What inspires you? - University of South Carolina Upstate

A pace that is intense and full of energy yet allows for laidback reflection andcontemplation. A place where people immerse themselves in activity yet take the timeto swap stories with complete strangers. A community where strangers soon transforminto friends. If you believe your story should be as much about the journey itself as itis about your destination, this is the place for you. With an exceptional variety of morethan 70 student organizations, a vibrant Greek life and countless leadership and serviceopportunities to choose from, your USC Upstate story will be continually inspired bythe new insights, adventures, memories, and friendships you discover. And somewherealong the way, you will discover yourself and your place in the world.They might as well have come from differentplanets. Pre-dental major Devan Bolf was bornand raised in Gaffney, South Carolina, whilenursing major Abbas Fidahussein is a native ofTanzania in East Africa. Abbas first heard aboutUSC Upstate from two of his cousins who are bothUSC Upstate graduates, while Devan, who livesonly thirty miles away, began to consider USCUpstate on the advice of his high school guidancecounselor. However, like the many unlikelyfriendships struck up across our campus every day,they share enough in common to be close friends.Border crossingCourtesy Nantahala Outdoor Center,Live music, big-ticket concerts, Broadway shows, great food, museums, clubs, art galleries,theatre, white-water rafting, cross-country bicycling, even golfing on some of the state’smost beautiful courses… thanks to our location, they are all part of the rich palette ofresources and experiences you will use to create your unique USC Upstate story. Home toprogressive minds, welcoming communities, and a distinctively international worldview,Spartanburg and Greenville form an ideal backdrop to USC Upstate’s activities.From the green heart of our campus—thetranquil Susan Jacobs Arboretum thatmeanders across the north quad—tothe 600 trees planted in the last threeyears, to our use of recycled paper,everywhere at USC Upstate, you will findevidence of a community committedto being responsible stewards of theenvironment.Especially because what they both appreciatemost about USC Upstate are the relationships,memories and unexpected adventures that comewith being part of this community. Devan is amember of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society,is a tutor at the Academic Support Center, aswell as a member of the Team Spartan studentambassadors, while Abbas is a member of theInternational Club, the Model UN and the ModelArab League. They both love the Wellness Centeron campus. And their USC Upstate stories bothinclude such highlights as burnt popcorn in theresidence halls and pranks on RAs.