What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

I was really busy with my IB finals, so I didn’t even bother opening the mail package. Until the orientation, month after my acceptance, I didn’t even know I got a scholarship. I chose USC because it has an excellent premed track. I needed to make sure that if my parents are spending so much on my ‘future’, it is a launching pad that really ensures my growth, both personal and professional, as a person.

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I’m really excited to take classes outside my major like CORE 450 and apply its ‘way of thinking’ to my premed classes. I’m also looking forward to working with the USC Shoah Foundation for my next Rwanda project on refugees or rural areas.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

I consider myself really lucky to have such a supportive family. Not once have my parents ever stopped me. Even when we weren’t part of the ‘upper middle class,’ my parents have worked really hard to get my sister and me what we wanted. When I was younger, I had a very different perspective of the world around me. I felt insecure all the time. One day my sister sat next to me and went like “you keep looking for happiness outside of you. It comes from within”. So I guess the one thing I brought with me to USC that means the most is a photo of my family.

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

“Network across rather than up.” There is always someone we admire to be. I believe that ten years from now, the people around will be the ‘admired.’ This is what studying at USC means to me.

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

I think have way too many interests. To list a few:

• Developmental Economics: distribution channels in isolated regions and how disruptions in transportation of medicines negatively impacted health. Questions like “Is transportation the only reason?” really interest me.
  During my observational research on malaria under UNHCR and MIDIMAR at Mahama Refugee Camp, Rwanda, I learned about the challenges scientists face while creating a vaccine for a virus that transforms seven times in one life cycle. I also discovered that it is very likely that medicines manufactured in one part of the world are not equally impactful in another as the idea of treatment is personal, subjective and different for each community. The trust in medical ingredients and processes is intertwined with the cultural development of the community. This interaction of culture and scientific thought is a fascinating study in BioEconomics that I intend to pursue as I explore various facets of the natural world.
• Additionally, I am studying the impact of government intervention in India’s economy. As part of my Economics Extended Essay (IB diploma), I am conducting surveys on the topic: “To what extent does the price cap on coronary heart stents maximize welfare?”
• As a PADI AOW Scuba Diver and underwater photographer, I create photo-essay journals that identify marine species I encounter during dives. Over the last two summers, I worked in conservation projects in Costa Rica and Sri Lanka that work towards protecting sea turtles. We learned methods for identifying turtle species, observed them laying eggs, did beach cleaning and built a hatchery to protect the eggs from poachers and predators like raccoons. I also learned about various turtle diseases. I would love to advance this learning, besides researching biomimicry, functional genomics, ocean exploration, and marine conservation.

So at this point, I’m doing everything that interests me. Sometimes it really gets me all confused about what I want to do and who I want to be. I hope to have an idea of what I want to do in my personal and professional plan by the end of my four years at USC.

Neysa Sanghavi, a global health major from Mumbai, India with a Dean’s Leadership Scholarship, has already done numerous humanitarian and conservation projects around the world – from turtle conservation in Costa Rica to researching HIV in former sex workers in India. Her volunteer work with genocide survivors earned her title as the youngest and first ‘Brand Ambassador for Rwanda in India’ by His Excellency, Mr. Ernst Rwamucyo, High Commissioner for Rwanda in India Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

When I found out about my acceptance to USC, I ran out of my room and downstairs to wake up my parents and tell them. We celebrated together, and then I called my sister and texted all of my best friends. It was such a weight off of my shoulders and feeling of utter happiness to have gotten into USC. The acceptance came at such a stressful time of senior year when all of my decisions were coming in, and it was such a confidence boost and feeling of relief to get into my dream school.

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I am so excited to take advantage of all of the incredible opportunities USC has to offer. I can’t wait to explore Los Angeles, travel abroad and dive into subjects that I am passionate about alongside my equally passionate peers and USC’s esteemed faculty and staff.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

There’s a small print that I have hung above my bed that really reminds me of my family. It has a heart shape in the middle, and on the left side it says “LA,” in the middle, it says “KC,” and on the right side it says “NY.” To me, this represents my family because I am living in LA, my parents live in Kansas City (where I grew up), and my sister lives right outside of New York. The print wasn’t custom made, but it fits so well with, and it makes me happy to have a little piece of each of my family members in a simple print on my wall.

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

Everyone who has recently graduated from college or who is currently an upperclassman in college has told me to really soak in every moment. Having arrived at USC, I can see how time really will fly by here and how vital it is to take advantage of every moment living in this “happy bubble” surrounded by opportunities. I hope that I can graduate from USC with the feeling that I spent my time here wisely and took advantage of everything possible.

What do you hope you’ll be like four years from now?

I hope that in four years from now I will be so curious about and in love with what I am studying that I will be ecstatic about starting my career. I hope that I stay in touch with my roots and values but grow in my understanding of and excitement about the world.

Margaret Schwartz is passionate about gender equality and very active in her community. The communication major served as Editor-in-Chief of her school paper, founder of her school’s chapter of Girl Up and a leader at the annual national summit for Girl Up.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

I honestly was just like “okay, cool,” and then continued about the rest of my day. I never really knew much about USC except that it was another good school in California, where I kind of wanted to stay. It wasn’t until later when I had to start thinking hard about making a college decision that I learned more about the school and decided it was the place for me. And it really has proven to be! I’ve loved it here ever since I arrived on campus.

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I’m excited just to meet people. The friends and classmates I’ve met these first few weeks have already wowed me so much in terms of all their unique talents, interests, and backgrounds. I love the diversity here, and the idea of getting to meet even more new faces and learning from each of them is really exciting to me.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

My sister made me a cute little “Delara’s Guide to College” pamphlet and gave it to me right before I left. She’s a junior in college now and always looks out for me, so that meant a lot to me.

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

Don’t take 8 a.m. (classes).

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

This is incredibly typical, but I really just hope I’ll have grown a lot as a person by the end of my time here, and that I’ll have figured out exactly what I want to do with my degree.

Delara Aryan is a Stamps Scholar and electrical engineering major from San Diego. She’s a motivated self-starter who plans to get involved with the Society of Women Engineers and other service organizations within Viterbi and USC.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

I was on spring break in Mexico when my mom received an envelope in the mail from USC. I hadn’t even told my mom I applied to a school in California, so she texted me a picture of the corner of the envelope with USC’s return address asking what it was for. Since she had sent such a small picture of the envelope, I couldn’t tell if it was a small rejection letter or a big acceptance letter envelope. I called and texted her, but of course, my service was terrible and couldn’t reach her all day!! Eventually, she texted me asking if I wanted her to open it and send a picture of what was inside. She sent me a picture of the certificate of admission, and my mom doesn’t speak very good English, so she followed up by asking what the certificate meant. At this moment I was at dinner with my friends, when I saw the picture, I dropped my phone on top of my dinner out of surprise, and my friends picked up my phone and yelled to the restaurant I had been accepted to USC. Our server and tables around us cheered, and I ate a biiiigg ‘congratulations’ dessert.

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

While at USC I am most excited to explore the opportunities offered through such a vibrant and dynamic city. I’m almost impatient to discover the countless ways I can get involved in the community and learn about the programs abroad. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been so eager to learn from my surroundings and experience the diversity USC has to offer.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

Upon leaving for college, I knew I was going to miss my family’s cooking the most. Knowing this, my parents bottled up the salsas they always make at home so I could bring some along. Anyone who knows me knows I can’t have a meal without hot sauce. This meant a lot to me because it’s a small part of my family and home I can always have here with me.

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

When I left for college, my parents emphasized the importance of embracing and never forgetting my roots. They had done this my entire life, but during this transition, I think it’s especially significant because my background has made me who I am today. My parents and family greatly contribute to my drive and character; it’s important for me to always recognize this.

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

Four years from now I hope to have never stopped growing and learning from the people and community
I surround myself with. I hope to be someone I can continue to be proud of.

Cynthia Aceves, international relations & global economy major, is the first in her family to go to college. She’s passionate about social justice and service. She mentored children while their parents learned English at a local community center, was camp counselor for undocumented children at a non-profit, and worked 16 hours a week, all while maintaining strong grades in her rigorous high school academic curriculum.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

My entire senior year, I had pictured myself going to the Northeast for college. When I found out I got into USC, I had actually just come back from visiting seven colleges up in Boston and New York. I actually kind of forgot I had applied here. But when I saw that big red envelope, I called my mom, and we all were really excited, and I got the gut feeling that this is where I was going to go to school.

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I am most excited to gain a global experience by traveling abroad, both this upcoming spring through the Global Leadership Program to China, as well as possibly studying abroad.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

I brought a Curious George book with me called “Curious You On Your Way!” It was a gift from my entire high school newspaper staff, who I had a very tight bond with as their Editor-in-Chief. In the book, each staff member had written me a sweet note, and on the front page, they had printed out my favorite newspaper story I wrote and pasted it so it would serve as a memory of my time on The Hoofbeat (the name of our newspaper).

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

Make the most of my college life and where I study. And “Take a picture with someone famous and email me about it.”

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

I hope I am prepared to enter the professional world and that I will have grown as a human being. However, I still will be me, the bubbly, social, positive person I am that enjoys laughing all the time.

Leily Zhu, a business major, was editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper. Her admission essay described her experience learning to drive her car “Bubba” on the streets of Omaha, Nebraska as a metaphor for path in life.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

I knew that my decision would be at my house if I came during lunch, so I gathered two of my friends to get pizza (for food and for comfort in case I didn’t get in) and then quickly go to my house. When I saw the large envelope, I screamed louder than I ever had before, and I texted and called all of my family and friends.

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I am most excited to experiment with a lot of different kinds of classes and broaden my education. There are a lot of topics that I want to explore outside of my major, Public Relations, such as computer science, World War 2, film, art, and graphic design.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

I brought my grandmother’s Tommy Trojan charm necklace to college. She is very important to me, and I’m glad that I get to take a part of her with me here. It is also a good luck charm for game days.

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

My sister wrote me a letter giving me a lot of useful advice for college, but what stuck out most to me was to make college my own and create a community. This includes never turning away people and always being open to new people and experiences. I have kept this in mind every day so far here at USC, and I will continue to do so.

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

I hope in four years I will be much wiser than I am right now and even more curious. I also hope that I will have a better idea of the path that I would like to go on after college.

Lauren Gilmour, a public relations major from La Canada Flintridge, is excited to study advocacy communications within her major. She grew up loving USC and says it’s a dream come true to finally be joining the Class of 2022.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

I remember my parents were out of town when I got my package. I live in an apartment building, though, and mail always gets delivered to a table on the bottom floor of the house. The package was, however, sitting in front of my door, as if one of my neighbors had brought it upstairs and left it there for me knowing it was important. I was exhausted and opened it, and I don’t think I even fully registered that I had gotten in until a few minutes later because I was alone at home. All of a sudden, I was frantic – but in an excited kind of way. I immediately called my mom and told her first I needed to book a flight. She asked me why – and I told her I needed to fly out for an interview. Again, she asked why. I told her I had gotten into USC, and at that point, she got so excited, because it was the first school I’d gotten into. It took her getting excited for it all to sink in, and then I got excited too and started calling and texting everyone

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I’m so excited to explore LA! I’m a native New Yorker, and moving out to the west coast is a whole new world for me. I don’t drive though, but I have been managing pretty well so far with my bike and the metro.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

I have a Hamburg flag hanging in my room surrounded by some super cute LED lights. I bought the flag at the end of my gap year in Germany and had all of my friends from the year sign it so I could put it up when I got to my room. I got lucky because I’m living in McCarthy and the accent wall where my bed is is red as well (I was worried about my giant bright red flag clashing with the room) but I ended up getting super lucky, and it all looks pretty good together!

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

I was told to try out as much as possible and just stuff for the love of doing and exploring. I love the idea of trying out new sports once my knee heals, new dance forms, going to speaker events to learn, traveling, taking a crazy class – I really want to expand my boundaries.

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

I hope to be comfortable in my field of study, a bit more traveled, and ready to take on the world! This sounds a bit naive, I guess, but that’s really all I want. I don’t like setting specific expectations, because that makes me feel boxed in…but I do want to get my Spanish back into shape as well if I’m living in LA for four years…and hopefully, I will be at least a moderately experienced driver.

Nadia Filanovsky was admitted with a Trustee Scholarship last year but decided to take a gap year to complete the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program. The economics major from New York and daughter of two artists also spent a year doing a full immersion at a high school in Germany.

What did you do when you first found out you got into USC?

I was so ecstatic to find out I was admitted to USC! I checked my portal during school and saw my admission decision and I gave out a huge shout right in the middle of my English class! I was so excited my teacher excused me so I could immediately call my parents (who are both UCLA Alumni by the way) to tell them I was going to USC! When I got home, I even started to cry about how happy I was. I am so honored to be a part of the Trojan family!

What are you most excited to learn/do/experience/etc. while at USC?

I’m am extremely excited to be a part of the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab. I saw the lab on my very first campus tour here, and I knew right then and there that USC was the school for me. I can’t wait to launch some rockets! I also love to sing and perform, and I hope to a member of a USC Acapella club soon. I’m also looking forward to the social aspect of school. I can’t wait to meet new people and create new memories.

What is one thing you brought with you to USC that means the most to you?

My Dad recently went to Ghana, Africa on a business trip. He brought me back an amazing customized USC African Ghana tribal mask. It’s one of the coolest pieces of USC memorabilia I have. It is literally one of a kind, and I could not wait to put it up on my dorm room wall.

What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?

One of the most important pieces of advice I got was to make sure to manage your time. It’s ok to have fun at college, but one thing drilled into me that I believe in is always to handle your “business before pleasure.” Once my homework is done, then it is time to live the college dream.

What do you think/hope you’ll be like four years from now?

I hope I will have made a difference while at USC. I want to be a great student, a future leader, and above all a great engineer. Four years from now I hope that I will be viewed by my fellow students and my professors as a wiser (and a better) student and a great friend and mentor to other USC students.

Justin T. Weiss is a Mork Scholar and mechanical engineering major who loves theater and dance. Due to his speech impediment growing up and passion for performing arts, he calls himself a ‘stuttering thespian and hobbled dancer.’