Marisa Wilson plans to graduate from the University of South Carolina this May, but her college experience has been far from typical.

The senior from New Jersey began pursuing her undergraduate degree at the College of Charleston in the fall of 2022 but had a gut feeling there were other opportunities waiting for her.

“I liked it, I made great friends, but I just kept questioning if there was something more,” Wilson said.

She decided to transfer to USC after her freshman year, changing her major from broadcast journalism to advertising and starting over. Her decision to transfer meant leaving behind friendships and familiarity, but Wilson said the uncertainty pushed her to reflect on what she truly wanted from her college experience—and from herself.

For Wilson, transferring was more than a change of scenery. It was a lesson in trusting her instincts, one that ultimately led to earning a prestigious national scholarship. 

Tip #1: Take the chance

Her first piece of advice for other students facing an intimidating decision is simple: take the chance. Wilson embraced the uncertainty of leaving something that was already good in pursuit of something great.

“I transferred to South Carolina, and it is the best decision I've ever made,” she said. “I cannot imagine it any other way, and I wouldn't have done it any other way, because it makes me so appreciative of this community and everything that the school offers.”

Change can be frightening, and the idea of taking a leap may seem daunting, but Wilson advises students to allow themselves to feel discomfort in order to appreciate the growth that comes from it.

“I think that with transferring there’s a lot of intimidation, there’s a lot of fear, there are a lot of unknowns,” she added. “Remind yourself that everything has a beginning, and if it was instantly comfortable, then you wouldn't appreciate the amazing bliss that comes after.”

Wilson says she felt instantly welcomed by the Carolina community and had a very positive transfer experience, which is something she wants to help other students achieve. She feels like leaning into the initial discomfort is what ultimately shaped her confidence. What began as uncertainty turned into a renewed sense of belonging—something she now hopes to help other students find.

Tip #2: Get involved

Getting involved in student organizations is what Wilson credits with helping her establish a supportive network for herself on campus.

“When I transferred, I knew very quickly that I wanted to hit the ground running,” she said.

One of Wilson’s most meaningful commitments has been Tau Sigma, the invite-only national honor society for transfer students. She joined as a sophomore and has served as president for the past two years, also earning a Tau Sigma scholarship.

As president, Wilson says she has focused on making the transfer transition smoother and less intimidating for others.

Through organizing events, overseeing communications and mentoring new members, Wilson has tried to replicate the positive transfer experience she had. Leading Tau Sigma has enabled her to support her peers while strengthening her own leadership skills.

“I think that my leadership [in Tau Sigma] has allowed me to be able to understand and narrow in on the transfer community,” Wilson said. “It has been one of the most amazing experiences and has tied me to honoring my own transfer experience, while also connecting me further with the university.”

Beyond Tau Sigma, Wilson has immersed herself in Greek Life, participated in her chapter’s Bible study, served on the Panhellenic Wellness Committee and became the social media manager of USC’s chapter of the Wellness Society. She has also been involved in the Advertising Club, The Carolina Agency and other organizations.

As an accounts coordinator for The Carolina Agency, Wilson worked with local organizations including Sistercare and Rhiza Homes, blending classroom knowledge with real-world experience. In the role, she combined her passion for philanthropy with the client communication and brand strategy skills she developed as an advertising major.

In her senior year, Wilson expanded her involvement even further. During the fall semester, she became a Carolina Experience Peer Leader, mentoring students beyond their first year and helping them navigate campus involvement, career preparation and campus life.

“Being a peer leader … it’s so much fun,” Wilson said. “It ties you to the community. Even just being able to see other students when you’re walking and say ‘hi’ and be a warm smile. But there’s also great satisfaction when a student comes back and says, ‘Hey, you really helped me. I actually landed that job that we talked about.’”

Reflecting on her involvement, Wilson said college is a time for growth and experimentation.

“It’s just about learning and appreciating all of the opportunities,” Wilson said. “I think that was so much of what college was about, that I’m going to come here and try and make the most of it from every aspect.”

After three years at USC, Wilson has learned that college is less about fitting into a mold and more about creating a space that reflects who you are.

Her biggest takeaway: Your college experience is what you make of it

Tip #3: Stay organized

Along with involvement, Wilson credits her success to staying organized and intentional with her time. She says small habits — such as keeping a routine, planning ahead and building in rewards — have helped her balance leadership roles, academics and personal well-being during her time at USC.

“I appreciate a routine, I always have, but I also make it easier for myself to fulfill whatever it is I'm doing,” Wilson said. “Like, if I’m going to the gym, I’m going to lay my clothes out before.” 

She also says maintaining a sense of enjoyment in college helps organization feel less like a chore and more like part of the experience.

“Find a way to reward yourself through each thing, whether that be glamorizing studying and going to your favorite coffee place, or getting a yummy meal after,” she added.

Tip #4: Create the college experience that fits you

College is a formative time that can often feel stressful, but Wilson emphasizes how each student’s experience is entirely their own. Rather than feeling pressured to blend in, she believes students should seek out spaces where they feel seen and valued.

“Remind yourself that you don't have to conform to the university, that the university conforms to you,” she said. “There is a place for you at every table, and there is a table that is specific to you, that sees you for exactly who you are and loves that person.”

As graduation approaches, Wilson is reflecting on how temporary the college experience truly is, and how that fleeting nature makes it meaningful.

“As my time here comes to an end, I couldn't be more thankful for my classmates, professors and bosses that have allowed me to grow through the process of navigating such an inviting experience,” she said. “I just couldn't be more grateful for the time that I’ve had here. As much as I wish I had more, I think that's what makes it so wonderful, the temporariness.”

Tip #5: Enjoy everything, even the mistakes

For those just starting their journey at USC, Wilson urges students to embrace every step and allow themselves room to grow through the uncertainty.

“Soak up all of your firsts. Of like, ‘Oh, that was the first time I walked into a wrong class,’ or this and that,” she said. “Because through that process, you appreciate the moments when you didn't know, and then you begin to love all that you do know. So give yourself grace as you navigate that.”

For Wilson, what began as a leap into the unknown became a college experience defined by purpose, leadership and community. Through involvement and connection, she turned a fresh start into a lasting impact on the Carolina community.

“I would say I wish for everyone to experience the feeling of reward after you go out on a limb and experience the unknown, and it pays off,” she said.