ISA & Me: A Review
Hello!! I’m Hannah Teoh, and I study Economics and East Asian Area Studies here at USC. I am an intern at everybody’s favorite assembly of international students, ISA, and you may know me as the unofficial emcee for ISA events (I’m 3/3 events right now). If you came to International Trivia Night, you might also know me as the girl who had a foot cramp on stage.
Being born and raised in Malaysia, coming to USC was equal parts a daunting and exciting experience. I spent my entire freshman year online on Zoom and I did not know what to expect for my first in-person semester. As an international student, it was only natural that I sought out resources to support my transition into becoming a full-fledged college student in America. Enter: ISA.
I had been following ISA since my second semester of freshman year. ISA provided me with a space where I felt acknowledged as an international student and helped me feel more connected with the USC community at a time when everyone was feeling disconnected. Even though I was 10,000 miles away from campus, I still felt involved in campus life. Once applications for the new intern intake opened, I immediately knew that I was going to apply. I wanted to be a part of an initiative that gave me the same welcoming and supportive environment as an international student because I understand the unique challenges and experience that comes with being international.
My intern experience has been nothing short of amazing. I have grown in so many ways— both personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to work alongside and shadow the E-board on events such as Global Culture Night and inFusion has helped me develop project management and event planning skills. I have also grown in the advocacy space, as I was able to learn more about the international experience and how to advocate for students using the platform that I have. I have met such a diverse group of people with different backgrounds through ISA and had meaningful cross-cultural exchanges that have helped me gain a more holistic perspective. I was also able to explore L.A. and do so many fun and interesting activities through the Travel with ISA series that I would not have otherwise. Most importantly, I have found a family in ISA. The people I have met in ISA have been the most supportive and encouraging network that have formed some of my best memories at USC. From karaoke bonding events to being nearly stranded at Santa Barbara together, the friendships I have made through ISA have probably been one of the most valuable takeaways I had from my time as an intern. Overall, 1000/10 would definitely recommend.