For many, the completion of such an exacting endeavor as a doctoral program might feel like a relief. For Catherine Theis, who graduates with her Ph.D. in creative writing from USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences on May 15, the end is bitter sweet.

“I don’t know if I want to give this all up,” Theis says. “I know it’s time to move on, but I’m coming to terms with the ending of something, which is always hard.” It’s not surprising Theis feels a little reluctant to depart campus life. At USC Dornsife, Theis found the place she feels most at home.