Augustus, the perfect example of what the power of music can do for a person and for society.
Paint night puts artistic spin on Latinx Heritage Month celebration
Arts The USC community came together to flex its creative muscle and commemorate this year’s theme: esperanza (hope). Lead artist Jesse Jaramillo demonstrates the process to those participating online during the Latinx Heritage Month paint night for faculty, staff and students. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) About 75 students, faculty, staff and community members put their painting skills to work last week to commemorate Latinx Heritage Month’s 2021 theme: esperanza (hope).
Hunter Brophy’s studies are in the stars, but his heart is in the sea — USC News
University The first-year astronomy major, lifeguard and Navy cadet has a special connection to the ocean and the environment. Hunter Brophy’s admission essay was about his deep appreciation for the ocean and its preservation. (Photo/Courtesy of Hunter Brophy) First-year astronomy major Hunter Brophy has a special connection to the sea. He grew up on coastlines with a dad in the Navy, and he starts at USC as a Navy cadet himself.
Transfer student La Shaun Aaron brings wisdom of life experiences
University At age 43 and with a college-aged son, she hopes to be a role model to other Black women and girls. Transfer student La Shaun Aaron hopes to be a role model to other Black women and girls. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Sociology transfer student La Shaun Aaron left a full-time job to start her own business and founded 805 Resistance to advance social and environmental justice in Ventura County.
First-year psych major Macie Miller hopes to broaden her horizons at USC
University Macie Miller always dreamed of going to USC. Now that she’s officially a Trojan, she plans to continue being a mental health advocate as she soaks up the new world around her. Macie Miller is a first-year psychology major and mental health advocate. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Macie Miller, a first-year psychology major and mental health advocate, came to USC from a little suburb in Texas that’s also home to the Dallas Cowboys practice stadium.
USC welcomes a diverse class with resources, advice and connections
University USC’s Student Equity and Inclusion Programs kick off the fall with a message from the university’s many identity-specific resource centers and student communities: “You belong here.” Students talk with Rachel Freeman-Cohen (back to camera) at the LGBTQ+ table.
It’s good to be back: New and returning students share how it feels to be on campus
University As first- and second-year students finally begin their in-person Trojan experience, a series of fun events — and support groups — are designed to help them settle in. New students dance to DJ music during Thursday’s new student welcome dinner. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) The campuses are officially open, and USC students — new and returning — are feeling the thrill of being back together and seeing one another face to face.
Cambrian College introducing new cybersecurity program in early 2022
Cambrian College introducing new cybersecurity program in early 2022 | CBC News Loaded Sudbury An 8-month Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate Program will launch in January at Cambrian College in Greater Sudbury School aims to outfit students with skills needed to combat cyber crime Andrea Bennett · CBC News · Posted: Aug 15, 2021 6:00 AM ET | Last Updated: August 15 Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ont., has started a cybersecurity program to help combat a rise in tech crime.
Rearing butterflies in captivity harming species? Moderation is key says expert
A Sudbury entomologist says that while raising and releasing butterflies can be a learning experience for both children and butterfly enthusiasts, this should be done in moderation. Raising butterflies in captivity often results in butterflies not knowing how to adapt once they are released into the wild.
Things Your Exterminator Wishes You Knew | Reader's Digest Canada
© Photo: Shutterstock 1. Bedbugs are on the rise in North America If you’re worried you have them, Mississauga-based entomologist Alice Sinia recommends checking your linens, mattress, mattress seams and headboard. Look for dried blood stains and red-brown fecal matter, which will both be about the size of a sesame seed. (Speaking of keeping a clean bed, here's why you should never let your cat sleep in your bed.) 2.
Three USC students share what ‘the Black family’ means to them
Student Life Jakaiya Burke, Natalie Hart and Lawrence K. Rolle offer up their personal connection to the 2021 Black History Month national theme. Jakaiya Burke, Natalie Hart and Lawrence Rolle, from left. (Photos, from left: Courtesy of Jakaiya Burke; Courtesy of Natalie Hart; BeeDee 2020) What does the phrase “the Black family” mean to Black students?
Students who’ve recovered from COVID-19 give back via plasma donation
University Convalescent plasma can go a long way as a treatment for the novel coronavirus. That’s why Trojans are putting out the call: If you’ve already had COVID-19, please donate. As the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased, the American Red Cross has begun to distribute record numbers of convalescent plasma products, leading to a shortage.
Meet Edwin Bodney, USC’s new campus advocate for LGBTQ+ students
HealthUniversity The poet and performer wants his art and his own experiences as a Black, queer undergrad to help guide underrepresented members of the USC student community. Edwin Bodney is USC Student Health‘s new LGBTQ+ campus advocate and educator.
Newly renamed LGBTQ+ Student Center aims for greater inclusion
University After surveying USC students, the center’s leaders adopted a new name that includes the entire community. USC’s LGBTQ+ Student Center, which has been serving students since 2005, now has a new name. (Illustration/iStock) USC’s LGBT Resource Center was renamed the LGBTQ+ Student Center earlier this month, appropriately timed with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. The center has been serving USC students under its original name since 2005, and a lot has changed in 15 years.
On Being Bipolar
Sometime in my mid-to-late twenties, less than a decade after I’d been diagnosed bipolar II, I participated in a study that sought to glean insights from “high-functioning” bipolar people—presumably to figure out why we were high functioning and if anything we had to share could help others become high functioning too. The study took place in a little room in a low-slung building that seemed like it had been built in the seventies.
USC students offer tips for succeeding in virtual internships
University Even if you’re interning remotely, classic work strategies like self-discipline and time management will still pay off. Creating a designated workspace and schedule, communicating well with your supervisor and networking with colleagues are important during a virtual internship. (Illustration/iStock) The world of virtual internships may seem new, but USC students are finding that time-honored strategies for success — like working hard and taking initiative — still pay off.
Returning to SoCal allowed this USC grad student to embrace her calling
One of Mahagoney Borrayo-Gilchriest‘s favorite things about being a graduate student at USC was the time she spent at the university’s cultural centers. (Photo/Courtesy of Mahagoney Borrayo-Gilchriest) It took Mahagoney Borrayo-Gilchriest a while to figure out that, even when it doesn’t seem like it at the time, life can put you exactly where you’re supposed to be.
First-gen graduating senior made a home at USC thanks to her Latinx peers
One of Maria Del Pilar Morales‘s favorite memories at USC was performing at the Rose Bowl in 2017 with the Trojan Marching Band.(Photo/Courtesy of Maria Morales) Maria Del Pilar Morales recognized the importance of health and access to quality care earlier than most. She was only 12 when her father, who worked long hours to support his family and always put his own health on the backburner, contracted H1N1 — also known as the swine flu — and passed away.
Amid stay-at-home order, USC to host virtual career fair for students and alumni
Anuar Pinto Velasco had done the traditional career fair as a communications student at USC, standing along with his peers on Trousdale Parkway in his best suit and waiting for his chance to impress a recruiter. While Velasco was able to land a position, he admitted that a four-hour event often yields only a handful of face-to-face encounters with recruiters. A good chunk of students’ time is spent waiting in those infamous lines. The virtual career fair changed all of that.
Environmental science major sows seeds of advocacy among Trojans
Senior Claire Mauss is a co-director of the environmental student assembly and a plant researcher for Huntington Botanical Gardens. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) USC senior Claire Mauss has always had a deep love for desert plants.
USC Department of Student Basic Needs is devoted to Trojan essentials
University The Department of Student Basic Needs includes the Trojan Food Pantry, a program for USC students who are experiencing food insecurity. Naomi Rodgers, left, and Queena Hoang at the Trojan Food Pantry, where eligible students can come in once a week to get food. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Once a week, Naomi Rodgers takes a break from her studies as an Earth sciences doctoral student to organize canned goods and sort through produce in Parkside Apartments before the Trojan Food Pantry opens.
TrojanSupport student group offers peer support, training for all students
Health The TrojanSupport peer-to-peer group is now in its second year and has expanded to include graduate students. Goldie Roth leads a session with TrojanSupport, a student-led organization formed to give students nonprofessional peer support. (Photo/Courtesy of Goldie Roth) About a dozen USC students recently spent seven hours of a Saturday absorbing information on college mental health, learning how to recognize distress signs in a peer and memorizing the breadth of USC support resources.
Survivors of sexual assault or gender-based harm now have 24-hour advocates in their corner
Health A new trauma-informed program at USC Student Health offers personalized support for survivors, both on and off campus. Katt Morales is more than willing to answer the call to support survivors of sexual assault or gender-based harm at any hour of the day or night; she’s passionate about it. She’s also one of five new USC Student Health advocates starting this semester, dedicated solely to helping those survivors at USC. Morales is well prepared for the task.
New virtual consults make it easier to diagnose and treat student skin issues
Health USC Student Health now offers virtual consults, which means physicians can send photos of students’ skin issues to a dermatologist and speed up care considerably. Alexandra Haden, the dermatologist for Keck Medicine of USC, is available for virtual consultations. (USC Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III) USC students who have a mysterious rash, problem acne or any number of other conditions can now heal their skin without having to see a dermatologist in person.
On Drug Take Back Day, Trojans asked to drop off extra medication
HealthUniversity On Dec. 5, students, faculty and staff can safely dispose of any unused or expired prescriptions and other drugs — no questions asked. USC Student Health is asking students to use the end of the semester as an opportunity to dispose of any unused or expired prescriptions and other drugs. Faculty and staff members are also encouraged to participate.
Inaugural Row Run puts focus on mental health resources at USC
University More than 200 USC students spent their Sunday afternoon running, jogging and walking around The Row to support mental health programming at USC. The first Row Run, held in collaboration among the Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Councils, Undergraduate Student Government and USC Student Health, aimed to unify campus organizations around the issue of mental health and increase awareness of mental health resources available on campus.
Trans care team at USC focuses on sensitivity, support
Health From trans-inclusive care training for all USC Student Health staff to selecting preferred names and pronouns, USC strives to provide a safe, encouraging community for its trans students. USC is working on becoming more trans inclusive, says Kelby Accardi-Harrison of the USC LGBTQ Resource Center. (Photo/iStock) Students who are transgender and in the process of transitioning have a team of health professionals and advocates at USC to support them on their journey.
New behavioral health consultant bridges medical and mental health care
Jennifer Hsia will recognize opportunities to provide mental health consultation when it can benefit a patient's health at USC. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Jennifer Hsia, USC Student Health’s new behavioral health consultant, knows there are students who don’t seek the help they need for mental health issues. It could be due to cultural or gender expectations, social pressure to present an image of infallibility or any other number of reasons.
New office at USC devoted to safeguarding children on and off campus
University USC has established an office for Youth Protection and Programming, which will ensure that every group working with children understands how to best protect them. Anne Calvo joined USC in April to head its new Youth Protection and Programming office. (Photo/Courtesy of Anne Calvo) In the latest move towards greater oversight and accountability across university systems, USC has established an office for Youth Protection and Programming.
College violence prevention specialist believes in establishing respect early
Health USC Student Health's new violence prevention specialist wants everyone at the university, even incoming freshmen, to understand the value of a safe campus for all. Hyun Kyoung “Sarah” Hong believes in the importance of introducing affirmative consent to college students as soon as they arrive on campus. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Hyun Kyoung “Sarah” Hong has always been interested in helping others.
A new face at USC Student Health brings expertise in patient access
Health Thu Nguyen-Knowles is the new head of clinical operations for both the Engemann and Eric Cohen student health centers. Thu Nguyen-Knowles hopes to ensure that every student who encounters USC Student Health has a good patient experience. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Thu Nguyen-Knowles will never forget the optimism and energy she felt the first time she stepped on USC’s campus as a candidate for executive director of clinical operations at USC Student Health.
USC students get round-the-clock access to health products
HealthUniversity The “wellness-to-go” machine is stocked with everything from ibuprofen and thermometers to pregnancy tests and emergency contraception A new vending machine in King Hall is stocked with useful pharmaceutical products that students can access after regular business hours. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas) Health issues can arise at any time. And college students, who can keep less conventional hours, may be more likely to need an Advil or a condom late at night rather than between 9 and 5.
Meet Heather Needham, USC alumna and student health's newest doctor
Heather Needham, USC Student Health’s newest primary care physician, has begun practicing on the University Park Campus. The Keck School of Medicine of USC alumna returns to Los Angeles after practicing adolescent and young adult medicine at Texas Children’s Hospital and serving as assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “I definitely enjoyed my clinical experience at USC,” Needham said.
The Best Fridge Temperature to Keep Food Fresh-And Safe
View as slideshow Healthy Living By Andrea Bennett, Reader’s Digest Canada Food poisoning is uncomfortable—and can even be downright dangerous. Here’s how you can avoid falling ill. Photo: Shutterstock It’s impossible to tell whether beef is ready by looking at it “There’s a slogan at Health Canada,” says Jeffrey Farber, a food-science professor at the University of Guelph. “Your burger’s done at 71!” (That’s degrees Celsius, to be precise). Home chefs should use a meat thermometer.
New USC Student Health doctor helps shape young adults’ well-being
Erin Jones, USC Student Health’s new adolescent and young adult physician, has been on campus less than a month, but she already feels at home. After earning her MD from Boston University School of Medicine, Jones completed her residency as chief resident at the University of Maryland Medical System.
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