New students in black and cardinal gowns anticipated remarks meant to formally welcome them to campus for their convocation, which would echo through Galen Center on Friday morning. But when Dean of Religious Life Varun Soni spoke, he told the incoming Trojans it was not the right decision to attend USC.

“There are no right decisions. There are only decisions that we make right,” Soni said. “As you join this extraordinary new community, may you make your decision to attend USC the right decision for you by fully embracing the things that you can control and by realizing that you already possess everything you need to thrive in flourishing.”

Interim President Beong-Soo Kim also spoke to students, telling the story of a young George Lucas before he created renowned franchises such as “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” He transferred to USC to pursue documentary filmmaking, and after he was told by those around him that he wouldn’t make it in the industry, Lucas doubled down on his goals in college.

“George Lucas was just another USC student, a student just like you, whose experiences have uniquely equipped him to explore, learn and make the most of his time here,” Kim said. “Sometimes the building will be tangible, like the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening later this year next to campus.”

After an original song performed by Sofia Silvestri, a senior majoring in popular music performance, alum Lauren Helmbrecht, a rising sports broadcaster, spoke about a job call she got during her 2018 commencement ceremony. NFL fellows told her that they had good news and bad news: They wanted to hire her, but only as a seasonal worker.

“It wasn’t what I expected, or the way that graduates are supposed to start their careers,” Helmbrecht said. “But embracing the unexpected was the heart of the lesson. The most significant growth comes when your path does not go as planned. My time at USC wasn’t linear either.”

Helmbrecht switched majors from business to communication, walked backward as a tour guide, shot T-shirt cannons at football games and gradually found her way into interviewing athletes, which she said she enjoyed. A capstone project led her to cover the Green Bay Packers for three seasons while pursuing a master’s degree.

“This perfect, linear life — it’s not real, and it’s not something that you need to chase,” Helmbrecht said. “The side quests, the pivots, the unexpected turns, the people you meet — those are what shape you, stretch you and prepare you for what comes next.”

Hunter Hughes, a freshman majoring in political science, said he was particularly inspired by Helmbrecht’s message that success does not follow a straight path.

Undergraduate Student Government President Mikaela Bautista and Graduate Student Government President Janielle Cuala also spoke, sharing the experience of late nights. In Bautista’s case, it was pulling an all-nighter at Leavey Library that brought her closer to her roommate.

“No one arrives at USC knowing all the traditions, all the clubs or all the people,” said Bautista, a senior majoring in business administration. “The difference isn’t who starts the semester with your model; it’s who chooses to lean in.”

Selena Hughes, Hughes’ mom, said she felt a warm welcome from the ceremony. She also said she even felt comforted by the anecdotes of all-nighters — despite Bautista quipping to parents that all-nighters were not normal occurrences.

“I think that that’s important, because it’s showing grit and determination and working towards your goals,” Selena Hughes said. “The same thing that got you here is the same thing that’s going to keep you here.”

Cuala, a graduate student studying medical biophysics, brought up her late nights and failed projects. But the people who supported her — friends, roommates and parents — through her worst days are what kept her going.

“So here’s my advice: Find your people,” she said. “Build your village intentionally with classmates and friends, mentors who inspire and challenge you, people who celebrate your wins and sit with you through the hard times.”

Nicole Scimeca, a freshman majoring in journalism, said she was nervous about starting over coming into the ceremony, but left feeling more excited.

“[Convocation] was really inspiring. There were a lot of great speakers, and I think they touched on all the aspects that can be intimidating going into college,” Scimeca said. “[College] can be very scary, but I’m very excited after today, very excited to fight on.”