Humanities Ambassador Spotlight | Sophia Valdez

Q: Why did you become an ambassador for the College of Humanities?
A: I chose to become an ambassador because I love the International Studies program and the environment of the College of Humanities. I wanted to get involved, set an example for other students, and get more students involved. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to help out and be a leader as well.

Q: What are your major(s) and/or minor(s)? Why did you choose them, what do you love most about them, and what do you hope to do with them once you graduate?
A: My major is International Studies, and I plan to minor in Spanish. I chose to major in International Studies because of my love for other countries and I want to learn about cultures and issues occurring globally. I plan to work in a non-profit in another country when I graduate.

Q: When you have to lock in and study for a hard test or write a long paper, what is your go-to method for staying focused and pushing through?
A: I like to go to a coffee shop or somewhere that is not too comfy so I can get it done and not fall asleep. I also listen to instrumentals or soundtracks while studying.

Q: Where is the best place to go get food on or around campus?
A: On campus, the A. Ray Oplin Student Union is great for a variety of different foods. I love Panda Express.

Q: What do you think your most unique hobby is? Why do you love it?
A: I love listening to or discovering new artists and albums at least once a day. I think it helps me expand my music taste.

Q: In what way(s) do you feel “at home” at the University of Utah?
A: I feel at home because of the incredible views of the mountains and when I get to go to fun events like football games.

Q: What is the earliest or latest class you’ve ever had? What about that class made it worth getting up so early/staying on campus so late?
A: My earliest class was at 9:40 am—Philosophy 1001. I loved that class because it was open discussion and it was open to all ideas.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you have received in life, and how have you lived up to it?
A: To do things even when they’re hard and to keep trying. I think this has helped me a lot in college, especially with a full schedule, commuting, and not knowing many people. I continue to try and have been able to do well in my classes and be involved in clubs and programs which have been so important.

Q: On a regular day what does your commute to school look like? Do you enjoy it? If not, what are some ways you make it more bearable?
A: I used to commute from Ogden every day and it was a 45-minute drive or an hour and a half by train/bus. To make it more bearable, I tried to be productive by getting homework done on the way or listening to music while looking out the window, which was fun.

Q: In what way have you engaged in the college experience that you are most proud of?
A: I think being involved in clubs such as the Hospitality Program, Fashion in Business (FIB), Bennion Center, and especially when I got to volunteer helping out the kids during my Ethnic Studies class at the Hartland Center.

Q: What do you feel is the most underrated building or place on campus?
A: I like the Museum of Fine Arts because of the café, and it’s a nice place to study and eat—or outside the Christensen Center because there are multiple tables to sit outside, which is relaxing.

Q: What is your dream career? What steps are you taking to get there?
A: My dream career is to be in the fashion business. I am doing the USOAR Trademark and Licensing Ambassador Program.

Q: If you could study abroad anywhere on earth, where would you go and why?
A: Spain or Italy. I would love to visit them because I love the culture, the beaches, and the architecture.

Q: Would you rather have back-to-back classes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. one day a week or one two-hour class every day of the week, including weekends?
A: I would rather have back-to-back classes one day a week.

Q: If you could go back and tell just one thing about your college experience to your past self on your first day at the U, what would you tell yourself?
A: I would say how important it is to study and not wait until the last minute—and to spend as much time on campus as possible.