Some of Mari Edler’s first memories involve the University of Southern California. From football games to photos in front of Tommy Trojan and watching the marching band, cardinal and gold school spirit runs deep and academic tradition runs deeper. 

Edler, an incoming freshman, will be the 18th person in her family to attend USC. Bearing a sprawling multi-generational history with the university, she’s forging an academic first within her family – Edler is enrolled in IYA, ready to make the most of the unique educational journey that lies ahead. A “lifelong artist and creator,” this soon-to-be student is repping for the 17 Trojans that came before her, while carving out an original track for herself and her future. 

“I like to joke that I was born a Trojan,” Edler says. “I learned firsthand that the famous term ‘the Trojan Family’ is a true community full of support, fellowship, and camaraderie.” 

With a deeply-rooted connection to USC in her blood, IYA turned out to be the distinctive dream school that will help define Edler’s destiny. She admits that she struggled with the idea of a traditional educational path as she prepared for college. Thankfully, IYA fulfills her desire to think and learn differently. 

“What I love about the Academy is that it focuses on creating education grounded in real-life experiences. I’m continually star struck at the program's approach to challenge-based learning and how it was exactly what I'd been dreaming for all along.”

Edler notes that throughout her senior year of high school, when asked what she wanted to do with her life, she typically replied, “art and blank.” That blank symbolizes the exploratory margin to discover and nurture a fierce interest in both tech and business. That’s where IYA comes in. 

“I wanted to pursue my passion in college while also studying business or tech alongside it, so it was critical to find a program with an interdisciplinary approach. Unfortunately, most schools offered only business or technology to be paired with the arts, but IYA was the first program that integrated and encouraged all three. In all my research, USC was the only school that allowed this kind of major to exist outside of a DIY interdisciplinary major approach,” she explains.

For Edler, a school’s makerspace revealed everything she needed to know about what kind of environment is encouraged. That philosophy solidified the fact that IYA was where she needed to be. 

“It shows if the school is up to date on technology and the latest innovations, but most of all, it’s a room that reveals the level of student creativity and artistic exploration. Having one of the most robust creative facilities I have ever seen, IYA’s Creator Studio is like a dream turned reality for me,” she says. 

Edler chalks up her creative desire to design to “childlike curiosity” – a running inspiration in her art. Working in mediums like 3D printing, clay, AR, and fictional linguistics, she’s entering IYA after winning high school accolades such as the Award of Excellence in Performing Arts: Drama, Visual Arts: 3D Design, and Visual and an Orange County Artist of the Year nomination. She’s also a National Charity League member and accomplished Girl Scout, who completed a project combating the pandemic’s influence on child development through researching and implementing art therapy. As she preps for her IYA odyssey, she looks forward to thriving in an innovative hub alongside motivating peers, armed with the tools and guidance to make a creative and purpose-driven impact. 

“Throughout my entire life, my family has always emphasized the joy and importance of connecting and collaborating with individuals, both in the classroom and the professional world. Having already met many of the people in my cohort, I am thrilled to be working with each and every one of them. They are some of the most unique, passionate, and genuine individuals, and I am so honored to take this next journey with them,” she shares. 

Edler may be following in her family’s footsteps, but she’s doing things her way.

She adds, “The Academy has finally given me a place that will allow me to turn my wildest dreams into reality.” 

Mari Edler will be the 18th person in her family to attend USC. Bearing a sprawling multi-generational history with the university, she’s forging an academic first within her family – Edler is enrolled in IYA, ready to make the most of the unique educational journey that lies ahead. A “lifelong artist and creator,” this soon-to-be student is repping for the 17 Trojans that came before her, while carving out an original track for herself and her future. 

'Born a Trojan': The 18th Trojan in Her Family, This IYA Freshman Blazes Her Own Trail at USC

Subscribe to our Newsletter