ISA - My First Time

Hey!

My name is Molyka, and I’m a freshman majoring in Business Administration. I’m an international student from Cambodia and currently a part of ISA’s 2023-2024 intern class!

If I were to be honest, I didn’t know much about ISA before I applied, but looking back, I am very grateful I did because it gave me a community of international students whom I cherish. Having moved here without any family in the States, I was more than nervous about not feeling at home and not having someone to talk to should I feel homesick. Thankfully, ISA gave me a space to release this tension - being a community of students who have all shared similar experiences. While it may seem like a large group, I feel I’ve bonded with such diverse and interesting people through our weekly meetings and coffee-meet-donuts.

Although I’ve only been in USC for a semester (and in LA, for that matter), ISA has provided me with many core memories. It’s why I got to live out some of my first quintessential American experiences; who would’ve thought I would be on a convertible blasting Katy Perry’s California Girls as we drive off to Malibu for retreat? My first time ever in a haunted ANYTHING was with ISA’s trip to Halloween Horror Nights! (Trauma-bonding much?) Even more, my first appearance on Annenberg News was while I was tabling for GlobeFest?!

Overall, I’m very grateful I interned for the ISA in my first year, and I wholeheartedly believe you should join! The close-knit community we have not only made home feel a little closer but also helped me venture out of my shell. Given I showed up at the interview an hour early because I was so nervous, ISA has genuinely helped me grow as a person. Feeling out of place? Nervous? Fear not, because ISA is here!