marin
I chose to attend USC four years ago because of the Carolina Scholars program, and I have never once regretted that decision. At the time, I knew about the scholarship money, the
Mueller
free laptop, and all of the other included perks.
all about family. When I chose to attend USC, I defined my “Gamecock family” in the literal sense — my older sister, Megan, attended USC, and supporting the Gamecocks quickly became
However, what I didn’t know was that the pro-
M c Na i r S c h o l ar
gram would introduce me to some of the most
Plano West Senior High School Plano, Texas Economics and Marketing
high achieving and compassionate people that I have ever met. I never expected to move into my freshman dorm and immediately develop
Marin enjoyed a number of activities on the University’s Horseshoe, from shagging lessons to watching a taping of ESPN’s “College GameDay.” Although she traveled to a number of different countries during her time at USC, she always considered the Horseshoe the center of her college experience.
lifelong friendships with fellow scholars, but that is exactly what happened. Today, I can truly say that being a member of the scholar community
a family affair. During my time at USC, my family grew. The friends I made my freshman year in Maxcy, with whom I learned to navigate USC and discovered Chicken Finger Wednesday, are irreplaceable. My Omega Phi Alpha sorority sisters taught me selflessness and the value of community service, and the friends I made as a member of the Roosevelt Institute’s executive
here at USC has helped me to become a better
board challenged me to engage myself in public
person. Without the guidance and support of my
policy and work to have an impact on the world
wonderful friends and mentors, my college career
around me. Just as my peers at USC became
would not have been nearly as successful. During
my family, the Horseshoe became my home.
my time here, I was fortunate enough to study
As a USC student, I traveled to South Africa,
abroad in both Taiwan and Italy. I was even able to use my time in Taiwan to explore my interest in international health policy. I also participated in numerous community service projects as
lauren Mozingo
a member of Omega Phi Alpha service soror-
Swaziland, Mozambique, Spain, Portugal and, equally notable, Atlanta, where I watched the Gamecocks play in their first-ever appearance in the SEC championship game. Still, I always came home to the Horseshoe, where I could
ity. As graduation nears, I remain grateful for the
car o l i n a S c h o l ar
easily find a friendly face, the occasional Honors
opportunities provided for me by the Carolina
Bill Dukes/Longhorn Steaks of Columbia Scholarship Robert E. Lee Academy Lamar, S.C. Biology
Council movie night, and, for five semesters, my
Lauren’s picture was taken on the Pacific Coast of Taiwan during a summer study abroad trip.
always consider the Horseshoe home.
Scholars program and look forward to continuing my education as a Gamecock at the USC School of Medicine in the fall. Lauren will graduate with a degree in biology and a minor in medical humanities. She plans to attend medical school at the USC School of Medicine in the fall.
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For me, the University of South Carolina is
dorm room. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities provided to me during my time at the University of South Carolina, and I will
Marin graduated in December 2010 and is currently living in Durban, South Africa, where she is a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. She is pursuing a master’s degree in economic development at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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