It’s not often you meet a group of people who empower you, and basically become your family, but that’s what I discovered in my first semester. To tell you a bit about myself, I am a first generation college student. USC has been my dream. I traveled to Los Angeles earlier this month to make sure the dream was real. I picked up my student id. I then went to the wrong Annenberg building, but eventually found Dr. Weintraub. She greeted me with a big hug and immediately I knew my dream was a reality.

We chatted about the program. Then I told her I came in from Phoenix just to check out campus. I’ve been on campus several times, but this was the first as a student. I told her my trip included a visit with my Final 500 Group and she was excited. This program connected me with three people who are my Trojan family. They are my champions, supporters, and jesters.

My trip to Los Angeles was supposed to end with a visit at Amira’s house. There Matt, Marnae, Amira, and I were going to spend two hours working on our final paper for CMGT 500. Amira even went out and bought snacks. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles marathon threw a wrench into my plans and I had to leave early. But, we still met on Sunday. I was there thanks to Facetime. And, as a group we took our picture in front of Amira’s Christmas tree. (Yep, it’s still up. Although, I look at the tree like people who don’t wash their socks during playoffs, it’s a good luck charm. Amira the tree stays up for at least 12 more months.)

This program is hard, but the people you meet are amazing. The professors and staff are sincere. The cost, yeah that hurts, but to earn a degree from the University of Southern California, it will open so many doors. And, like the MasterCard commercials say.. “The chance to live your dream, priceless”.