A Horizon of Growth

AYA is coming to a close, the same way the sun sets over the horizon. As the sun sets over the horizon of my time in AYA, I find myself thinking and reflecting on my journey within the program. Spending 4 weeks with AYA changed me. Much like the sun’s daily cycle, my time with AYA has been filled with SO MANY memorable memories, inspiration, growth, and courage. Over the past four weeks, AYA has become a part of my life. I have made friends, faced challenges, and discovered new aspects of myself. Particularly I am reminded of my last week of AYA spending time with the admissions staff, the collaborative final group project, and the personal growth that has shaped my experience. 

  One significant movement from this week was when someone from admissions asked us to create a six-word phrase that represented us. My phrase was, “True colors come from our happiness.” This phrase has helped me discover my real purpose and what truly matters in my life. After creating my six-word phrase, I was able to focus on how to apply to USC and what USC admission considers most important. Their advice and mentorship have provided me with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges that are in my future. By engaging with them, I have learned the importance of resilience and the true reasons behind why I want to apply to USC. Their words, “You can definitely do it” gave me confidence, hope, and direction for the future. 

I feel like as soon as I become closer with people, the program ends. I think my favorite memory that I made in AYA was during my creative final group project. Our group chose to create a zine and we chose a topic that we all were interested in which was “music”. Each of us focused on a topic and customized our pages. Each page showed our unique perspective and talents, blending together into a harmonious final product that truly represented our passion. While working on the project, discussing ideas and laughing together, I felt a deep sense of connection with my group members. While our time together may be ending, the beautiful memories and connections we have created will continue to guide my path forward with them. 

During my time with AYA, I have faced various struggles that I have never faced which led to cool experiences. I was balancing my academic responsibilities, overcoming challenging moments, learning how to make podcasts, and even creative video projects which made me realize that there is nothing that I can not do. As long as I try, there will be a way for me to get through my struggles and accomplish my goals in the end. Through the lessons, I realized that all the skills I have learned during my time at AYA will influence the rest of my high school journey. Getting more comfortable with public speaking and getting connected with others is the biggest thing that I have improved throughout my journey at AYA. Moreover, the friendships and connections made this time will lead me as a support system and remind me that I am never alone in my journey. I am going to miss the memories that I made with everyone in AYA. I am going to miss making my way to lunch, listening to my two amazing professors, and meeting new guest speakers every day. I hope I can continue to have connections with my AYA members and all the guest speakers!! 

Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I am so grateful that I spent my 4 weeks of summer with AYA!!!  Just as every day must end with a sunset, the AYA program has reached its conclusions and it is time to say goodbye. Always a Trojan, forever strong! I love you USC!

FIGHT ON!!