Transfer Talk Tuesdays: Being a First Generation Student at USC
Transfer Talk Tuesdays are a series of personal blogs where current USC transfer students dive deeper into their real-life stories, perspectives, and experiences in transferring to USC. Note that each transfer application is unique and there are no guaranteed paths to transfer. For guidance on how to put together a competitive transfer application, please review our Transferring to USC brochure.
Hi, my name is Tyler and I am currently a junior at the University of Southern California studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I transferred from Irvine Valley College (IVC) after de-committing from another institution at the start of the 2020 pandemic. Because I had a lot of AP credits, I was able to complete half of my bachelor’s degree in one year out of high school.
Why did I decide to transfer to USC (generally)?
Weeks before committing to USC, I actually signed a letter of intent to attend another institution. Once I received my USC admission letter, I changed my mind because I felt so much more welcomed at USC. When I reached out to guidance counselors at USC, they immediately got back to me and offered to hop on a Zoom call to discuss several questions I had.
What were your initial concerns about transferring?
I was initially concerned about finding a community at USC since the school was still hybrid when I got on campus in Fall 2021. I remember attending 15 different club information sessions to see which was the best fit for me. By putting myself out there, I was able to find a home within a home at USC. I am now actively involved in Sigma Eta Pi, Trojan Investing Society, SC Auto Society, Family Business Society, and various other organizations.
My perspective as a transfer student to USC.
Coming to USC as a low-income, first-generation college student, I felt incredible pressure to do well in school so I could eventually find success in the workforce. My parents encouraged me to stay focused, but they never pushed me as much as I pushed myself.
As the oldest of three brothers, I always felt that I had an obligation to set a good example for my siblings. The truth is that I often felt lost. I had questions that I didn’t know the answers to. I had a lot of sleepless nights trying to balance my busy schedule. While I had two younger brothers looking up to me for help, I didn’t have anyone with whom I could go to for support and advice.
Unable to receive aid from my family, I looked externally. With the support of the USC network, I was able to find mentors both on and off campus. Whether it was reaching out for informational interviews, coffee chats, or just asking for advice, I can’t thank USC enough for all the great people I’ve met.
To me, college was never about just getting a degree – it was about breaking generational curses. My mindset was to succeed or else. Due to my family’s financial situation, I didn’t have a safety net or anything to fall back on. I often stare into the abyss of my bedroom ceiling, reminding myself that If I didn’t see things through at USC, I would never be able to alleviate my parents’ financial stress back at home.
Throughout undergrad, I worked various jobs and pursued different side hustles to pay for school expenses and to stay afloat. As I worry about my upcoming exams, club meetings, career recruiting, and having fun on a Friday night like any other twenty-year-old, I am also stressing about how I am going to pay for next month’s rent.
Still, I believe there is beauty in the struggle. Yes, there are setbacks to being a low-income first-generation student, but there are also great upsides.
I have become resilient and recognize that there are things in life you can and can’t control. You can’t control where you come from and the financial situation you are born into, but you can control your future and your attitude.
When things get tough, I remind myself that I am privileged to attend one of the greatest institutions in the world. I am surrounded by some of the most ambitious people who are going to change the world for the better. I draw inspiration from those around me and stay positive no matter the situation.
I am grateful for everything I have and am always looking to pay it forward. I don’t take anything for granted and know that it can all disappear in the blink of an eye.
One last piece of advice I have for both current and prospective students is:
Tomorrow isn’t promised. Seize the day. Control the controllables. Stay optimistic. When things get tough, don’t give up. You already have a friend in me!
Written by: Tyler Vo, Class of 2024