A Letter to My Freshman/Sophomore Self:
by Ela Rybak
I remember scrolling through Trojans 360 blogs after getting rejected from USC as a high school senior, wondering if the transfer route would really be worth it. Looking back, I wish I could tell my freshman self, and anyone reading this blog, that it absolutely was. Reading those transfer stories and seeing glimpses of life at USC, I knew this was where I was meant to be. Waiting an extra year felt like a small price to pay to reach that goal. Now, as a graduating senior, I have made some of my closest friends, landed a job in a city I have fallen in love with thanks to USC connections, become a blogger for the very platform that influenced my journey, and it all started because I chose to take the harder path.
After spending a year at community college and getting my acceptance letter to USC, I entered as a sophomore, but in many ways, I still felt like a freshman. It was my first time experiencing the traditional four-year college life, and everything felt new. I wish I had known that I wasn’t the only one struggling with impostor syndrome during that first semester, and that it is completely normal to feel a little behind. Most of all, I wish I realized sooner how important it is to stop comparing yourself to others and to reach out to professors, or other USC academic and career advisors, they are there to support you every step of the way.
When I entered the Marshall School of Business, I genuinely thought people talking about the app Handshake were referring to an actual handshake, and that there were workshops to help you perfect it. So, needless to say, I felt pretty behind in the whole career networking world. But by taking advantage of resources like the USC Career Center and Marshall-specific programs like the Career Advantage Program, I gradually found my footing. Still, the anxiety from getting rejected by multiple clubs during that first semester definitely did not make things easier. My advice? Just keep going. Keep applying, keep networking, and you will eventually find yourself where you are meant to be, both academically and professionally.
I have been extremely lucky to find an amazing group of friends, fellow transfer students, girls I met through clubs, and others from study abroad. Never feel pressured to join an organization you are not genuinely interested in! There are so many different ways to meet people at USC. Whether you are into gaming, singing, robotics, sports, or partying, USC truly has something for everyone. The club fair held at the beginning of each semester is a great place to start, but also do not be afraid to put yourself out there. Some of my closest friends came from just sitting next to them on the first day of class, you never know when you will meet someone who becomes part of your circle. One of the best parts of college is that you will keep meeting new people all the way through to graduation.
Whether you are a high school senior, a prospective transfer student, or already at USC, your feelings are valid, and you are never alone in what you are going through. There are so many people and resources here to support you along the way. College flies by faster than you think, so take time to enjoy it, embrace the challenges, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone because it is in those moments that you grow the most.
