My name is Dylan, and I’m from El Cerrito, California. I’m a senior majoring in Environmental Studies at USC, where I’m involved in both academics and campus life. I play on the USC Women’s Club Soccer Team and love staying active through running, hiking, and spending time outdoors. When I’m not studying cities, climate, and community systems, you can usually find me at the beach, exploring LA with friends, shopping at the Americana, or having cozy nights in cooking and watching movies. I love connecting with new people and sharing what makes USC feel like home.

Hometown

El Cerrito, California

Major(s)

Environmental Studies

Minor(s)

Spanish

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Women's Club Soccer Tesm

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was intimidating and overwhelming at first, especially as a shy middle child from a small private high school. Being in an environment with so many people and so many diverse opportunities, I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to follow. It took me a few weeks to get situated, but I eventually fell in love with my community. I felt supported and seen, and slowly came out of my shell. I joined the women's club soccer team, where I met some of my closest friends. I attended BSA events to connect with my Black community on campus, and I embraced my studies. USC became more than just a school, but a loving home.

Tip for future students

My main tip for future students is to make the most of your time at university. While this sounds cliché, this couldn't be truer. University is full of opportunities, exciting changes, and fun adventures. Even if you try 10 clubs just to find one you like, it's worth it once you find your community and something that fulfils you during your college experience. There are so many chances to make friends, network, create, and work towards something you're passionate about, and USC caters to all of these opportunities to guide students towards extracurriculars that feel authentic and meaningful to students.

Favorite class

SPAN 385 - The Culture of Food in Hispanic Los Angeles. This was my favorite class because each week we would discuss different foods from different cultures and how they are presented and represented throughout the city of LA. The most exciting part of the class was the field trips every other week to try different local foods at cafes, restaurants, panderias, food trucks, markets, etc. Being able to taste and experience the food and culture we discuss in class was an excellent opportunity to connect class content to real-world scenarios.

Career goals

I hope to attend grad school for a master's in public policy or public administration. After that, I am interested in careers such as sustainability management, environmental or climate policy, and environmental consulting or compliance.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Hanging out and talking with close friends, watching a movie maybe or going on a drive and getting snacks.

High school or secondary school

Saint Mary's College Highschool in Albany California