As fall arrives, three of USC Kaufman’s fourth-year student ambassadors share highlights of summer break, what they’re looking forward to in 2024-2025, and advice for incoming students.

Shea Hancock

A new school year has yet to begin, but Shea Hancock is already thinking about the future. The USC Kaufman senior spent the past summer honing her technique in several styles and dancing in as many different environments as possible. It’s all in service to her post-graduation future and nurturing her spirit. “I want to head into my senior year with a fresh mind and a full heart,” she said recently.

What Shea is looking forward to in 2024-2025

Soaking up everything this year has to offer. I am incredibly excited to work with Micaela Taylor, especially as a cohort with my fellow seniors. Cohort pieces always bring us together in a special way. I think her work is going to make us all shine. 

Shea’s advice to new students

Be kind to yourself and take everything day by day. Being in a new environment can raise fears and anxieties that you didn’t know were there, but if you take a step back and remember that growth is a marathon, not a sprint, you will be okay. 

Janae Holster

For Janae Holster, the final year of a four-year journey is an opportunity to embrace some much-deserved downtime and the privileges of being on a college campus. First, they are going to finish their GEs. Next, they’re planning to soak in more dance as a spectator. “I’m excited to see my peers’ senior projects come to fruition,” Holster said.

What Janae is looking forward to in 2024-2025

Finding ways of moving outside of dance that strengthen my mind and mental space (Pilates, Physical Therapy exercises, etc.). I’m also looking forward to exploring the dance scenes in different cities in the U.S. and even in Berlin, Germany, for Kaufman’s Maymester. It’s like doing research for the future, and it gives me a range of ideas of where I could see myself post-grad.

Janae’s advice to new students

Be patient—with yourself, your peers, and your environment. Your college career is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and be present. The rest will come.

Summer Vu

Summer Vu did it all, traveling and experiencing dance at the highest level, whether it was USC Kaufman’s Berlin Maymester to the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. “I’ve been lucky to engage with dance in ways I couldn’t have over the school year,” Vu said. “I’ve also journaled a lot to reflect on the spring semester and prepare for the next!”

What Summer is looking forward to in 2024-2025

I’m looking forward to learning new skills. I want to soak up as much as I can before I graduate. This fall, I enrolled in a Roski photography class and a film class at the School of Cinematic Arts. I love the mixing and merging of mediums, and to see how I can combine everything I’ve learned. I’m also super excited to dance with my peers at Kaufman’s 10 year anniversary gala!

Summer’s advice to new students

You don’t have to know who you are or what you want to do on Day One. The entire four years of college is a period in which you learn more about yourself, and you never know what amazing discoveries are going to be made within them. If possible, allow yourself to soak in as much of the things around you and be present for everything—the good, the bad, the boring, the difficult. You might not see the value in the moments you wish were over. But one day, you’ll look back and see that there were precious treasures and valuable lessons hidden in there all along.