Ever since I volunteered abroad to Cajamarca, Peru this summer, I have become interested in helping others, as well as experiencing other cultures around the world. I yearn to learn more about other countries, like Brazil and Thailand, and their languages or their cultural traditions. In particular, after living with a host family in rural Peru for eight weeks, I have developed an affinity for the Spanish language and Latin American cultures.
Well, your prompt is focused on Academic Interests and while I was reading the above section, I wasn't sure that whether they represent your academic interests. What is your major ? Spanish language? Whatever it is, I wish you made a clear connection between the field you are going to pursue at USC and how the program offered by the USC would help you achieve your academic goals.