ONE ON ONE WITH A USC STUDENT
Stephane Mazumdar used his spring admittance to USC as an opportunity to study in Paris for a semester. The young entrepreneur with a father from India and mother from France – both Trojans – plans to launch his own global business after earning an economics degree from USC.
What did you do when you first found out you got in to USC?
When I first found out I got into USC, I was in the middle of taking my daily nap. It was a Friday and I had just come back from school and needed a bit of rest. While I was sleeping, my mom went outside to retrieve the mail, and barged into my room shouting at the top of her lungs that there was a package from USC. I woke up in shock and was in that state of mind where I had no clue what was going on. Without any hesitation though, I grabbed the yellow parcel from my mom’s hands and ripped it open to see that I had just been admitted to USC, a dream come true. No longer sluggish from waking up mid-nap, I leaped out of bed and began to jump with joy. My father came into the room as well, and we had one big group family hug. The weight had finally been released from my shoulders, I was at peace.
What did you do fall semester?
For my fall semester, I chose to go to the American University of Paris (AUP). I chose this option for multiple reasons. I am half French, I have family and friends there, I speak French, and I also had been to Paris a handful of times prior to the abroad experience. It was the perfect choice for me. I resided in a small, calm apartment in the 16th Arrondissement. I had the most amazing roommates and one of my closest friends that I made while in Paris just so happened to live on the floor below me. I took four GE courses while at AUP: World Politics, Microeconomics, Art History Through Paris Museums, and French III. I had some pretty phenomenal teachers that I believe were instrumental to the unforgettable time I had while I was in Paris. I explored the city and its culture and went on a few weekend trips outside of France as well.
Why did you want to be a Trojan? What does USC mean to you?
I’ve been wanting to become a Trojan for as long as I can remember. My father graduated from USC with a degree in computer science, and my mom has been teaching classes here for almost ten years. Because my two biggest role models wore the red and gold on their sleeve, I made it my number one mission to go to USC. The Trojan spirit has been suffused in my blood ever since I attended my first Trojan football games on my dad’s shoulders and visited the USC dentist and dermatology center for the first times when I was very young. I could just sense that USC meant family to me. I believe USC holds a community that no other university can compare to. The USC family is so rich in culture and diversity, and it spreads all around the globe.
What are you most excited to learn, do, experience, etc. while at USC?
What I am most excited for at USC is the connections I make. I plan on strengthening my networking skills so that I can create new relationships with other amazing students. I hope that whatever my future holds, I am able to work with other USC students in a cohesive manner to achieve a common goal.
What piece of advice were you given about starting college that you’ll follow?
The one piece of advice I was given prior to beginning college that I will follow is go out of your comfort zone. You’ll have trouble finding success if you can’t venture into something that puts you in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar position. Live life with an outgoing and adventurous mentality.
What do you think or hope you’ll be like in four years?
In four years, I hope to have started my own clothing brand. I hope to have made the connections I needed where I have a good manufacturer and a good team. I hope to have taken business, marketing, and entrepreneurial classes so that I can manage my business. Another few years down the line from when I graduate, I hope that I’ll be doing runway shows at fashion week; that’s the end goal.
What advice would you give to those hoping to get into USC one day?
One piece of advice I’d give to those hoping to get into USC is, do extracurriculars that make you stand out. Do something out of the norm like some volunteer work in another country or maybe something significant for your community. Because at the end of the day, sure good grades, and a good SAT/ACT score helps, but that’s not what builds integrity and will help you stand out.
Anything else?
Trojan forever, fight on!