The South Carolina Honors College community is a collaborative one. Small sections of cool courses (think: Science and Design of Coffee or Lessons from the Hive: Creative Writing and Beekeeping) allow students to interact closely with faculty and each other. The Honors Residence Hall fills with first-year students each fall, welcoming a new class to the shared space. Organizations like the new AAPI Honors Caucus and Holistic Art of Living create further connections. And what is an academic year without signature events like First-Year Flotilla and the Honors Gala?
For some Honors students, though, the bonds run even deeper. As Family Weekend approaches, we caught up with four sets of SCHC siblings and asked about their time together in Honors.
Originally from Saint Charles, Illinois, twin first-years Jada (public health, pre-med) and Isaac (biological sciences, pre-dental) Lenard knew that they wanted a change of scenery for their college experience. One visit to USC and the Honors College was enough for them to feel connected and inspired by all the available opportunities — and they knew that they wanted to tackle this new chapter together.
“It makes it so much easier to meet new people and grow as individuals while also having someone who will always have your back,” they said.
Isaac, in Jada’s words: nurturing, intentional, dependable. “Not only does he strive to become the best version of himself, but he also pushes the people around him as well!”
Jada, in Isaac’s words: outgoing, caring, supportive. “We’ve always been really close. Having her at USC gives me someone I know I can always meet up with, talk to, study with, or just be in the same space with.”
If they were challenged to swap schedules, the Lenard twins wouldn’t break a sweat — they share pre-health interests. As they look forward to their undergrad experience, the Lenards are excited about studying abroad.
The Krishna siblings from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, are self-proclaimed born-and-raised Gamecocks. The two Carolina Scholars followed in their father’s footsteps by earning one of the top scholarships for in-state students. Mallika, a first-year neuroscience major, joins her brother Nikhil, a junior computer science major, on campus this fall.
“We had different career goals, so we did not plan to attend the same school; however, we found that the support and resources that USC, the SCHC and Top Scholar network provides suited both of our needs,” they shared.
Nikhil, in Mallika’s words: witty, analytical, but hard to reach — so she has some words of wisdom for Nikhil in that regard. “Be a good help to younger students, especially me!”
Mallika, in Nikhil’s words: energetic, funny and loud. His advice to her is also practical: “Use all of your meal swipes!”
Though Nikhil feels pretty confident about switching classes with Mallika for a week, Mallika has some doubts about her brother’s coursework; “I have a hard time figuring out how to turn on a computer, so I’m sure I would struggle a fair bit,” she admits.
The Wilson brothers first heard about Carolina from their older sister, Katie, a 2025 SCHC graduate (international business and finance). Both Jack (junior computer science) and Nick (first-year international business) enjoyed their experiences at Top Scholar Weekend, which sealed the deal for each of them to move from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, for college. They were enticed by strong academic programs and a welcoming campus culture. The Wilson brothers both earned the Stamps Scholarship, USC's top merit award for undergraduates.
“We were especially interested in the research, professional opportunities, clubs and connections available here. Through USC and SCHC, we have already seen how many doors there are to explore different interests, meet motivated people and shape our career paths,” they said.
Jack, in Nick’s words: genuine, engaging, enterprising. As Jack begins his junior year, Nick encourages him to “Say yes more often. Chase the academic and professional opportunities, but don’t forget the random side quests with friends. Those are usually the memories you keep.”
Nick, in Jack’s words: caring, observant, funny. He has some words to wisdom for his brother’s first year at Carolina: “Advocate for yourself. Don’t feel bad asking for something; sometimes one email is really all it takes.”
Jack envies some of Nick’s Honors courses this fall, particularly Principles of Microeconomics, and would enjoy learning more about how people and businesses are making decisions in an AI-influenced market. Computer science courses aren’t Nick’s thing but “I’d have a blast meeting all the interesting people he’s met along the way.”
The Hill sisters, from Lugoff, South Carolina, weren’t always set on attending the same university, but being accepted into the Honors College opened the door to a shared college experience. Emma and Grace are junior STEM majors (biological sciences and chemistry, respectively), so the twins have been able to take at least one class together every year. With their busy schedules, the shared class is often their only opportunity to see one another.
Emma, in Grace’s words: hard working, independent, loyal. “I am proud of my sister for interning in a subject outside of her comfort zone (archeology) and staying committed to balancing school with fun activities,” she says.
Grace, in Emma’s words: dedicated, kind, inquisitive. “I am proud of her competition win in speech, where she represented the school and performed well under pressure,” she reflects.
Looking back on their experience at USC, the Hill sisters’ favorite memory comes from their first year on campus. When several inches of snow fell on campus, they made the most of it: “We got to build a snowman together and, as South Carolina residents, years that we get enough snow to do so are very rare, so being able to do that on campus together was very memorable.”
If there’s one thing that most of these siblings can agree on, it’s that Saturdays are best spent at Williams-Brice Stadium cheering on the Gamecocks. In addition to this weekend’s contest versus Mississippi State, we’re looking forward to hosting all SCHC students and their families and supporters for this year’s Family Weekend Brunch on Sunday, September 20. We’ll see you on the Horseshoe!