For far too long outsiders have regarded USC as “the University of Spoiled Children.” As anyone who has spent a considerable amount of time at USC, this is a gross generalization.

Although more than 60 percent of USC students receive some sort of financial assistance and the most recently admitted class has 64 percent students of color, the university’s stereotype of the rich, white frat boy remains. 

 This series is aimed at debunking the myth about who the USC student is by talking with hopeful teens from all different walks of life who have their eyes set on USC. Even if some people choose to ignore the sweeping changes in academic rigor and student identity that have been taking place over the past three decades, today’s students see it. They see the vast potential that USC symbolizes and they want to take part in it. 

First in the series is a conversation with two high school sophomores at Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy High School. The school, located in Watts, is one of 21 Alliance College-Ready Public Schools that serve nearly 9,500 low-income high school and middle school students to help prepare them for future success.

Celine Serna, photo by Sara Newman

Celine Serna, a first generation Mexican-American, Plans on becoming the first person in her family to attend college, hopefully as a member of the USC class of 2019.

“I want to go to college because I want a good future. I want to be independent,” explained Celine. “I really look up to my mom because she’s a hard working person, and I want to be like her but with the benefits of education.”

Celine, however, didn’t always feel so passionately about her college ambitions. Thinking back to her freshman year at Compton High, she reflected, “there you don’t really care about your education. Here it’s different.” 

“Here the teachers really care about your education. I didn’t used to want to go to college but now I do. I think it is because of this school," she said. 

Although there has been a national trend towards promoting degrees in science, math and engineering, as Celine can attest, having dedicated, hardworking teachers can make the difference between getting a college degree or straight into the workforce.

Wanting to stay in Los Angeles, Celine says that she’d also consider UCLA as a place to get a degree in either psychology or business, but USC remains her dream school because "some of our most inspiring teachers are from there.”

Like Celine, Edgar Escarzaga is another sophomore at Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy High School who aspires to become a Trojan. 

Edgar’s dad has been a huge source of inspiration to him.

“He’s a roofer, but he had to apply for disability not too long ago. He’s shown me how tough it can be to succeed without a proper education and he has high expectations for me. Even I’ve seen some of the physical toll that working in construction has cost him.”

Edgar Escarzaga, photo by Sara Newman

When not studying, Edgar enjoys hanging out with his classmates and playing in a basketball league alongside friends and family members.

“One primary conversation [my dad and I] had was about his knees and how he can’t really play basketball anymore because of knee problems," said Edgar

One day Edgar told his father that he was going to protect his knees by making sure he did not have to rely on "this kind of labor" for income. 

"I’m going to get a good education so I don’t have to suffer through that like he did," said the high schooler.

Together, Edgar’s passion for basketball and dedication to his education spur his hope of going to USC. He hopes to play on the men’s varsity basketball team while earning a degree in game design and programming.  

Edgar also talked so admirably about a cousin who just obtained his masters in robotic engineering, it is clear that getting his degree is more than just a dream for Edgar. It’s a game plan. 

“Another person who has influenced me is Michael Jordan because of his perseverance. He’s somewhat of a perfectionist and he really doesn’t like to give up,” Edgar explained. “Also Kevin Durant. I love his motto, ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’”

As far as growing up in Watts, Edgar explained, “it’s not all that bad as other people make it seem…Sure there is a bit more possible threat, but the way I see it tensions aren’t that high. Generally, it’s pretty calm.”

Like Celine, Edgar appreciates USC’s close proximity to Watts, but other considerations that fuel his desire to become a Trojan is its prominent status as one of the top universities with the best game programs.

For Celine, Edgar and many other students at Alliance, the idea of attending USC is more than just a four year investment, it’s an opportunity and stepping stone towards a life much different than their families could have imagined for themselves.