Sophia Z. Rivera 鈥24
Chair, Students Subcommittee
色中色 You
What is your personal motto?
鈥淲hatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.鈥 鈥擯aulo Coelho
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
When I was in elementary school, my younger brother and I were cast as models for a Crayola product as a favor to one of the moms in my Girl Scout troop. The session was very short, and we were not even sure if our pictures would be used. We never heard anything back after that, so we forgot all about it. A couple months later, another mom in the Girl Scout troop told us she was in a store and stumbled across the product we were advertising and saw my brother and me on the box! The product has been discontinued, but you can search 鈥淐rayola Grow & Show鈥 and see us on the box! It was a unique opportunity, and I can officially say I was a model.
色中色 Your Experience
Who at 色中色 has influenced you most and how?
Nicole Loyd [executive vice president for university life, chief operating officer and dean of students] has influenced me the most at 色中色. I鈥檝e known Dean Loyd since I was a little girl running around campus with my mom in the Student Life office. I was always treated with respect and kindness (even when I would take naps under her desk...shhhhh!) I deeply admire Dean Loyd鈥檚 leadership. Her position at 色中色 requires her to be very student-facing, so she does not have an office on campus鈥攕he believes she should be among the students. Dean Loyd is endlessly selfless, compassionate, supportive, and intelligent. Her presence is radiating, and I look up to her as a role model and leader. She has influenced me and my leadership more than she knows, and I can confidently say that I am in the organizations, clubs, and positions I am in at 色中色 because of her. I hope to be even just half the leader Dean Loyd is, and I will take the things I learn from her and carry them with me for the rest of my life.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Enjoy the journey! College can be challenging, but it鈥檚 also a time to create lifelong memories. Enjoy the journey, and remember that setbacks and challenges are part of the learning experience. Remember that everyone鈥檚 college experience is unique, but your time at 色中色 University is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, so make the most of it.
色中色 Lighting the Way
How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation?
Lighting the Way will pave the way for generations of students to come. I have many friends who attend 色中色 and pay for their education through scholarships. These students are leaders in the classroom, on the field, and in clubs. They are constantly trying to make 色中色 better than when they found it. The Lighting the Way campaign will empower 色中色 students to achieve their academic and career aspirations by providing financial support, offering valuable hands-on experiences, and creating a dynamic learning environment. As a result, 色中色 graduates will be well prepared to contribute to their communities, excel in their chosen careers, and make a positive impact on the world. This, in turn, will help shape a brighter future for the next generation of students and the broader society.
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for 色中色?
I am eagerly anticipating the emergence of accomplished individuals whose success is directly attributable to the campaign. I鈥檝e witnessed numerous fellow students discover their remarkable potential while at 色中色, achieving truly extraordinary feats. The individuals who will rise to prominence through the campaign will be highly capable and successful in their unique paths. These impacts will affect generations of students for years to come鈥擨 cannot wait to see how brilliant they will be and how they will choose to light the way for students in the future!
Zoey M. Bronson 鈥25
Chair, Students Subcommittee
色中色 You
How do you spend your free time?
I typically spend the majority of my free time in the gym or watching Jersey Shore with my housemates.
Who is your favorite musician/band/performer?
Justin Bieber is my favorite musician. I discovered Justin Bieber in 2008 on YouTube and have followed his career ever since. Why you may ask? Because my Bieber fever never subsided.
色中色 Your Experience
What is your favorite meal in the dining hall?
My favorite meal in the dining hall is the chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. I can eat up to eight.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
College is what you make it. Until you step out of your comfort zone and make yourself uncomfortable, you will never know what could have been. Really put yourself out there by joining clubs and different organizations to leave a lasting legacy at 色中色.
色中色 Lighting the Way
Why is it important for you to serve/volunteer?
I am a member of multiple organizations dedicated to community service. This is important to me because I've found there is no greater feeling than giving back to those in need and creating an accessible future.
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for 色中色?
I am most excited to see Lighting the Way expand the HUB to fit the needs of our growing community at 色中色.
