Zachary Helsper
Currently in his final year of the Master of Education, Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program, Zachary Helsper serves students as a graduate intern for Student Support and Advocacy.
"He is doing a great job,” says Andrea Torres, director of Student Support and Advocacy. “He's very thorough and always has the students’ well-being in mind."
Helsper’s interest in student affairs began in high school. "I was involved in the associated student body at my high school and worked as a resident advisor for two years in college," he says.
Helsper earned his bachelor’s degree in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His interest in politics also dates back to high school, when he attended summer programs for the Junior Statesman Foundation. Helsper has remained involved in the program for eight years and directed this summer's program at Princeton University.
"I was the campus director and was responsible for 270 students from all over the nation as well as Guam, Macedonia and many other places," Helsper says. "It was a lot of fun."
When it comes to pursing a political career, Helsper says, "I've studied enough politics not to go into politics, but I could see getting involved some day on a local level."
In addition to his work for Student Support and Advocacy, Helsper is the residence coordinator at Century Apartments, serves on the PASA network executive board as well as volunteers as a student ambassador for the program.
"The PASA program is exactly what I was looking for," he says. "When I first came to USC, the staff and faculty made me feel so welcome."