Assistant Dean, USC Dornsife Admission

Major in college: General Studies/Education (Humanities emphasis)

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: the faculty and students I meet — thoughtful, knowledgeable, and excited to be here.

If I weren’t in my current job, I would be: a back-up singer for Jimmy Buffett.

To me, the Trojan Family is:  real. Diverse. A strong community in a sprawling metropolis!

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: in the evening, standing on Trousdale between Doheny and Bovard when they are both lit up.

One of my favorite books is:  To Kill a Mockingbird.  One of my children had to read it for class, and I re-read it too. I still love it.

Associate Director, USC Dornsife Admission

Major/Minor in college: Social Science (Psychology emphasis); Chemistry minor

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: the fact that our students are so active, involved, and engaged. Hearing about their research or study abroad experiences always leaves me in awe of all they accomplish here.  

If I weren’t in my current job, I would be: an owner of a bakery specializing in chocolate — brownies, cookies, cakes, and a constantly-flowing chocolate fountain.

To me, the Trojan Family is: an instant connection with someone much older or much younger who shares fond memories of being a student at USC.

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: Argue Plaza, just outside the Alumni House. The fountain, benches, and flower trellis make it a beautiful, peaceful outdoor spot to enjoy a good book.

One of my favorite books is: Atonement — what a vibrant and beautifully written novel.

Senior Assistant Director, USC Dornsife Admission

Major in college: Journalism/Advertising 

Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: its context. You're in a liberal arts college and can take advantage of all that entails, like small classes and strong relationships with professors, but at the same time, you're on a large, vibrant, diverse urban campus that is filled with spirit and camaraderie. To me, that's the best of both worlds.  

A perfect day in LA would include: Chilaquiles for breakfast, a walk in Griffith Park, and a visit to LACMA.

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: the quiet, musty stacks in the basement levels of Doheny Library.

If I weren't in my current job, I would be: the poor man's Tina Fey.

One of my favorite books is: Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen. His writing proves that some of the characters you will come to care about the most will also be the most flawed, an idea that usually applies in real life as well.

Assistant Director, USC Dornsife Admission

Major/Minor in college: Social Sciences (Psychology emphasis); Popular Music Studies minor

Hometown: Avondale, AZ

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: among many other things, the Problems Without Passports (PWP) Program. It's an amazing opportunity for students to both study abroad and conduct firsthand research.

To me, the Trojan Family is: an unparalleled sense of spirit and connection, an irreplaceable community, and the magic that makes USC such a unique institution.

If I weren't in my current job I would be: unemployed. Or maybe in graduate school or traveling the world... while unemployed.

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: Mudd Hall of Philosophy.

One of my favorite books is: Life of Pi because it has a fascinating, novel story and is beautifully written.

Assistant Director, USC Dornsife Admission

Major in college: Writing for the Screen & Television

Hometown: Selma, AL

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: that the students are passionate about a number of different areas, not just the ones related to their major. They can always be counted on for an insightful, intellectual conversation.

A perfect day in LA would include: breakfast at Grub, lunch at Canter's Deli, and dinner at Father's Office. (And perhaps some non-food related things as well.)

If I weren't in my current job, I would be: entertaining the masses.

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: McCarthy Quad because you always see students having fun, and sometimes, if you're lucky, you happen across an inflatable obstacle course or a giant hill of snow.

One of my favorite books is: Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. It's the simple story of a good man.

Administrative Assistant, USC Dornsife Admission

Major in college: Sociology 

Hometown: South Pasadena, California

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: the opportunities available with so many majors and minors.

My favorite things about living in Los Angeles are: beaches, weather, and cultural diversity.

If I weren’t in my current job, I would be: working in a school district — I love working with young people.

A perfect day in LA would include: an early morning walk on the beach.

One of my favorite books is: The House of the Spirits — It's the type of book that is hard to put down because it has a little bit of everything: history, politics, and romance. One of the best USC Visions and Voices I have attended was seeing Isabel Allende when she visisted to speak about her work.

Major/minors: Psychology major; minors in International Relations and Substance Abuse Prevention

Year in school: Junior

Hometown: West Linn, OR

My favorite class at USC is: Developmental Psychology with Frank Manis. We got to raise our own virtual children and learn about child development in a more hands-on way.

I spent this past summer: traveling! I was in Sweden, Russia, and Finland doing International Relations research on military security in the Arctic through the Dornsife Problems Without Passports program, before going to Bali with my family.

My favorite things about living in Los Angeles are: the weather, the opportunities, and, of course, USC.

My dream job would be: a Clinical Psychologist specializing in Addiction and Eating Disorders.

Major: Cognitive Science major

Year in school: Sophomore

Hometown: New York City

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: the opportunity it has given me to pursue my diverse interests. I've already taken classes in IR, Anthropology, Linguistics, and Psychology and am so thankful that my major lets me explore all these areas.

My most unforgettable experience at USC (so far!) has been: photographing on the sidelines of last year's USC-Stanford game. The energy on the field and in the stands was so unbelievable and really made me feel the spirit of our Trojan family.

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: the Campus Center. I love to study there in the morning when it's quiet or to meet up with friends for lunch. 

My favorite place to eat in Los Angeles is: Urth Cafe! It has the best paninis and cappuccinos and is great for people watching. 

Major/minor: International Relations major; minor in East Asian Language & Cultures

Year in school: Senior

Hometown: Saratoga (Bay Area!), CA

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: the incredible amount of options available to students that ensure that no matter what your interests are, you can find classes that fit your passions.

My most unforgettable experiences at USC (so far!) have been: the three study abroad programs I participated in! One summer in Beijing, a semester in Prague, and a semester in Taipei were each completely amazing and unforgettable in their own right. I would highly recommend study abroad to anyone and everyone!

My favorite place to eat in Los Angeles is: Syrup Desserts in downtown LA. Huge portions, good prices, and amazing desserts!

Majors: Environmental Studies and Policy, Planning, & Development double major

Year in school: Junior 

Hometown: Miami Beach, FL 

I spent this past summer: doing scientific research diving in Guam and Palau surveying coral reef health through fish counts with the USC ENST Dive Team. We would scuba dive twice a day in some of the most incredible underwater locations in the world and meet with the local agency officials in charge of creating and enforcing policy to protect Palau's marine environment.

My favorite thing about living in Los Angeles is: the entertainment and art scene. I love its incredible geographic location, surroundings, and eclectic people that make up the city.

My dream job would be: Urban Sustainable Development, possibly working with developing countries to achieve a more sustainable way of growth.

To me, the Trojan Family is: belonging to a strong tradition that connects you to other members that have come to USC and had their own experiences, but share something in common; being a proud member of this institution that gives us the foundations to make a difference in our lives and the world around us.

Major/minors: Biological Sciences major; minors in French and News, Media, & Society

Year in school: Junior

Hometown: Fullerton, CA

My most unforgettable experience at USC (so far!) has been: traveling to El Canton, Honduras with USC's Global Water Brigades. From the moment we landed in Tegucigalpa, it felt like living in a dream. Meeting the locals, playing with the kids at the orphanage, and getting a glimpse of how difficult life can be for those less privileged was certainly humbling and eye-opening. 

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: a small bench behind Town and Gown, near the chapel (which is open 24-7!). It's a cozy, secluded spot if you only have 10-15 minutes between classes.

To me, the Trojan Family is: boundless! It's said a lot, but it's true: no matter where you go, you'll find a fellow Trojan. It's the kind of random encounter that makes your day, helps form friendships and connections, and is something to carry with you forever.

My dream job would be: a pediatrician, perhaps traveling and working abroad in the field of preventative medicine. Doctors Without Borders is a distant dream!

Majors/minor: Psychology and Linguistics double major; minor in Consumer Behavior

Year in school: Senior

Hometown: Sherman Oaks, CA

My favorite class at USC is: ARLT 100: Classical and Contemporary Fairy Tales! The class examined fairy tales — something we are all familiar with — from various perspectives, evaluating the pervasive nature of their elements to reveal the overarching messages that they provide. My homework was reading Cinderella and Snow White!

I spent this past summer: providing low-income students with SAT tutoring and college mentoring. It was such a rewarding experience and definitely helped me hone my professional interests!

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: by Tommy Trojan! Not only is he the most handsome man in the world, but I love the energetic hubbub surrounding the area.

My favorite books are: the Harry Potter series because of the unbelievable way in which I'm swept into the amazing, magical world. I just can't read the books enough!

Majors: International Relations and Art History double major

Year in school: Sophomore

Hometown: Portland, OR

The thing I love most about USC Dornsife is: the variety of classes! I am always impressed by the faculty who all seem genuinely interested in what they teach and to whom they teach.

My favorite class at USC is: a Freshman Seminar called “How to Look at a Work of Art” with Professor Bleichmar. We had a small class and visited museums around LA like the Getty, the Norton Simon, and the Huntington. Our professor arranged for us to meet curators, educators, and conservators at these museums. This class made me declare my Art History major!

I spent this past summer: in Rome on an Archaeological Dig with Professor Pollini. We spent six weeks there, and it was so much fun!

My favorite things about Los Angeles are: the food, the variety of people, and the closeness to the beach!

Major: Health & Humanity major

Year in school: Senior

Hometown: Ladera Ranch, CA

My favorite class at USC is: PSYC 462: Minority Mental Health. It was fascinating to learn how cultural upbringings can affect a child's learning style and encouraged me to apply for Teach for America.

To me, the Trojan Family is: a spirited, fun-loving, intelligent, successful group of people that will support you for the rest of your life!

My favorite things about living in Los Angeles are: the easy access to theaters and museums, the wide diversity of restaurants, and the ability to drive to the mountains or the beach!

I spent this past summer: interning at Miracles for Kids and spending the rest of my time between the beach and Angel Stadium!

Majors/minor: History and Political Science double major; minor in American Popular Culture

Year in school: Senior

Hometown: Riverside, CA

My most unforgettable experience at USC (so far!) has been: studying abroad in New Zealand with the Kiwis, sheep, and Hobbits!

My favorite spot on the USC campus is: Alumni Park because of the wonderful trees and flowers that surround this central part of our beautiful campus.

My favorite things about living in Los Angeles are: the diverse culture that is just around the corner from USC; the proximity to the beach (it's the perfect place to get all my reading done!); and the entertainment industry that is just wonderful to have right in your backyard.

My favorite movie is: Forrest Gump is a movie I will drop everything for every time in order to watch.

Majors: Biological Sciences and Spanish double major

Year in school: Sophomore

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

To me, the Trojan Family is: an amazing support system and comforting reminder that I can do whatever I set my mind to. The Trojan Family is an inspiration and my motivation to succeed so that one day, I too, can give back to USC and help future Trojans. 

My favorite place to eat in Los Angeles is: Pink's! Not only do they have every possible hot dog combination but also it's really cool to see its history on its walls. 

My favorite class at USC is: Sociology 155: Immigrant America. I gained a better understanding of immigrants and how or why they assimilate into a society. My grandmother is an immigrant, and it was interesting to see common patterns between her story and the stories of other immigrants.

One of my favorite books is: Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan. It really taught me to be grateful for the opportunities I have.