Study Public Health
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) curriculum is for students who want to apply the degree to social and behavioral sciences, while the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is for students who are interested in a broad-based natural science.
December 19, 2024
Jaden O'Brien
Major: Public health
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
How USC changed my life: Coming into college as a first-generation student was beyond scary and I didn't think I had it in me, however USC gave me the opportunity to meet so many people, who have become not only mentors but lifelong friends. I wish I could give “freshman year me” a big hug and tell her of all the experiences she would go through here at South Carolina and how every one of them would help shape her into becoming the strong, determined, dedicated, willing and proud woman she is today.
Advice for incoming students: Enjoy not only freshman year, but all four years of college to the best of your ability. It goes by so fast and looking back, I would do anything to be sitting in my U101 class all over again learning the basics of college. Take advantage of all the events, the organizations, the sports, everything. These are the years to embrace and become your true self so don't be scared to step out of your comfort zone because there are so many people and opportunities waiting for you behind doors you haven't got to open yet.
What played a role in my success: I owe a lot of my success here at South Carolina to being a part of TRIO Opportunity Scholars program. Without this program, I am not sure I would have been able to attend my dream school nor be able to pursue the goals I have set for myself. This program showed me that even when I feel like the world is against me at times, that I constantly have people rooting for me and pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am utterly grateful for the opportunities that OSP has offered me and I will forever be thankful that they provided me the ability to attend college and get through those late nights of studying, the hard exams, the loneliness of freshman year, and most importantly, the growth I have experienced in my 3.5 years here.
What’s next? I am hoping to get straight into the world of public health, with a focus in infectious disease. I want to help better prepare our communities for disease and improve the overall wellbeing of individuals. I hope that one day, I can look back and reflect on my career proudly knowing that I helped to truly decrease the rate of disease and positively influence behaviors that promote more healthy lifestyles for those all over the country.
