As a rising sophomore, I am still relatively new to campus, but over the past year, I’ve started to embrace USC as my home. Coming from a suburban Texas town, it can feel daunting to leave the town bubble, let alone the state. It often feels like everyone’s going to one of the local state schools, and going all the way to California is a lonesome feat. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I chose USC because the second I stepped on campus when visiting for the first time, I saw the diverse opportunities and communities that awaited me. I was nervous that most of the students would be from California, that they would somehow all know each other, and that everyone would be into the same things, but I was way off. Despite the large number of Californians, USC has students from everywhere! In fact, one of my best friends happened to be from Texas as well, and coming to USC brought us together. 😊
A diverse Trojan Family means a diverse myriad of organizations, clubs, and communities in which I could participate. Despite knowing that I wanted to major in engineering, I also HAD to continue my journey as an instrumentalist. USC is one of the few schools that allows students to pursue a performance minor at its music school. Not only am I acquiring a music minor in clarinet performance, but I’m doing so at one of the best music schools in the country!
If pursuing a minor doesn’t interest you, USC offers many opportunities for participation in communities at various engagement levels. For example, I’m also a part of the Student Symphony Orchestra, which rehearses only once a week and is open to any major at the university! It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone to continue their musicianship. Beyond music, there are organizations for any student’s interest, and here at USC we tend to maximize our experience in them. Not only will you join academic organizations that help form meaningful connections in your major, help you learn new concepts, and provide hands-on experience, but USC organizations will also take retreats to Big Bear or Joshua Tree just to grow closer as a community. Very few schools have the luxury of beautiful Southern California combined with the tight-knit community that is the Trojan Family.
(My view from onstage during the SSO Spring Concert)
I understand the worries of moving thousands of miles away from home. It’s not easy to make that big change, but attending the University of Southern California has been the best decision of my life. It’s my home away from home, and it’s opened so many doors for my future. I hope you’ll consider visiting campus to experience the beautiful Trojan Family and the barrage of “Fight Ons” you’ll receive from people passing by.
