Participant of the Semester Spotlight

Mario Diaz
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Enrollment Services 

What inspired you to join WalkUSC?  

I tore my meniscus on my right knee the summer before WalkUSC started. It was my goal to get my knee back to 100% and what better way than doing it with WalkUSC. I was still relatively new to the university, and I love meeting new people, so WalkUSC gave me the opportunity to make new social connections, explore campus, and get my exercise.    

What motivated you to go for ‘Participant of the Semester’?  

My goal was not to be ‘Participant of the Semester’. My goal is to continue leading other motivated walkers to move and have casual conversations. It is the other walkers that motivate me to continue WalkUSC and be a walk leader because it is a joy walking and talking with them. My participation is to ensure that the program does not go away because it is so impactful, motivating, and important.   

Share your favorite movement routine with us!  

I mix my routes a bit but for the most part we start a Tommy Trojan, go down Childs Way to the Tennis courts, then up 34th Street, cutting across McCarthy Quad, then going up to Pardee Way to walk behind the Law School & Business School to end up a Trousdale Pkwy and back to Tommy Trojan. 

Naomi Martinez
Facilities Coordinator
Marshall School of Business 

What inspired you to join WalkUSC? 

For myself I have always had the habit of moving outside through out the day and WalkUSC has allowed me to meet others on campus that I most likely would have never met.  

What motivated you to go for ‘Participant of the Semester’? 

I was not intending to be ‘participant of the semester’ but I had also been motivated to move and record my steps for a move into wellness challenge with the Marshall School of Business during the month of September. 

Share your favorite movement routine with us! 

Hiking but also any routine that allows me to be outdoors!