Welcome to the METRANS Student Team!

Thanks! I’ve always been interested in transportation, so METRANS is a perfect fit for me.  Transportation is essential for our cities and towns, and efficient, accessible transportation is critical to quality of life. When we build up good transportation systems I truly believe all citizens benefit. I am particularly interested in exploring and learning learn how urban freight transportation functions, and particularly appreciate METRANS focus on that particular sector. 

Kelly Tung, International Public Policy and Management, USC Price

I know you are an international student like me. Could you share with us where are you from and why you chose to study in the USC?

I am from Taiwan. After completing my bachelor’s degree there, I joined the workforce for a few years.  I launched a pho restaurant in Beijing after I graduated from college. While running it, I designed a whole set of management systems, including administrative policies and operational procedures. Managing L’Amore Jewelry in my capacity as a co-founder develops my strong interest in management and aesthetic.

I then decided I wanted to further my education, most notably to systematically learn more about evaluation, critical thinking, and fundamental principles of economics and statistics.  I chose to investigate programs at USC as it is a well-known university with a good reputation. I met Dr. Joanna Yu, the academic director of the USC International Public Policy and Management (IPPAM) program, who encouraged me, inspired me, and showed me a lot of good things about the university, the Price School of Public Policy, and the IPPAM program. As a result, I made up my mind to come here and study in the IPPAM program, the best decision I have ever made!

The pandemic hit the world hard last year, and we are so lucky to be able to work and study on campus this semester. Where were you last year; how was your virtual experience?

I was in Taiwan when the pandemic broke out, and until this school year my only experience with USC was virtual.  It is hard to believe that I spent my entire first year of graduate study off-campus.  I try see to see the virtual setting as a once in a lifetime experience and imagine that it will be very interesting when I look back and tell my future children and grandchildren that I was in a pandemic and used zoom to complete the first half of my master’s degree from the other side of the globe. Until now, I still cannot help assuming that every event is being hosted on zoom! I think the biggest challenge of the virtual classes was the time difference. I had to wake up in the middle of the night for classes when I was in Taiwan.

I know for me, being an international student gives a great opportunity to travel and explore a new country.

That is so true! I have traveled to many cities in many countries - China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippine, Singapore, Vietnam, Israel, Belgium, Amsterdam, France, the UK, Mexico, the US, and you know what?  Of all of the cities I have seen, Los Angeles is my favorite. This city is very diverse and super easy to go around. I particularly like the weather here; every day is clear and sunny, not like the humid and rainy weather in Taiwan. The other place I spent a significant amount of my life is Beijing, where I lived for seven years, so I compare LA to that city as well.  LA wins again!  It is not as dry as Beijing and not as humid as Taiwan. It is perfect for me. I am grateful that I can study and embrace everything here.

Let’s talk transportation.  Of the many places you have visited, which has your favorite  transportation system?

I really like the transportation system in Netherlands, in particular the way they provide for and accommodate non-motorized travel options. For example, their cycling trails are so prevalent and well designed, and not only is it cycle and pedestrian friendly, but I feel absolutely safe walking around. It is very convenient to travel in Netherlands with your bicycle as well. Another city that I like is Singapore; Their public transportation is well organized, and their air transport infrastructure has a good quality.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the short-term, I aspire to start a career as a policy consultant in a global capacity. In the long term, I hope to have the opportunity to work in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, where I could put what I have learned in my work and my studies into providing services o better the economy and educational systems of underdeveloped countries.

About Author:
Hong-Sheng “Clark” Hsu is a first-year graduate student majoring in International Public Policy and Management at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. He leads the Newsletter Team and in his free time enjoys basketball, working out, and music.