Noy Chatoyan is an incoming Academy freshman who has a love for entrepreneurship, design and music. When he realized that his interests perfectly aligned with the Academy curriculum, decided to apply. During his time at USC, Chatoyan hopes to take up a minor in music production and launch a company. He looks forward to utilizing the makerspace and working with other talented individuals. 

Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Academy. What were you looking for in an undergraduate program?

My heart was always set on USC. I always felt like this was the university for me. But during my final years of high school when the time to apply to college drew nearer, I was worried about how I would apply all my skills and interests into one program. During a USC tour, I walked past Marshall, Roski and Thornton, but I didn’t know how I would connect my love of entrepreneurship, design and music together in a cohesive way. It was only at the end of the tour where I was introduced to the Academy. The second I heard the very long but captivating major — Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation— I was set on applying to the Academy. I was looking for a program that would allow me to combine all my interests and I found it.

What are you most looking forward to in the Academy?

I’m most looking forward to putting my music, design and entrepreneurship interests all into use. I’ve always had the ability to use them in conjunction to an extent, yet the Academy will further these opportunities and allow me to apply them to projects and real-world problems. I’m also looking forward to the makerspace and having the ability to work and learn with my talented peers.

What are three goals you want to accomplish during your time at the Academy and/or USC?

Let’s say you were miraculously provided $1,000,000 in seed funding tomorrow. What would you create?

l love ice cream, as you’ll see from another answer below, so I would create an organic ice cream company. There are a few organic ice cream companies that already exist but they have limited flavors, and to be frank, not all of them taste that great. I think it will be fun to disrupt the ice cream industry. 

What is a good piece of advice you've received that you plan to apply throughout college?

It’s not where you start, but where you finish. What this means to me is that persistence is the key to success. It’s that simple. I mean without persistence I would not be doing this interview. I plan to continue to be persistent in everything I do. I’m looking forward to seeing where I finish at the end of my four years at the Academy.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date is actually getting into the Academy. It took a lot of time to create extensive portfolio pieces and get through Interview Weekend. Out of all the talented people who applied, being chosen to be part of a school that is at the forefront of innovation is an achievement I can truly be proud of.

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you.

I’m a pretty laid-back and funny guy. The reason I chose this is because I have a serious demeanor. So when people first meet me they think I might be standoffish or unapproachable. I mean most people don’t know me … yet. Once you get to know me, you’ll know what I’m all about.

What is one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share?

I could list a thousand different things, but one very important thing my parents have taught me is to always stay true to myself. I know that even if everything around me changes, I will still be the same person with the same morals, values and principles.

Out of the five traits of a Trojan, which trait best describes you?

The ambitious trait best describes me. I am a very ambitious person whether that be through my perseverance, problem-solving or discipline. I am always ambitious to take on challenges, finish what I start and never back down.

What is one skill/thing that you learned during the COVID-19 pandemic?
One thing that I learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was day trading.

What is your favorite app/website and why?
My favorite website is Upwork. I enjoy going through graphic design job postings, submitting proposals and working on paid projects.

If you could be any kitchen appliance, what would you be and why?
This is a fun question. I would be a Ninja Pressure Cooker. It’s a very specific appliance choice, but it doesn’t only pressure cook; it also has a built-in air fryer as well as dehydration, searing and baking features. What more can you want from one appliance?

What is your guilty pleasure?
Eating ice cream almost every night. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hot or cold day, a bowl of ice cream is always great!

What inspires you?
Classical music. When I listen to classical music or play classical piano pieces I get inspired to create. I’m also able to take a step back and see things in a different light.

Noy Chatoyan is an incoming Academy freshman who has a love for entrepreneurship, design and music. During his time at USC, Chatyoan hopes to take up a minor in music production and launch a company. He looks forward to utilizing the makerspace and working with other talented individuals.

FRESH Encounters: Noy Chatoyan