We proudly congratulate METRANS Student Writer, USC Price School of Public Policy undergraduate Monty Hughes, for being selected to hold the position of Undergraduate Team Lead of the newly formed USC Student Sustainability Committee.  This committee is an advisory body that gives student input and recommendations to the USC Presidential Working Group (PWG) on Sustainable Education, Research, and Operations regarding university-wide sustainability plans, goals, and projects.  The PWG was established by USC President Carol Folt in 2019, and the Student Sustainability Committee is one of six committees which report directly to the PWG.  “We are looking for students who are passionate about sustainability and eager to engage in changemaking through the university,” noted the selection committee.  “We are also looking for applicants who understand the interconnection between sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Monty Hughes, USC Price School of Public Policy

Monty was thrilled not only to be selected for committee membership but also to be tapped for leadership.  Monty came to USC from the east coast and is a proud recipient of the Questbridge National College Match Scholarship, thankful to be attending USC facilitated by this prestigious award.

Monty has longstanding and significant interest in sustainability; he is completing sustainability coursework as part of his undergraduate studies, has been involved in various environmentally related non-profits, and finds his free time and work to be increasingly oriented toward sustainability.  Monty hopes in the long run to combine his interests in sustainability and campaigning to pursue a career in eco-politics. 

Monty initially came to USC as a geological sciences student.  During his first year at USC, he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in either government or politics and changed his major to public policy. “I love the Price School,” he shares, and particularly appreciates the individual attention he receives from faculty and staff and the manageable size of his classes.   Monty is mainly interested in the political process, and more specifically the art of campaigning and has already gotten a head start on his political career by working for Stacey Abrams, who was running for office in Georgia, and reports his work there to be a “formative experience.”

When it comes to advice for students, Monty suggests, “Keep an open mind. I did not think I would get a job in sustainability and wound up not only with a job but a newfound passion. Also, always assume way more nuance to an issue or topic than you initially expected there would be. I wish I knew that when I came to USC.”  

About the Author:

Alejandra Reyes is an undergraduate student attending the University of Southern California studying Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Construction Engineering and Management. She currently writes for the METRANS newsletter and is also an active member in the Toastmasters Club.