What happens when a first-generation college student seeks advice from an instructor who was also a first-gen student? “Inspiration,” says Michelle Ayala-Perez.
For Ayala-Perez, a conversation with accounting instructor Angela Stallings emboldened her to explore changing her academic major. While exploring her options, the Newberry, S.C., native realized she could actually double-major. Now she will graduate in May 2028 with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management and a bachelor’s in accounting from the Darla Moore School of Business.
“In high school, I started working at a fast-food restaurant and then a grocery store, and both employers asked me to take on extra responsibilities that involved basic accounting,” says Ayala-Perez. She continued to work at the grocery while going to technical school and still works there part time now that she has transferred to USC. “That got me thinking that accounting might be a good fit, but I wasn’t sure I could do it.”
After doing well on her first exam in an HRSM accounting course, Ayala-Perez talked with Stallings, the instructor.
“She told me about being a first-generation college student and how she didn’t think that she could do accounting either, and now she has an MBA and a master’s in taxation,” Ayala-Perez says.
Taking Stallings’ advice to further explore accounting, Ayala-Perez talked to an exploratory advisor and with other transfer students who were majoring in accounting. Then she visited a career fair on campus, looking for an internship with an accounting focus, and landed one within walking distance of campus at the S.C. Department of Administration.
“My supervisor is the financial reporting manager who works closely with the accounts payables and accounts receivables areas, and I’ve been able to gain insight into how everything intertwines,” she says. “Getting this internship feels like a big milestone for my career.”
Another milestone for Ayala-Perez was joining a student club, the Association of Latino Professionals of America. She liked the club’s vibe — students helping each other navigate through college and prepare for future careers — and was elected fundraising chair. For fun, Ayala-Perez enjoys Hip Hop Wednesday and Lunes Latino events that are hosted by the Center for Student Engagement.
“ALPA is a very inspiring environment because you’re with a whole bunch of people with similar backgrounds who also are motivated young professionals,” she says. “They’re all willing to help, whether it’s a word of encouragement or advice on a resume or practice for an interview. I’ve been enjoying watching the club grow.”