Clicking the commit button for a college is no easy decision. However, the fact that it was USC not only made this choice easier, but, more than that, excited. A choice which I would gladly make again. Whether it was the location, interdisciplinary opportunities, research, collaboration, or the Trojan Family, USC characterized much of what I sought for my future.
Community
As I geared up for my experience at USC, I quickly realized that I would be surrounded by many talented and driven individuals which, at the time, I thought could never look like me. Coming from what many would consider “the middle of nowhere” (Oklahoma), I further became uncertain as to how my future would look like at USC. However, my worries were immediately quelled. Hearing other students express their experiences at USC gave me the confidence that I could see myself being surrounded by people like them. Viterbi Voices podcasts such as “LatinX Students in Engineering Live Chat” introduced me to other people like myself that I was unsure were represented in Viterbi or USC in general. I immediately saw the welcoming and collaborative nature instilled throughout every individual. Even if it was just through a screen before arriving on campus, the Trojan family’s support, kindness, and excitement to share this opportunity beamed through. Witnessing this camaraderie in the students motivated to become a part of it myself. More than just the brightness of the California sun, the environment at USC ultimately shined through and made it what I now consider home.
Cooperation
In many cases, “cut-throat” environment is prominent in engineering schools. However, this is completely opposite of what I felt with USC. Although I believe it is also possible to succeed with an independent approach to school, Viterbi displayed an open-armed environment which opened my perception of how learning can be. This innate support throughout the students of Viterbi is, for many, the backbone of their academic success. Late night study sessions can be disheartening, but having a friend there to help dissect difficult concepts with you definitely alleviates the otherwise grueling process. Both an individualistic and collaborative approach is possible at USC, but, ultimately, the academic culture that is fostered creates an uplifting environment for all.
Interdisciplinary Opportunity
It had been made clear to me that USC encouraged and facilitated a diverse and well-rounded approach to education. In fact, this is exactly what the Engineering+ culture is. As a student with a wide variety of involvements in before college, I placed great importance on being able to maintain these passions of mine while pursuing engineering. I felt alleviated at the prospect of being able to pursue research and my violin playing, for example, with the support of Viterbi behind me. One day I will be in lab modeling implantation parts on SolidWorks and the next I will be playing a renowned Sibelius symphony in the Student Symphony Orchestra. Not only do I think that I have become a well-rounded individual because of this, but I also know that it has made me a more insightful engineering student.
More than just the academic rigor or prestige, USC proved to be a home of diversity and opportunity for all. And. Of course. I can’t finish without mentioning the near perfect weather year-round…it certainly helped the case for USC. As I complete the next two years of my undergraduate degree, I am sure that I will continue to add more and more reasons to why I proudly wear the Trojan name.
