Major: Master of Social Work
Hometown: New York
How USC changed my life: The University of South Carolina unbelievably changed my life. It didn’t just give me an education - it gave me purpose, direction and a deep sense of belonging. Through every challenge, every late-night study session and every uplifting conversation, I was transformed. USC helped me grow not only as a student but as a person. It shaped the way I see the world and showed me just how strong and capable I really am. This place has helped mold me into the person I prayed to become — someone who can lead with compassion, serve with strength and stand resilient in the face of any challenge.
A favorite memory: My favorite memories at USC have definitely been the bonding experiences with everyone in the cohort. We’ve built something truly special — not just a shared love for social work, but a deep respect for one another’s struggles, triumphs and stories. We were each other’s safe space on the hard days and our loudest cheerleaders on the good ones. That kind of community — that kind of love — is rare, and I will carry it with me forever.
Advice for incoming students: To all incoming students — have fun. Seriously. College will stretch you, challenge you and sometimes overwhelm you, but don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Make time for joy, for rest, for those little moments that make you laugh or bring peace to your heart. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Let yourself breathe. Let yourself be human. You’re allowed to grow and enjoy the process.
What I’ve learned about myself: The most important thing I’ve learned about myself is that I am resilient. Truly resilient. I faced trials, doubts and setbacks, but I’ve also found strength I didn’t know I had. There were days when giving up felt easier, but I kept going. And every step forward, reminding me that my story isn’t defined by struggle —it’s defined by how I rise.
What helped me succeed: First and foremost, God has been the center and foundation of my success at USC. Through every obstacle, I leaned on my faith, and He never let me down. Beyond that, I am forever grateful to every professor who poured into me — your encouragement on my low days meant everything. Camea Cato, my advisor, has been my No. 1 supporter. She met me exactly where I was but never left me there — always gently pushing me toward growth. Rhonda DiNovo walked this entire path with me, even from as far away as Germany, and her presence has been a constant comfort. Michael Ottone, your wise words stayed with me and helped ground me. And to my MSW cohort — thank you for being my people. You were there when I needed you the most, and I’ll always hold you close to my heart. To everyone else who played a role in this journey — even if I didn’t name you, please know that you were seen, and you were appreciated.
What’s next: After graduation, I will be commissioning as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. It’s an incredible honor and responsibility, and I plan to carry everything I’ve learned here into my service. The tools USC gave me — the empathy, the resilience, the knowledge, the leadership — will guide me as I continue to serve and support others. I’m stepping into this next chapter with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude.