Juliana Porter, University of Southern California

Degree: B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship allowed me the incredible opportunity to attend USC. I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend this amazing university, and I am grateful to have found a school where I have been able to learn so much both inside and outside the classroom. Rather than being anxious about working multiple jobs to pay for tuition, the Stamps Scholarship has allowed me to focus my time on courses, on-campus research, studying abroad, pursuing multiple internships, and giving back to the university through my on-campus involvements. The generosity of the Stamps family has been a constant reminder to me to do my best to make a positive impact on others.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
I would encourage my freshman self to take advantage of the many diverse opportunities available, right from the very first day of college. It took me a few semesters to realize that some of my best college experiences were the result of spontaneous decisions to attend random on-campus events or of receiving last-minute tickets to cultural events in LA.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My family and friends have been a huge support system for me throughout college. There are also numerous faculty and staff at USC, particularly within the Viterbi School of Engineering, who have inspired me to become a better student, a better leader, and a better person. I am extremely grateful for their guidance and mentorship.

Please share your most memorable Stamps Scholar experience.
I really enjoyed attending the Stamps Scholars National Conventions in both 2013 and 2015. They were wonderful opportunities to meet Stamps Scholars from across the country, and as a bonus, I was able to visit two new states! Additionally, in the summer of 2014 I used some of my enrichment funding to take an unforgettable anthropology course abroad in Guatemala. I’m so thankful that the Stamps Scholarship allowed me to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Plans after graduation?
In August, I will be moving to San Francisco, where I will begin my career as an Advisory Associate for PwC. I will be working as a technology consultant focusing on information systems.