Hawthorne School fourth-grade teacher Dessie Jeffries didn’t let the pandemic interfere with her annual class campus tour of the University of Southern California. Jeffries and her students enjoyed a virtual tour of the university on Dec. 3.
Tour guides Namita Nixon and Maria Tsiao took the class on a campus tour that included Widney Alumni House, Doheny Memorial Library, the Health Science Campus, McCarthy Quad, University Village, Tommy Trojan, and Traveler, the school mascot.
After the tour, the guides and Jeffries’s daughter, Chasia, a USC senior, participated in a Q&A session. Students asked questions about the fields of engineering, medicine, law and athletics. The fourth graders were especially interested in a surfing course offered at USC. They also had questions about on-campus housing.
“It’s never too early for students to think about college and their futures, even during a pandemic,” Jeffries, a USC graduate herself, told the Courier.
One of Jeffries’ students, Riley Metcalfe, wasn’t sure what to expect on the virtual trip, but came away impressed.
“I really liked the Village and how the campus was arranged. I definitely think that USC is the place where I want to go for college and study. I don’t know what I want to be when I get older, but I’m sure that USC will teach it,” said Metcalfe.
Noting the level of engagement on the virtual tour, Jeffries said she “couldn’t be prouder” of her students.
“They surely have college on their minds and that brings me joy. Whether it’s USC or another university, higher education and lifelong learning is a win-win scenario,” she added.
