Short Answer: I am an engineer, but I am not an engineer.
To be brutally honest, I did not have nearly all the reasons on “Why USC?” before I chose the school. On the bright side, my “Why USC?” list seems to grow every day! The biggest thing I knew I wanted was school where I could be the woman I am – or as USC calls it, a multi-hyphenated student, much more than an engineer.
Growing up, music and dance were a huge part of my life and identity. It was almost as if school was the key I needed to unlock the door to enjoy the arts. By my high school years, I identified not only as a passionate engineering student but also as a performing Indian Classical musician and dancer. While I wanted to pursue electrical and computer engineering as a major and career, I was sure that engineering alone could not complete my identity.
When I saw that I could be a part of the Engineering+ community by minoring in Dance (through one of the most innovative schools in the nation) or minoring in Music Industry (through one of the most renowned schools in the country), I was sold. Little did I know that my artistic involvement would grow exponentially beyond just a minor.
Where else could I be learning about jazz, tap, and ballet from a professional dancer? Where else could I be dancing twice a week in the state-of-the-art Kaufman practice rooms. Where else could travel, compete, and host with an award-winning, nationally competing South Asian fusion a cappella team?
USC’s vibrancy in both the arts and engineering for me was not limited to that in and of itself. It hinted to me that the campus, people, and opportunities would always be lively. When I say the campus never sleeps, I truly mean that it is easier to keep myself busy than free – in a way that I look forward to. The location is not only so integral that it is a part of Los Angeles, but it is also convenient for anything and everything. Whether it be going to the beach, movie theater, a fancy dinner, or the club.
The talk about the strength of the Trojan network cannot possibly live up to how strong it actually is. Whether it be receiving a “Fight On” from the security staff at the airport, cashier in the Bay Area, or from a fellow Trojan walking down Trusdale, I could not have asked for a more supportive and family-like community. Honestly, I felt quite mature coming out of high school, but little did I realize how much there was to grow. I couldn’t ask for a better place around better people to do that.
