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.