
Cassidy Evans, President of Carolina Judicial Council |
What was your favorite memory from your sophomore year?
My favorite memory from sophomore year was being elected the Vice President of Creed Week for the Carolina Judicial Council. This was the initial position that set me up to be involved in what I am now at USC and I learned a lot in that position that helped develop me into who I am now.
What are some of the challenges you faced as a sophomore?
One of the challenges I faced as a sophomore was staying focused on academics rather than all of the extra curricular activities that I was involved with. I am a big believer that true learning happens outside of the classroom, by doing service or participating in meaningful organizations on campus, but you cannot forget about the classroom learning experience either.
If you could give USC sophomores one piece of advice, what would it be?
There are three things you should learn at college (taken from Dr. Fowler):
- How to think.
- How to read and write properly.
- Who you are as a person and what you believe in.
Anything else you pick up in the classroom is just a bonus.
Who are some of the people who influenced you the most during your sophomore year?
Scott Lewis. He was my University 101 professor and then became my advisor for the Carolina Judicial Council. I would not be where I am today without his advice and influence.
What was your major during your sophomore year? What career were you pursuing?
My major sophomore year was International Studies and I was planning on attending law school after undergrad. |

Andrew Gaeckle,
Student Body President |
What was your favorite memory from your sophomore year?
My favorite memory of my sophomore year was studying abroad in Dakar, Senegal. This experience was one of the most influential in my entire college career.
What are some of the challenges you faced as a sophomore?
Some challenges that I faced my sophomore year included my new and unfamiliar leadership positions within student organizations. After being involved in a number of organizations my freshman year I finally decided to start focusing on those that I enjoyed the most, my sophomore year. I took on executive roles and leadership positions within a number of these and found that the added stress and responsibility was a challenge. But it was also, and most importantly a positive influence on my success as a student. I also remember the added stress of my upper level classes and the personal independence from freshman year. Unlike freshman year where a lot of professors and staff help and guide you through the academic work sophomore year is a year of independence putting a lot of the responsibility on you, as a student, and as an adult.
If you could give USC sophomores one piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy your time and take advantage of all the opportunities available. Sophomore year is the hurdle year. After you finish sophomore year you should have the academic skills, time management skills, and intrinsic motivation to finish your last two years of college. It is vital to make sure your sophomore year is a personal success to you through your grades, your academics, campus involvement, and all your personal experiences.
Who are some of the people who influenced you the most during your sophomore year?
The most influential people of my sophomore year were my peers; the student leaders of the clubs and organizations which I was involved in, my class mates, and my neighbors within my residence hall.
What was your major during your sophomore year? What career were you pursuing?
My major sophomore year was International Studies with a double minor in French and African Studies. I had no idea what career I want pursue, but I did know that I loved traveling, international theory and ideology, economics, and the African continent. I used this list of things, that I enjoyed, to find a major that fit me. Through this process I found that the most important fact about choosing a major was find something that interest you and not so much what you want to do after you graduate. Essentially, it’s all about learning as much as you can in and out of the classroom. If you can do this then you will have skills and experiences to advance yourself and those around you. |

Jaime Shook, Residence Hall Association President |
What was your favorite memory from your sophomore year?
Some of my favorite memories from sophomore year happened on conferences with the Residence Hall Association. My sophomore year, I was planning the transportation to conferences in Florida, Oklahoma and South Carolina. I met lots of people on the national, regional and state conferences, and I continue to remain close to many of them. I learned the power of college students—the changes we can make as a team, and the fun we can have while we do it!
What are some of the challenges you faced as a sophomore?
I had to learn how to prioritize my time and manage it effectively! This was especially challenging, because I wanted to do everything.
If you could tell USC sophomores one thing, what would it be?
Dream big and think long term. Sometimes it’s hard to see past tomorrow when you have class work, a part-time job, a leadership position, and other demands. I encourage you to think ahead, prioritize your time based on what you want to be, and work to become your potential.
Who are some of the people who influenced you the most during your sophomore year?
I was most influenced by Sean McGreevey and Amy Kautz my sophomore year. They are advisers to RHA, and I met with Amy once a week. They have always supported me, and have challenged me. I continue to meet with them as the President of RHA, and I am very thankful for both of them!
What was your major during your sophomore year? What career were you pursuing?
I am majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. I am pursuing a career in Student Affairs. |