Hi! My name is Sophia and I'm going into my senior year at UF. I'm majoring in Sociology with minors in Economics and Classical Studies (and maybe Geography) on the Pre-Law Track. I absolutely love UF and am very involved within the school. I did dual-enrollment during my time at high school so I graduated with my AA. Due to that, I am taking three instead of four years at UF. I'm also currently studying for the LSAT, so if you're pre-law I am sure I can help answer some questions. I'm a part of First Generation Lawyers (a pre-law organization), STAAR (an agency of student gov), Global Legal Empowerment Brigades (a pre-law summer tele brigade experience), Chispas (an org that supports immigration and immigrant rights), and LeadUF (a program for new students at UF -- which I highly recommend signing up for!) I also work part time as a Student Administrative Assistant for the school! Other than school, orgs, and work, I also volunteer when I get the chance, with my main volunteer involvement being Project Downtown Gainesville on the weekends which provides hot meals on the weekend to anyone who needs it at city hall. In the fall, I'll also be starting as an Ignite Fellow for Teach for America! I love hanging out with my friends, getting a little coffee and a sweet treat and just chatting. I also love the arts, I love listening to music, play the piano, read all kinds of books, draw, and paint nails!

Hometown

Punta Gorda, FL

Major(s)

Sociology

Minor(s)

Economics, Classical Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Director of Professional Development (and past Assistant Director of Community Service for First Generational Lawyers Public Relations Officer for Global Legal Empowerment Brigades Ambassador for Students Taking Action Against Racism Peer Leader for LeadUF Student Administrative Assistant at the University of Florida, Department of Religion Ignite Fellow for Teach for America Volunteer at Project Downtown Gainesville Volunteer at GRACE Marketplace

Describe your college experience

I have absolutely loved my time at UF. I've met people that have changed my lives and I imagine will be in my life until the end. I've learned about so many different topics and subjects, both in and out of school and I've learned so much about myself as well. Due to Bright Futures, I didn't apply out of state, so I knew I only had so many options and I was in-between UF and FSU and I don't regret my choice at all. I started Summer B and even though I wasn't entirely happy about that, it allowed me to get to know UF before so many people were on campus and made me feel more comfortable about Gainesville as well.

Tip for future students

Don't overwhelm yourself. You're going to want to and feel like you should do absolutely everything under the sun. While you should dabble in different things to find what you're comfortable with, I highly suggest finding one or two things that you feel happy in and dedicate your time with those commitments. If you try and do everything, you're going to burn yourself out quickly, it's very different from high school and it's harder to do a million different things. Always put yourself first.

Favorite class

Social Inequality with Dr. Ravi Ghadge! My favorite class by far, I took it my Freshman Fall semester and it changed my perspective on everything. It made me pick up sociology as a major and drop economics down to a minor and it was a class that really made me think. I highly recommend any of Ghadge's classes, he is such a kind soul and is passionate about his teachings.

Career goals

I hope to go to law school, I'm actually studying for the LSAT right now! I'm interested in pursuing a legal career surrounding intellectual property or international relations.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Watching a movie with my friends and then going to sleep nice and early! I love just taking this slowly and getting the time to relax.

High school or secondary school

Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School​/​Florida SouthWestern College, Punta Gorda, FL