Ask me about...
Studying abroad, on-campus involvement and coming into college undeclared.
Hi, my name is Ainsley Hoffmann! I'm a big advocate for trying new things just for the experience (whether that be working at the Masters Tournament or visiting a marine science laboratory) and I love taking cool Honors classes in subjects completely unrelated to my major. I also love to travel -- I studied abroad through an Honors Maymester in 2025, and I'm spending the spring 2027 semester in Barcelona, Spain. I'm an amateur photographer in my free time and hope to build a career around travel and communications.
- Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey
- Major/Cognate: Public Relations; Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Year: Class of 2028
Why I chose the South Carolina Honors College
I chose the South Carolina Honors College for the small class sizes and cool course offerings!
My advice for prospective students: Say yes to everything! Go try new things – taking chances may just lead to the best memories.
Favorite question during an information session: How did you know what major to pick?
I love this question because it actually took me a while to decide what I wanted to study. I spent my whole first year undeclared and it's the best decision I could have made for myself. I took classes in music, visual communications, hospitality, business and more before deciding on mass communications. Then, my sophomore year, I changed from mass communications to public relations! Taking the time to explore ended up making me a more well-rounded student and all the more sure about the path I eventually chose. College is a journey, not a destination, and if you don't have a major figured out yet or you're considering changing pathways, don't be scared to switch it up. USC offers amazing advising for undeclared students and support for those changing their major. That's a huge reason why I chose the SCHC and would choose it in every lifetime.
Favorite Honors bucket list item or experience: Living in the Honors Residence Hall! I was worried at first that it would make my circle too small, but I quickly realized that Honors students are all so unique. The HRH is such a cool community to be a part of and it's where I met my best friends!
Something I'm proud of that's not on my resume: I was interviewed by the Leadership and Service Center about a personality quiz I created to help USC students narrow down the clubs and organizations that best match their interests!
Quick Facts
| My clubs and organizations: | Copy Desk at Garnet & Black magazine, event planning team at Zeta Phi Eta (professional communications fraternity), Public Relations Student Society of America, Delta Zeta Sorority |
| Theme song of my life: | Honestly, anything by Olivia Rodrigo. I swear we're the same person. |
| Favorite place for lunch on or near campus: | CAVA |
| Something that makes me laugh: | Whenever I'm in a situation where I shouldn't be laughing. I swear, everything gets funnier when you have to be quiet. |