Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school?

I am originally from Honolulu, Hawai'i, and spent most of my childhood living in Anchorage, Alaska and Vancouver, Washington. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, and a minor in law, societies and justice. Prior to attending USC, I worked as an education and outreach intern for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and part-time as a research assistant for Komak, a volunteer-led cancer care nonprofit.

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg?

For graduate school, I wanted a program that offered a diverse course load and the opportunity to further develop my understanding of advocacy communications. When researching USC Annenberg, I learned that the master’s program in public relations and advertising allows students to pursue concentrations in different fields of practice. I plan to specialize in civic engagement to strengthen my understanding of social responsibility and continue to develop storytelling skills that amplify underrepresented voices. The program provides a strong foundation in communications that I hope to use to increase environmental awareness and drive meaningful change throughout my career.

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

One aspect of the public relations and advertising program at USC that has stood out to me is how applicable the lessons taught in classes are to professional experiences. I know that the invaluable skills and knowledge I have gained will be useful throughout my career. I am so grateful to be a part of a program where professors are invested in student success, and peers support one another while pursuing their goals.