Honors Orientation brings together everything you’ve learned so far about joining
the Gamecock and Honors communities this fall. At Honors Orientation, you will hear
from Honors upperclassmen, find out more about the Honors experience, and learn how
to get involved within the Honors community. This is also an opportunity to ask questions
after completing Honors advising and taking part in UofSC’s New Student Orientation.
Honors Orientation is incorporated into your two-day New Student Orientation session.
The Honors presentation will take place on Day 2 of your registered session. Attendance at the Honors Orientation presentation is required for all incoming Honors
freshmen.
Summer 2022 Honors Orientation Leaders
Gabby Cruz
Sophomore | Anthropology | Hometown: Columbia, SC
Hi! My name is Gabby Cruz (she/her) and I’m a sophomore from Columbia, SC. This semester
I will be participating in archeology research as well as playing for our women’s
club Ultimate Frisbee team and working as a DJ for the university’s radio station.
I spend a lot of my time during the week in the Thomas Cooper library, and on the
weekends I’m usually hanging around Columbia trying to find new hidden gems. My favorite
part about UofSC is the opportunities provided to explore interests, whether that
be academically with the amazing faculty here or personally through the various clubs,
sports, and events offered year-round.
Sophomore | Major: Mass Communications | Minor: History | Pre-law | Hometown: Irmo,
SC
Hi! My name is Norah Dixon (she/her), and I am from Irmo, South Carolina. I am a rising
sophomore in the Honors College on the pre-law track. The Honors College has provided
me with amazing opportunities to explore my interests in law, mass communications,
and history. For example, I was trained to give tours of the Anne Frank Center through
an honors service-learning course; I am in the State Government Program, the Black
Honors Caucus, and a Gamecock Guide for the Student Success Center. On campus, I love
going to the Strom and Blatt fitness centers, reading a book with a warm cup of tea,
and going to exciting campus events!
Sophomore | Mass Communications | Hometown: Blythewood, SC
Hi, my name is Elena Keller (she/her)! I’m a rising sophomore from a small town right
outside of Columbia. I’m a news writer for the Daily Gamecock, our student-led newspaper
here on campus. When I'm not in class, you can find me hanging out with friends at
Cool Beans, getting a giant cinnamon roll from Cinnamon Roll Deli, or watching the
campus squirrels on the horseshoe. My favorite thing about UofSC is the amazing community
here on campus that makes you feel at home. Feel free to reach out through social
media!
Fun facts:
I love to bake.
I have a blind-deaf-albino dog (unfortunately not named Helen).
Hi! My name is Mahi (she/her), and I am a rising junior at the Honors College from
Lexington, South Carolina. I aspire to work in the product management side of the
tech industry, and you can find me planning/managing various events for various organizations
I am a part of on campus like the Honors Peer Mentorship Program, Deans Council, and
Women in Computing. One of my favorite events to plan in the Honors College was the
Honors Gala! My hobbies include drawing, design, and writing and of course, coding!
I have been able to explore all these interests through various UofSC opportunities
and I am excited to share all that UofSC and specifically the Honors College can do
for you!
Fun facts:
I have a twin brother who also goes to USC.
I enjoy drawing and art.
My favorite food is any kind of pasta.
Favorite pastime is watching different documentaries about different things.
Hey! My name is Aman (he/him) and I am a rising sophomore from Orangeburg, SC. I am
a first-gen student, and I am excited about serving as an Honors Orientation Leader!
This summer I am involved in undergraduate research in the College of Pharmacy and
the College of Social Work. I am in the Gamecock Pharmacy Assurance Program and I
plan on starting Pharmacy School in Fall 2023. I will also be a Resident Mentor in
the Honors Residence Hall in the Fall. In my free time, I love volunteering at my
local library, cooking, exercising, and watching basketball.
Sophomore | Public Health | Hometown: Lexington, SC
Hi! My name is Laura (she/her), and I am a rising sophomore here at the Honors College!
I am a Public Health major with a double minor in Biology and Medical Anthropology
on the pre-med track. I was fortunate to find a faculty mentor on campus and am involved
in health disparities and infectious disease research in the Department of Epidemiology
and Biostatistics! Keeping a balanced lifestyle while in college is important and
weekends are a great time to explore and develop your social lives! I am always hanging
out with friends and trying various off-campus restaurants. Don’t be shy to reach
out as I am very excited to spend the summer with y’all!
