My ISA Origin Story

Hi everyone!

My name is Sachi, and I am currently a junior majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in Psychology and Law. I have lived my entire life in the Bay Area, California. People often ask me why I’m a part of ISA. It’s a fair question to ask if you understand the ISA name in its literal form: International Student Assembly. Obviously, I am not an international student so that prompts curiosity of my involvement in ISA. So, here’s the story of how and why I joined!

My friend on USG was the first one who introduced me to ISA. He was emphasizing how ISA needs more South Asian representation and recommended I apply. We had a full discussion about all the great work ISA does for the international community, and it was not difficult for him to convince me. During my time at USC, I have made several international friends, and I hear directly from the source of how many difficulties arise from attending a college in the U.S. whether that be lack of job opportunities or solitary feelings due to being so distanced from home. ISA is a safe space to alleviate all these concerns, and I wanted to be a part of that in any shape or form. So far, as co-chair of Assembly Operations, I have really made connections with so many diverse member organizations on campus, and that has surely been the highlight over the past year.