Ask me about...
Sustainability on campus, club sports and study abroad!
Hello! My name is Ella, I’m a junior from the south suburbs of Chicago. I’m pursuing a BARSC degree in environmental policy and conservation, with a specific interest in renewable energy. I love being outside, spending too much money on coffee and riding horses.
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Hometown: Flossmoor, Illinois
- Major: Environmental Policy and Conservation (BARSC)
- Year: Class of 2026
Why I chose the South Carolina Honors College
Throughout high school I was in the IB program, and I really thrived in that environment. I was looking for something like that in college, and found that the structure of Honors is very similar. I love having a balance between the feeling of a big and small school. In Honors we benefit from small class sizes, personable professors and a close knit community, but also having that bigger, SEC school experience with student organizations, social events and sports.
My advice for prospective students: It’s easy to compare yourself to other applicants, friends or current students at a school you want to attend. It’s cliché, but true, that comparison is the thief of joy. It truly doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing, what they think, or how you measure up. This decision is yours, and should be authentic to you. We’re all on our own paths, and you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be so long as you focus on what is important to you!
Favorite Honors class: Green Technology in Germany because we volunteered with a local orchard to organize a native seed swap, learned about renewable energy, and the professor of this class leads a Maymester to Germany every year that I had the pleasure of going on!
Favorite question during an information session: What is a BARSC degree?
These degrees are bachelors of arts and sciences, and are essentially a design your own major! If, a few semesters into your undergraduate degree, you settle on a specific post graduate career path which can't be prepared for through a traditional major or minor, you can apply for a BARSC degree. These degrees are exclusive to Honors students, and offer a unique opportunity to tailor your studies to a more specific goal.
Quick Facts
| My clubs and organizations: |
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| Favorite place for lunch on or near campus: | Drip Coffee |
| Favorite study music: | The score for La La Land |
| Currently reading for fun: | Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer |
| Skill I’d like to master: | Rollerblading |
Contact Ella
Ella is currently abroad and not able to respond to emails. Please feel free to message another one of our ambassadors - we are happy to help!