Zuxi Zhu grew up and attended school in Tokyo, Japan. After high school, he came to the United States and started an entertainment company. He also began taking classes at East Los Angles College. Fall 2009, Zuxi closed his company and transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) as an East Asian Languages and Cultures major and United States Air Force ROTC’s cadet. His greatest reason for choosing to transfer to USC is the exceptional education that USC offers to all students. He plans to use his academic experience to help other people and serve the country. Zuxi is looking forward to the challenge of earning his Bachelor’s degree, but is most excited about becoming part of the Trojan Family.

Heng Chov grew up in Monterey Park, California where she attended Mark Keppel High School. Upon graduation, she pursued her academic career as a business major at East Los Angeles College. She recently graduated from ELAC and continued her studies as a business major at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Heng chose to transfer to USC because of the opportunity to both participate in events on campus, and the unlimited resources available to USC students. Heng understands her academic career will greatly benefit from the highly knowledgeable and experienced professors eager to help the USC student population succeed.

Juana Escobar was born in Compton and attended Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California. After graduation, she enrolled at Los Angeles City College with a passion for writing, comedy and a great interest in the entertainment industry. She is a junior-level Communication major at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication. Juana chose to attend USC because it was a goal of hers since childhood. She believes that the environment at USC is both welcoming and encouraging— professionally, academically, and socially. It is very important for Juana to represent herself well because she is the first person in her family to attend college. Juana is most excited about becoming a part of the Trojan Family and taking advantage of leadership opportunities offered. Eventually, she would like to continue her graduate studies at Annenberg and receive a Master's degree in Communication Management.

Michael Fleming is now heading into his second semester at USC and is excited to become a seasoned Trojan. Michael grew up in Los Angeles, California and attended Hamilton High School. Upon graduation he enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Michael is a Sociology major and, upon completion of his undergraduate degree, plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of a Master’s in Social Work.

After working professionally as a dancer and choreographer throughout Los Angeles, Rafael Garcia decided to achieve his long term dream of earning a B.A. He returned to school in 2005, attended Los Angeles City College and graduated with Honors with an Associate degree in Film Production. Transferring to USC has been the most rewarding journey of his life thus far. With years of amazing experiences, nothing has compared to his time here at USC. He is currently a Junior in the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts Film Production Program and is grateful for his years of dance training for giving him the discipline and work ethic necessary to tackle the high demand of the film program. As a member of the SCholars program he is excited to have the opportunity to guide others in the transfer process. He believes anyone can return to school, at any age, and achieve their goals and dreams.

Patricia Gomes is single mother with an eight-year-old daughter. She grew up in San Fernando Valley, California where she attended Canoga Park High School. Ms. Gomes successfully earned her GED from Glendale Adult Community College. Upon earning her GED, Ms. Gomes began her studies at Los Angeles City College. She transferred to USC in 2008 and is now an American Studies & Ethnicity major. Transferring to USC opened up many opportunities for Ms. Gomes. Recently, she has been working with the American Studies & Ethnicity Department on a research project that pertains to the P’urepecha community. Her goal is to document the large migration of this Native American group to an American Indian reservation in Southern California. Her research is innovative and it has received much support from professors at USC. As a result, she was encouraged to apply for a research grant to continue her studies in the spring. Ms. Gomes has seen wonderful opportunities unfold and cannot wait to see what the future will bring for herself and her daughter.

Chuck Hohng was born in 1986 in Long Beach, California. Chuck’s family moved to South Korea soon after his birth where he spent fourteen years of his life. After he finished his first year of high school at Yang-jae High School in South Korea, Chuck returned to the United States and moved to Montesano, a small town in Washington State. It was there that Chuck began to notice his potential as an artist. Upon graduation from high school, he moved to California and enrolled at Los Angeles City College with the goal of obtaining an Associate’s Degree. In 2007, Chuck decided to continue his education at the University of Southern California as a Fine Arts major. His decision to aim for a successful future and fulfill his academic goals has led him to USC and Chuck is eager to experience an academic environment that only the Trojan family can provide.

Kelli Jackson is originally from Kansas City where she attended Shawnee Mission East High School. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17 to pursue an acting career and attend school. Kelli enrolled at Los Angeles Community College and became a mentor for Speech 101. She is an actress in the Screen Actors Guild and earned the award of Top Speaker for Personal Oral Interpretation in the State of California for fall 2008. She transferred to USC in the spring of 2009 with a major in English and a minor in African American Studies with a Pre-Law emphasis. USC is where Kelli has always envisioned herself, and Kelli believes that an education at USC will provide her with a strong network of fellow Trojans to help her excel in her career goals. She is eager to get involved in many activities and plans on pledging a sorority and getting involved in sports.

Kent Kaewwaen was born in Los Angeles but raised in Thailand for ten years. Upon graduation from John Marshall High School, Kent started his college career at East Los Angeles College and studied in CADD, Engineering, and Surveying. Kent transfered to USC as a Civil Engineering major. He realized through several internships that the knowledge of the USC faculty in the Viterbi School of Engineering will undoubtedly provide the best foundation for his professional career and beyond. He is very excited to engage with the USC community and gain new knowledge.

Henry Landaverde was born in El Salvador. In 1989, Henry and his mother arrived in Los Angeles, California in search of a prosperous life. Among his friends, Henry was the only one to graduate high school. While completing his lower division requirements at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Henry made it his priority to transfer to USC. While developing a passion for the stock market, Henry decided to major in Economics to better help him understand the market. USC is known as a great school, with leaders ranging from athletics, cinema, business, and academia, and that is why Henry is part of the USC family and the next leader in his field. Upon graduation, Henry plans on beginning his career on Wall Street and eventually establishing his own fund. One of Henry’s passions is boxing, and he also plans on becoming a promoter.

Nicholas Lewis was born in Belize and grew up with his grandmother and other relatives. He attended St. Johns College and moved to the US after achieving an Associate degree in Science. He attended LATTC where he did his transfer credits and is currently a transfer student as a BIOCHEM major at USC with a Pre-Pharmacy emphasis. As an immigrant, Nicholas feels that he had difficulties adapting to his new environment. However, education is the driving force in his life and through attending LATTC, he was able to see many opportunities for success. While going to school, he wanted to work and was blessed to find employment with a wonderful company. For the past five years, Nicholas has been both working and going to school. Been a member of the Trojan family is exciting and challenging but I am fortunate to be a part of a wonderful program like the SCholars Program that offers support in every possible way. His hobbies are playing basketball, soccer and bowling.

Chrystian Alan Lopez hails from the city of San Diego, California. Upon graduation from Chula Vista School for the Creative and Performing Arts, he enrolled at Grossmont College in El Cajon, California. After one year, he moved to Los Angeles and began taking classes at Los Angeles City College. Chrystian is now enrolled as a Music Industry major at the University of Southern California. Chrystian has a variety of reasons for which he chose to attend USC, his main reason being USC’s prestigious and reputable academic history. He believes that USC can provide the type of environment where his full potential can be attained. Chrystian believes that USC offers the complete package of both academic and extra-curricular activities, and that it is one of the best universities to attend in the world. Chrystian is enthusiastic about the coming years at USC, and is elated about the opportunity to study alongside other diligent students under the guidance of renowned professors.

Vanessa Mastrapa is a native Angeleno who graduated from Ramona Convent Secondary School in Alhambra in 2003. She began her studies in Political Science and Sociology at East Los Angeles College, and continues at USC with a major in Political Science. She is very excited to become a member of the Trojan Family, and believes that with the unlimited amount of academic resources available at her fingertips she will eventually become a successful law student and attorney. You can expect that Vanessa will be active in all aspects of student life, from sporting events to academic programs, so if you see her on campus, do not hesitate to approach her friendly face.

Paula Mercado was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is a transfer student from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she obtained her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. At USC, Paula is majoring in Accounting and expects to eventually acquire her own accounting firm. Paula chose to study at the Leventhal School of Accounting (one of the nation’s top accounting schools) because it offers the finest education in Southern California and provides many challenging and positive experiences. In her spare time, Paula enjoys spending time with her eight-year old daughter who encourages Paula to work hard and obtain her goals.

Tiffany San Juan was born and raised in Monterey Park, California. After graduating from Mark Keppel High School, Tiffany attended East Los Angeles College. She challenged herself with a wide-range of courses in hopes of finding a true passion. After a year at ELAC, Tiffany took interest in both Sociology and Economics. With that in mind, Tiffany instantly found a major that combined both of her interests – International Relations (Global Business). For Tiffany, USC is more than a prestigious name. It is a top-notch institution exuding an energetic Trojan atmosphere with valuable opportunities and resources. Tiffany breathed a sigh of relief upon her acceptance to USC. She is eager to continue her academic career and excited to be a part of the Trojan family.

Adriano Santos was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At age 14, he moved to San Francisco, California where he attended Woodside High School. Upon graduation, he began his studies at Foothill College as a Biology major with the intention of going to medical school. He moved to Los Angeles in 2006 hoping to attend the prestigious University of Southern California. In Los Angeles, Adriano was given the employment opportunity of being the Property Manager of a fifty unit apartment complex. With this new opportunity, Adriano found a niche for Business. He enrolled at Los Angeles Community College with a new focus, a major in Finance and Business Economics with an emphasis on market investments, and a minor in International Relations. Adriano is excited about the rigorous business program at USC’s Marshall School of Business; he believes it will provide him with the educational backbone to allow him to be a successful professional. The education provided at USC will lead Adriano to a future with limitless opportunities, personal growth, and great accomplishments.

Martha Servin grew up in South Central Los Angeles and graduated from Huntington Park High School with honors. Instead of accepting an invitation to attend the University of Southern California after high school, Martha chose to explore the corporate world. After approximately ten years, Martha returned to her dream of completing her college education. She enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she discovered her passion to teach English to ESL adults. Martha’s lifetime goal has been to graduate from the University of Southern California. However, it is not only the prestige that attracts her to USC. As a transferring English major, Martha has found no other school that compares with the extensive teaching credentials provided by the USC Rossier School of Education. The overwhelming satisfaction of finally being able to reach her educational goals as part of the Trojan family motivates Martha as she looks forward to the upcoming year.

Aurora Uribe grew up in Los Angeles County where she attended Bell High School. Upon graduation, she continued her studies as a Business Administration major at East Los Angeles College, where she received her Associate's Degree. She has currently begun her academic career at the University of Southern California where she will continue her studies in Accounting. She chose to attend USC because of the exceptional education and opportunities it provides its students. Aurora is looking forward to making the most of her university experience and engaging with the community of professors and students at USC.

Issac Vermillion was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent much of his youth in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as Chicago, Illinois. Once Issac returned to Los Angeles, he attended Roosevelt High School and, soon after, began working full time to help his family. Issac decided to return to his educational goals and attends USC as a transfer student from East Los Angeles College. He studies Business/Finance at USC’s Marshall School of Business, and hopes to have a career in Public Accounting before starting up his own real estate investment group. Attending USC has been a lifelong dream for Issac and he is looking forward to the opportunity of networking with Trojans from all over the world. What excites Issac most about the years to come is the fact that he can use his experience at USC as a way to mentor youth in his community of East Los Angeles.

Connie Wong was born and raised in Monterey Park, California, known on Wikipedia as the “community in the United States with the largest population of Chinese descent”. There, she graduated from Mark Keppel High School in 2007 and decided college would begin through the transfer route. She moved on to East Los Angeles College as a Business major with high hopes of one day attending the University of Southern California. Now, one year after she began her training at ELAC, she is a second semester sophomore in the Marshall School of Business. Connie is a member of her dormitory's building government, Colleges Against Cancer, and the SCholars Program, where she has found remarkable resources, guidance, excitement, and encouragement. Connie is preparing to become a Residential Advisor and furthering her portfolio as she sets her goals on one day managing an events production and coordinating agency.

Roland Zapata grew up and attended school in Baldwin Park, California. After high school, he joined the Marine Corps and later began taking classes at East Los Angeles College. At ELAC, Roland earned an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and has transferred to the University of Southern California as a Psychology major. His greatest reason for choosing to transfer to USC is the exceptional education that USC offers to all of its students. He plans to use his academic experience to help others through a career in academic counseling. Roland is looking forward to the challenge of earning his Bachelor’s degree, but is most excited about becoming part of the Trojan Family.

Tina Zeng grew up in Alhambra, CA and attended Alhambra High School where she was highly involved in student government, serving as ASB President and Class President her senior year. Upon graduating from Alhambra High, she attended East Los Angeles College for one year and transferred to the University of Southern California where she now pursues a major in Communications and a minor in Art History. Tina has presented her research findings at the University of California at Irvine and participated in a summer research program at the University of California at Berkeley. From these two experiences, Tina decided that attending graduate school is a must in her academic career and believes that attending East Los Angeles College was the catalyst that moved her to pursue higher academics. Tina’s life goal is to hold a career related to the arts and show others its beauty, educational value, and power to transform the human heart. She is a proud member of the SCholars program and the Trojan family! Fight on!

Brenda Alfaro grew up in the Pico-Union area near USC. After graduating from Belmont High School she took time off school to be a stay-at-home mom. After a few years, she attended Los Angeles Southwest College and from there transferred to USC to study History. Brenda is currently entering her senior year at USC. She hopes to obtain a B.A. in Social Studies and History Education. She plans to attend graduate school and receive her Master’s in Education and a Teaching Credential so that she can teach History at the high school level.

Danilo Amaya grew up in the West Adams neighborhood just a couple of miles west of USC and attended Manual Arts High School just a mile south of USC. Although always close to the university, he never thought he would have the opportunity to attend USC. While attending East Los Angeles Community College, Danilo realized that the school that would best serve him in attaining his goals and fit his personality would be the school that had been closest to him all his life, the University of Southern California. Danilo transferred to USC in the summer of 2007 and is majoring in Architecture. Since then, Danilo has not only focused on his academic endeavors but has also been involved in many extracurricular activities through the various on-campus organizations and events the university has to offer. Danilo is a member of the American Institute of Architects Students chapter and, in the fall of 2008, he joined Lambda Theta Phi, a historically Latin fraternity. Danilo feels that one of the greatest assets USC has to offer is the various diverse clubs and organizations that have something to offer to everyone and only make attending USC that much more special. After the privilege of attending USC, Danilo plans to become a licensed architect and eventually start his own practice where he can design, develop, own, and sell his own projects.

Stephanie Garcia grew up in Hollywood, California. She attended Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. After high school, she attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; however, for personal reasons, she decided to leave Michigan and continue her education at Los Angeles City College. Stephanie transferred to USC in the fall of 2007 and is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and a minor in Communication and the Entertainment Business. She chose to enroll at USC because she was impressed with the friendly, helpful administration and faculty members, and because she wants to become a part of the huge alumni association. On campus, Stephanie is involved with a number of organizations including the SCholars Program, the Marshall School of Business Cohort Program, and the Latino Business Student Association. She is also the recipient of the Mexican American Alumni Association scholarship. Stephanie plans to continue to build upon her success at USC by one day being the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or the President of a prestigious university.

Silvia Green grew up in Huntington Park, California – a predominantly Latino community in the outskirts of Los Angeles where she attended Huntington Park High School. Five years after finishing high school, Silvia enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she completed her Associate degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Liberal Arts. She then transferred to USC where she is majoring in Anthropology with a minor in American Studies and Ethnicity. Silvia chose to attend USC not only for its reputation of excellence but for its challenging educational atmosphere and its diverse student body, faculty and staff. She found that USC offers exceptional programs in the areas she is interested in studying, which are Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, and Journalism. Silvia plans to pursue a PhD in Anthropology after completing her undergraduate studies. She also hopes to study various cultures in different parts of the world and to someday teach at a university.

Ke’lona Hamilton, although born in Seattle, Washington and having spent much of her childhood there, has spent the last decade and a half of her life right here in sunny California. Having moved here when she was only eleven years old, she feels that the most important and impactful years of her life took place here on the streets of Los Angeles. Ke’lona attended Inglewood High School and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. She transferred to USC during the fall of 2007 and is majoring in English with a Creative Writing emphasis. She chose USC because of its high standards in education, its unmistakable prestige, and its outstanding commitment to diversity and community awareness. Ke’lona is a member of the SCholars Program, the Muslim Student Organization, the Joint Educational Project, and is a recipient of the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund scholarship. Ke’lona’s goals are to attain her PhD and to teach Creative Writing at the university level.

Narciso Robles grew up in south Central Los Angeles where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School. After graduation, Narciso's priorities were focused towards his family's immediate financial needs, so he joined the workforce. Being employed for several years in different jobs, Narciso decided to attend Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to further his education. Narciso was accepted to USC's Marshall School of Business where he is an Accounting major. He always had a fondness for the business fields because of the broad opportunities it provided. Narciso then found that accounting was what interested him the most because of the detailed knowledge it provided in all aspects of business. Upon graduating from USC, Narciso plans to become a business consultant and subsequently to attain a postgraduate degree.

Eunice Velarde is a hard-working student and a mother of two children. After completing high school, Eunice attended East Los Angeles College where she graduated with an Associate Degree in Chicano Studies. As a child, Eunice had hopes of attending college but, due to her immigrant status, she was uncertain if she would ever reach that goal. She was always encouraged to work hard and prepare herself for the possibility of continuing her education. She encountered many obstacles and disappointments along the way but her love and commitment to her family and her community gave her the strength to persevere. She was accepted during spring 2008 to the University of Southern California. She is a Pre-Law student majoring in American Studies and Ethnicity with an emphasis in Chicano Studies. She is especially proud to be the first in her family to attend college, and is highly motivated and appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the SCholars Program. Aware that she has reached many of her goals through the support of her family, close friends, and mentors, Eunice hopes to follow their example to become a successful advocate and mentor for others in similar situations. Eunice is currently working towards a career in immigration law.

Alicia Villa was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. She is the daughter of an immigrant single mother. At the age of ten, along with her two brothers, she came to the United States to join her mother. Despite the struggles and the hardships, she attended Downtown Magnet High School. Although she was unable to attend college after high school, she successfully co-founded a non-profit project by the name of Por Una Sonrisa. Years later, Alicia was able to enroll in Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she became an honor student, member of the Puente and SCholars Club, and President of the Business Club, SIFE. Now at USC, she plans to focus her studies on international business. Alicia chose USC not only because of the great discounted football tickets but also because she wants to graduate from one of the top business schools in the country.