SC State Fair Carolina Scholar 
AC Flora High School  
Columbia, South Carolina 
Finance and Real Estate 

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy during COVID-19 taught me that resilience, compassion, and gratitude are three keys to living a happy life.  

Impactful experience:
During the spring of 2020, my study abroad trip to Florence, Italy was cut short due the COVID-19 pandemic. While there were many obvious downsides to having to leave Europe earlier than expected, the six weeks that I spent in Italy were some of the best of my life. I will always reflect fondly on the memories I made there, thankful that I was lucky enough to spend as much time in such a beautiful place as I did. 

Enjoy most as a TS: 
The Top Scholar support staff and alumni network are second to none. Through this network, I landed my first internship in Spartanburg, SC. That internship ultimately led to my second at Johnson Development Associates, which is where I will work full-time after graduation. I will always be indebted to the Top Scholar community for opening the door to a world of professional opportunities during my time on campus. 

Story: 
When I arrived on campus as a wide-eyed freshman in the fall of 2017, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My interests were varied, but I felt strongly that I wanted to pursue a career in business in some capacity. Through conversations with mentors, advisors, professors, and friends that I met at UofSC over the last four years, that picture has become increasingly clear. By providing me with incredible support and guidance, these people created for me more opportunities than I deserved.  I cannot wait to start my career in real estate development this summer, and I am looking forward to giving back to the UofSC community that has poured so much into me as a student at Carolina. 

Post-graduate plans: 
Andrew will work as an industrial entitlements analyst at Johnson Development Associates in Dallas, Texas. 

Career goals/professional aspirations: 
I hope to pursue a career in real estate development, where every day I will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities in which I work.