Version 1:

I take a deep breath as I step off the plane. Now that I'm in California, everything feels
different. The air is warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and the possibilities appear
limitless. I can't help but feel excited and anticipatory as I make my way to the University
of Southern California. This is where I'll leave my imprint. This is where I'm going to take
my journey to the next level.

As a student leader and volunteer, my journey has taken me from the heart of Ohio to
the rolling hills of Scotland, from designing architectural marvels to cleaning up local
rivers, from managing clinics in Seoul to launching business ventures with my peers.
Every step of the way has taught me important lessons about leadership, creativity, and
the value of hard work.

The Common Cent Investment Club started it all. Each week, I eagerly attended
meetings, discussing recent market news and experimenting with new investment
strategies with my fellow members. I was like a sponge, soaking up all the knowledge
and experience I could get. The mock stock trials were where I truly shone, confidently
analyzing financial data and making strategic investments.

But my interest in economics and finance was not limited to the clubhouse. I designed,
manufactured, and marketed school spirit wear as president of the Business &
Marketing Club. My creativity and strategic thinking made the difference, as I used my
abilities to instill a love of economics and finance in my peers. We explored business
and global markets together, hoping for a better future.

But I wasn't content to just fantasize. As a volunteer, I have made a difference both
locally and internationally, from cleaning up rivers in Ohio to providing medical services
in Seoul. I learned the value of giving back and making a positive impact while working
as an associate at Dr. Jo's Seoul Dental Clinic, managing operations at Dr. Oh's
Gynecology Clinic, and assisting at Reann Aesthetic Skin Clinic.
I now have a sense of purpose as I walk onto the USC campus. This is where I'll take my
passion a step further. This is where I will truly make a difference in the world.

The mission of USC Dornsife is based on the creation, preservation, and communication
of fundamental knowledge in all of its forms. The faculty at USC Dornsife strive to instill
in each student a love of critical thinking, a deep understanding of the problems and
aspirations of human societies past and present, as well as a lifelong passion for
learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.
I can see everything now. A college with an internationally renowned faculty and
undergraduate and graduate education programs that are ranked among the best in the
world.

A place where scholars conduct outstanding research and teaching, propelling them to
the forefront of their fields. An institution whose undergraduate student quality will
continue to rise, eventually matching that of the most selective colleges. USC Dornsife
will provide academic excellence as well as unique learning opportunities that connect
classroom learning with real-world challenges.

Because 21st-century discovery and innovation occur at the intersections of disciplines,

our doctoral programs will evolve to prioritize the most advanced interdisciplinary
topics that value modeling and computation. Because Los Angeles is the city of the
future, with a diversity that we strive to emulate, USC Dornsife will prioritize diversity at
all levels.

And what about the office of Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS)? They oversee University-
wide programs open to all USC undergraduates, such as General Education and
Freshman Seminar. They provide programs, such as the Interdisciplinary Major, that
allow individual students to propose their own curricula. They create or assist in the
creation of interdisciplinary majors and minors, such as Narrative Studies and Health
and Humanity, and minors in Critical Approaches to Leadership and Forensic Science.

______

Version 2:

I can't help but feel a strong sense of appreciation as I consider my experiences as a

student leader and volunteer throughout the years. I have learned a lot about leadership,
creativity, and hard work from my travels from Ohio to Scotland, my employment
building architectural wonders, and my voluntary work cleaning up local waterways. But
it was my involvement in the Business & Marketing Club and the Common Cent
Investment Club that sparked my interest in economics and finance and finally
convinced me to transfer to USC to seek a degree in economics.

I still recall the thrill I experienced at the Common Cent Investment Club meetings each
week as I engaged in lively discussion with my fellow participants about current market
developments and potential new investment avenues. The mock stock trials were
particularly exciting for me since they helped me refine my abilities to analyze financial
data and make wise choices. I was able to demonstrate my originality and strategic
thinking while serving as the president of the Business & Marketing Club by designing,
producing, and marketing school spirit apparel. I also started a study club where I and
my classmates discussed business and international markets, sparking a passion for
economics and finance that still motivates me now.

My experiences, however, go much beyond what I learn at school and in the club room. I
have contributed as a volunteer both locally and internationally, from cleaning up rivers
in Ohio to offering healthcare in Seoul. I have learned the value of giving back and
having a good influence, whether I was working as an associate at Dr. Jo's Seoul Dental
Clinic, managing operations at Dr. Oh's Gynecology Clinic, or assisting at Reann
Aesthetic Skin Clinic.

I am excited to join an organization that shares my ideals and desire to improving

society as I consider transferring to USC to pursue a degree in Economics. I strongly
identify with USC's mission to develop, preserve, and disseminate fundamental
knowledge in all of its forms, as well as its dedication to inspiring in each student a
deep appreciation for critical thinking and an in-depth comprehension of the issues and
aspirations of human societies, both past and present.

I intend to major in economics in order to eventually contribute to the field of global

economics and health. It is possible to accomplish this goal at USC because of its
dedication to academic excellence, unique learning opportunities that connect
classroom learning with real-world problems, and vision to become one of the nation's
top colleges of letters, arts, and sciences within a private research university.
I am thrilled to have the chance to suggest my own courses through the Interdisciplinary
Major program at USC through the Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) office. This will
enable me to take advantage of USC's outstanding instructors and resources while also
allowing me to customize my education to meet my unique interests and professional
objectives.

My enthusiasm for economics and finance, along with my experiences in leadership,

innovation, and hard work, have well-prepared me for the chances and challenges that
lie ahead. I am sure that by transferring to USC to study Economics, I will be able to
continue having a positive influence on the world and to help USC achieve its vision of
being one of the best colleges of letters, arts, and sciences in the country inside a
private research university.