Hey y'all, my name is Leah and after graduation, I plan on pursuing a masters in biostatistics and hope to work in pharmaceutical research. My love for crunching numbers and applying them to real-world situations has inspired my studies in statistics and public health, however, outside of class I am a huge nature-lover. In my free time I love to hike, camp and do yoga!

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Hometown: Huntersville, NC
• Major/Minor(s): Statistics | Health Promotion, Education and Behavior
• Year: Class of 2026

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Why I chose the South Carolina Honors College

During my college application process, I knew I wanted to go to a big school for everything they have to offer, however I was nervous about trying to find a community once I knew I wanted to go to USC. The Honors College was a great way for me to make a big school small and ease my nerves as I transitioned into college. My decision paid off as I’ve been able to enjoy everything that USC has to offer while also finding a close-knit community within the Honors College.

My advice for prospective students: Consider both the environment and the academics when choosing a school! During the college application process, it’s easy to get caught up in applying to the most prestigious school you can, but consider the environment and culture the school fosters instead of just its rank or reputation. Thinking about what will make you thrive for the next four years is a necessary mindset when it comes down to making your final decision.

Favorite Honors class: One of my favorite honors classes that I have taken is the American Autobiography class. This course embodied what an honors class should be; it was self-driven and completely discussion based. Reading the stories of Americans with different backgrounds and perspectives, and discussing them with my classmates, allowed me to question my ideas, and form new ones, about the "American Dream", and it provided a creative break in my STEM-heavy course load!

Favorite question during an information session: I appreciate when prospective students and their families ask how the Honors experience fits into a STEM student's schedule. Since the Honors College provides a "liberal arts" approach to education, this can be a big concern for students who are heavily STEM oriented. The smaller classes offered as Honors Versions are great for STEM students who have to take prerequisites that are typically only offered in big lecture hall settings (BIO 101, Calculus I and II, etc). Some of the Cool Courses offered may also allow STEM students to dive into their area of expertise in a new way, such as in courses like the History of Modern Medicine, or Mathematical Linguistics. Most importantly, the structure of the Honors curriculum allows students to explore classes that may not be related to their major, which can provide a break in a STEM-heavy schedule, and also show well-roundedness in a student.

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Quick Facts

My clubs and organizations:	I'm currently a student employee with Campus Rec's Outdoor Recreation program, and I'm an active member of the Mountaineering and White Water Club, Statistics Club and USC's Hillel Chapter.
Currently reading for fun:	I'm currently reading the Lord of the Rings series! I never read the book growing up, and after they had been repeatedly recommended to me, I decided to pick the series up. I can see why the series has been a favorite throughout generations!
Skill I’d like to master:	I would love to master playing the banjo! I've been learning Scruggs style banjo for a few months now and hope to become performance-ready one day.
Favorite Honors bucket list item or experience:	One of my favorite Honors experiences was the First-Year Flotilla. I love any activity that takes place outside, but paddling down the river, allowed me to see a part of Columbia I hadn't experienced when touring USC, and I was able to meet so many fellow Honors freshmen!

 

Contact Leah