Lena Annino is both an alumna and current student at the University of Southern California, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a minor in Spanish and is now pursuing a Master of Science in Global Medicine. As a pre-medical student currently applying to medical school, she has built a diverse background in academics, research, leadership, and service.

‍

During her undergraduate years, Lena worked as a tutor for Division I athletes in subjects ranging from biology, chemistry, and math to Spanish and writing. She later advanced into a leadership role as a mentor tutor, training new tutors, leading workshops, and evaluating their performance. In addition to tutoring, she conducted pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, focusing on Ewing Sarcoma, volunteered at Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital, and served as Executive Director of Camp Kesem at USC, a national nonprofit that provides free summer camps for children whose parents have been affected by cancer. These experiences shaped her academic rigor, communication skills, and passion for mentorship.

‍

Lena believes that the role of a mentor is not simply to provide answers, but to guide students toward discovering their own strengths and problem-solving strategies. Whether helping a student refine their writing or build confidence in a challenging STEM subject, she emphasizes skill-building and independence so that students feel empowered long after their sessions. At the same time, she fosters strong rapport and trust, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and growing. Her approach balances encouragement with accountability, ensuring that students are challenged while still feeling supported.

‍

Outside of academics, Lena enjoys singing opera, playing tennis, and exploring new music—especially country, a nod to her Texas roots. Though Los Angeles has become her second home, where she enjoys hiking and frequent trips to the beach, Dallas will always hold a special place in her heart. She also spends every summer in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, which has become both a second home and a source of deep cultural connection. She is excited to bring her love of teaching, mentorship, and learning into this role and looks forward to supporting students while also learning from them in return.

‍