Hi! I’m Sophie, a freshman on the pre-dental track and a Public Health and Biological Sciences double major with a proud coffee addiction. I’m originally from Philadelphia (Go Birds!) and love getting involved on campus and meeting new people. Outside of class, you can usually find me CADing at the makerspace, studying in a corner of Alexander Library, or running (literally) around one of the five campuses. There’s so many great spots around campus to explore, and a plethora of opportunities everywhere you turn. I’d be happy to show you the hidden gems, the best study spots for midterms or finals studying, the underrated coffee, and give you an honest inside scoop of what life is actually like at Rutgers. Come with questions—the more the better!

Hometown

Kennett Square, PA

Major(s)

Biological Sciences, Public Health

Minor(s)

Business Administration

Clubs, organizations & involvement

RUAIR Dental Knights Association APAMSA Rutgers Pre-Dental Honors Peer Mentor Program

Describe your college experience

My mentality going into college was one of single-minded focus. As a pre-health student, all I had in mind was my GPA. But Rutgers makes it easy to balance work with leisure. There are so many people of all different walks of life that both inspire me to reach beyond my expectations and also to help me relax and take breaks. I've already learned so much about myself and in my classes, and I'm sure that anyone coming to Rutgers will be able to find a tight-knit community, even among such a large student body.

Tip for future students

For future students, I would advise them to spend as much time outside of the dorm as possible. I would tell them to capitalize on the amenities that come with your tuition, like the recreation centers, school events, and student centers. As a part of this, I would also tell them to step outside of your comfort zone and talk to new people, email your professors, and be proactive as much as possible. The first thing I've learned is that college truly has so many opportunities, and it's up to you to take them.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Public Health Law and Ethics because I always have a new angle on a current event that I never considered, and it mixes history, science, and social work into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Career goals

After college, I hope to go to dental school. Eventually, I want to be a successful dentist with my own practice.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is to play games with my friends in the dorms. We often like to play card games or online word games--whatever we end up playing, we always have fun.

High school or secondary school

Unionville High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the Cook-Doug Recreation Center because there is a plethora of things and activities to do around the area. The building itself includes a gym, swimming pool, sauna, basketball court, badminton courts, and group classes so you always have a way to stay activity, no matter what your interest is (and it's usually less crowded than the other gyms as well). Around the area, there is an outdoor volleyball court, soccer field, amazing dining hall, nearby bus stop, and on Thursdays, the Starbucks truck :). Overall, there are so many activities and interesting events happening at the rec center, which makes it well worth the bus ride there.