CHRISTIAN LISING

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

How was your high school life?

A gift and a blessing. I’m extremely grateful for all the support and motivation that my parents gave me throughout the whole process. I would not have made it without my mum (Mylene) and my dad (Dino), so a shoutout to them. I’m also grateful for my school—the teachers, counsellors, admin—for helping me learn so much about my courses and about myself. Lastly, my great high school experience would not have been complete without my friends by my side, struggling yet having fun with me at the same time. Overall, I would say my high school was great, and I have no regrets.

How was high school during a pandemic? How did it feel not seeing your classmates?

The pandemic became a real challenge as the lockdown was drawn out more and more. There were a lot of tough and tumultuous times, but I owe it all to my family, teachers and friends for helping me out of it, as I mentioned before. It was definitely difficult to be confined in my house, and it’s not exactly a junior-senior year I would wish on anybody, but I was able to make the most out of it by pursuing my projects and my music. I would also say that music is one of the highlights of my lockdown experience. I was able to release Johann X, an EP (extended play) on Spotify; compose music for the play; and produce music videos for school organisations. Being able to create and help my community with my creations is one of those things that kept me going.

What course are you pursuing?

I’m pursuing Business Administration at the Marshall School of Business.

What are you most excited for?

I’m excited for sunny California, rock and roll, opportunities to learn, vaccines, parties, business, making new friends. I’m just looking forward to improving on myself, helping more people and learning cool things at USC.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself managing a record label in the city or running a fintech business in Silicon Valley. Or playing a gig at some dingy bar in LA.