Hi, my name is Sophia. I am a sophomore Finance major with a Nonprofit Leadership minor. I came to this campus from Pennsylvania so if you are and out-of-stater (or your family is worried about you moving far away) I am the person for you. I get what the experience is like and I'd love to show you why it is worth it. Since arriving, I've thrown myself into campus life. I'm involved in the Empowering Women in Law Club, Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity, Seeking Alpha Mu Investment Fund, and am a trained tutor, which means I've gotten to see this school from a bunch of different angles. I know the go-to study spots, the best food on campus, and the little traditions that make this place feel like home instead of just a school. On my tours, I don't just walk you through the highlights reel. I want you to leave with a real sense of what your day-to-day life could actually look like here: where you'd eat, where you'd study, where you'd make friends, and how it feels to build a life somewhere maybe far from home. Whether you're weighing this school against others or just want an honest, no-fluff answer to "but what's it actually like," I'm happy to talk through it with you. Book me if you want a tour guide who's still genuinely excited to be here, remembers exactly what it felt like to be in your shoes, and isn't afraid to tell you the real answer to your questions.

Hometown

Downingtown, PA

Major(s)

FInance

Minor(s)

Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Empowering Women in Law Club - Philanthropy Chair and Member Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity - Brother Seeking Alpha Mu Investment Fund - Research Analyst Justice and Legal Thought Scholars Program - Tour Guide ​/​ Scholars Ambassador

Describe your college experience

Transitioning to college as an out of state student I was worried I wouldn't be comfortable, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I have found more friends, independence, authority, new experiences, and joy than I could have ever imagined.

Tip for future students

Something I wish I knew before starting college especially in as big of a school as Maryland is to take every experience you can. Go to every club fair because you'll never know where you will feel most welcome. Join different rec sports to stay active, go to dorm hall meetings, just do it all.

Favorite class

Business Statistics: It allowed me to understand the practical uses of business and integrated mathematical concepts with business uses

Career goals

I hope to either go into the public finance sector or attend law school to become a finance lawyer. I am currently exploring legal, financial, and governmental internship opportunities.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My dream night is watching a new movie with my friends in my apartment while eating pizza or a new meal we tried to cook. Then we get ready and put on fun outfits before hanging out in the town (College Park).

High school or secondary school

Downingtown STEM Academy

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is McKeldin Mall. I was originally annoyed that the amazing mall in the middle of campus was not filled with stores but instead to my surprise, just a huge field of grass. However, this quickly developed into my favorite spot to be. During the day the mall is filled with people laughing as they walk to class, fairs, flee markets, sports games, and more. Every time I walk through the mall I get to see the community that UMD really is, that's why it is my favorite place on campus.