Sophia grew up in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from Denver South High School in 2018 before attending the University of Colorado Boulder. As a first-generation college student, earning her degree was a significant milestone, especially given the challenges she faced. Her father passed away during my freshman year, and her mother’s ongoing struggles with addiction have been a constant in her life. Despite this, Sophia became the first person in my family to graduate from college and earn a salary. She have two younger sisters, and being the eldest has fueled her determination to create a better path for herself and them. These experiences have shaped her resilience and my passion for giving back to communities like the one she came from.
Her leadership extends beyond academics. Her most important accomplishment is breaking barriers in her family and setting an example for her sisters. She hopes to build a successful career that allows her to give back to the sober community and create opportunities for students facing similar circumstances. Growing up with a mother in and out of rehab and navigating life without her father has made her relentless in my pursuit of success. She’s learned to thrive in the face of adversity and developed a love for storytelling, using her experiences to inspire others. She wants to use her story to create pipelines for young people from households like hers, ensuring that they have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
