Student Speak

Spring 2006

Name: Molesey Knox-Brunson
Class: Graduated Dec. 2005
Major: Criminal justice
Hometown: Florence

Congratulations, you're graduating today, but why did you choose USC four years ago? I was looking for diversity. In order to have a successful college experience, I wanted to attend a school where I could interact with different cultures, races, and backgrounds. The experience was wonderful. If had to do it over again, I would choose USC. I wanted to stay in South Carolina, too. When I did the research, USC was the best school academically and, being in Columbia, offered a good social environment.

What made your experience at USC so wonderful? It was very academic, as well as a lot of fun, a lot of parties. It was a very balanced experience, which is so essential to success. You can't have too much academics, and you can't have too much fun. I really enjoyed myself. I did pageants. I danced professionally with the West African Dance Company. I was involved in student organizations and the Honors College. It was very cool.

How did you get interested in criminal justice? Growing up I saw a lot of inequities in the justice system--a lot of people being victims of the justice system. There's a lot of room for people who can be good advocates--people who are really going to sit down and take their time and make sure people get their rights. Growing up and seeing all that, I felt like I could do something about it, and it was something I wanted to do. When I got to USC, criminal justice was the best fit for me.

What are your plans? I plan to take a year off before attending law school here at USC.

Any special area of law that you're interested in? Criminal defense.

What will you remember most from your four years at USC? The things I will remember most are the friends, the parties, the tests, staying up late, studying. You can never replace that undergraduate experience.

What are your feelings today about leaving USC? To be quite honest, I am so tired. This last semester was really tiring. I think I'll be really excited tomorrow morning when I wake up, but right now, I'm tired. I'm really happy, too. I made a good choice.

1/06