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Graduating seniors in a wide range of majors demonstrate the power of a liberal arts education. [10 min read]

As USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences prepares to celebrate its graduates, 10 exceptional seniors have earned a special place of honor as Dornsife Scholars.

Selected for their successes in educational fields that address both national and global questions of human value and social challenges, the students each will receive $10,000 to be used to continue their studies as graduate students and emerging professionals.

Virginia BullingtonMajor: Narrative StudiesMinor: International RelationsGPA: 3.95

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

USC Dornsife has prepared me impeccably well to enact meaningful change in the world because as a student in the largest, most diverse school at USC, I have been exposed to a range of perspectives and experiences. I never felt pigeon-holed or confined to one narrow career or academic path, rather USC Dornsife encouraged me to explore. Without having the opportunity to explore, I would not have been able to develop the strong sense of identity and conviction in who I am, what I am compelled by and where I see myself. These convictions will be essential as I seek to continue studying violent conflict and mass atrocity and how to implement solutions, thus maximizing the benefits of my education.

Gloria ChengMajor: Health and Human Sciences (pre-med and psychology emphasis)GPA: 3.80

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

The collective global and local experiences serving underserved populations informed my future aspirations to advocate in the health policy and non-profit sectors as a doctor in organizations such as the World Health Organization.

Thomas KimMajor: International RelationsMinor: Environmental StudiesGPA: 3.989

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

What made my time as a Dornsife student unique was its experiential learning. From Thematic Options interdisciplinary mental gymnastics, I learned how to analyze and synergize complex arguments. My internship with [USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies] inspired me to fight for sustainability and against inequality. The Arctic [Problems Without Passports] left me with a greater appreciation of not only the existential threat of climate change, but also empathy and the importance of mental health. My time as a Global East Asia Scholar in Japan reminded me of the joy of exploring other cultures, despite what others say about rising global populism. Cambridge University as a study abroad student opened my eyes to the perfect career avenue to make change: international law. And joining undergraduate research with the Arctic policy research team gave me perspective into how narratives are crafted and perpetuated in the international system. Each experience taught me a unique lesson in making a difference. As a senior whose last semester has been interrupted in the most unexpected way, I leave USC into a world changed by a pandemic. However, these lessons will stay with me, informing and keeping me grounded, as I strive forward to accomplish my lifelong goal, and consequently fulfill the Dornsifes commitment, to save the world.

Samantha KosaiMajor: SociologyGPA: 3.94

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

All of my experiences as a Dornsife student have made me more empathetic, inquisitive, and empowered by the many facets in which I hope to make a difference. After a few years working as a research assistant, I hope to earn a Ph.D. in sociology and begin a career as a professor researching and teaching about social inequality in our carceral, education, and health care systems. My dream is to continue working on studies, like my current honors thesis, that can be used to inform policies that protect our most vulnerable populations. My desire to make a difference in this world has been fostered by all the people I have been privileged to interact with as a Dornsife student; it only feels right that I pass along their kindness and support to the next generation of leaders.

Rae LanMajor: NeuroscienceGPA: 4.0

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

Like myself, David Dornsife won national titles as a USC student-athlete, and the Dornsifes have long been a leading supporter of the USC neuroscience program. Moreover, the World Vision humanitarian programs supported by the Dornsifes align with the global health policy proposals and health systems research I carried out abroad. The Dornsife legacy has framed so many of my experiences these past four years. From the tennis court to the lab, from the classroom to the community, from Southern California to England, I will continue to make connections wherever I go and to translate my educational excellence into real-world impact.

Jenna MazzaDouble Major: International Relations and SpanishGPA: 3.88

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

From my time with the Global Womens Narratives Project to Dornsife Study Abroad to working with Los Angeles immigrants as a part of my upper division international relations coursework in forced migration, my Dornsife experience has formulated my lifes commitment to support all women both through one-on-one interactions and policy measures.

Sameer Nair-DesaiDual Major: Economics and International Relations (Global Business)GPA: 3.94/4.0

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

As the Dornsifes noted, To see the results of your efforts improving someones life is something you wont ever forget. My time at Dornsife has pushed me towards this same realization. Often, those excluded from education are not undeserving, but rather underserved. I strongly believe talent and hard work should dictate life outcomes, not the birth lottery. [USC Dornsife] has motivated, educated and prepared me towards realizing this vision.

Erin PinedaMajor: International RelationsGPA: 3.905

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

Through scholarships like SOAR [Student Opportunities for Academic Research], the School of International Relations Internship Fund, and the Hovel Scholarship for German Studies, USC Dornsife opened the door to opportunities that helped me discover my passion for immigration issues, which I will use to advocate for immigration reform in the U.S. To accomplish this goal, I will go to law school and later join the Department of Homeland Security to draft policies that are more just and human-rights-oriented than the legislation currently governing the U.S. immigration system. While conducting interviews with Venezuelan immigrants in Peru, I witnessed first-hand the power of public policy to positively impact peoples lives. Because of the well-rounded and globally-oriented education I received as a Dornsife student, I feel well-equipped to apply the lessons learned abroad and the expertise.

Lisa de RafolsDouble Major: Economics and International RelationsMinor: FrenchGPA: 3.74

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

Dornsife gave me a dynamic space to find my academic footing and then the concrete pathways to explore my interests and satiate my curiosity. Having zeroed in on the field I would like to work in after I graduate, my perspective on the subject has been indelibly shaped by my time as a Dornsife student. Beyond the impact of my experiences abroad through USC Dornsife, my time on campus was equally consequential: The critical thinking skills I learned in my Thematic Option courses will allow me to dig deeper when trying to find solutions for climate refugees, my courses on Francophone literature will provide an insight into the connections between refugee and diaspora communities, the econometrics I learned as an economics major will allow me to evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions the list could go on and on. Ultimately, I am convinced that I will always carry the ethos of USC Dornsife with me long after I leave this campus.

Megan SmithDouble Major: International Relations (honors) and FrenchGPA: 3.878/4.0

Scholarly Work, Volunteerism, Awards and Achievements:

The education I have received from USC Dornsife pushed me to be courageous in my learning and gain tools integral to professionalizing my passion. Now, I am emboldened as a global citizen to take risks and trust my voice as I continue my pursuit of forming peace.

About the program

The Dornsife Scholars program honors Dana and David Dornsife, renowned philanthropists with the highest regard for education. Available exclusively to outstanding graduating seniors whose major courses of study are at USC Dornsife, the program underscores the importance of core academic disciplines of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and the advances that allow for improving the lives of people and addressing pressing global problems.

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