Humanities Scholar Spotlight
Alyah Bernal | Braden Hinckley | Sophia Faggioli
The Humanities Scholars program is an exclusive first-year experience providing an immersive atmosphere where students, faculty, and staff collaborate over shared interests, academic research, and community involvement.
Q: How did you choose the University of Utah?
A: The University of Utah was the only university that I cared for, so I didn't apply to any other university.
Q: What are you most excited about starting this year or what are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m looking forward to joining clubs and participating in activities. I’m also really excited to spend time with my friends and to make more.
Q: What is a hobby you enjoy and why do you love it?
A: I like to draw and write because of the freedom of creativity in it; I can draw what I want and write what I want.
Q: What is your most frequently used or favorite emoji, and why?
A: The skull emoji can convey so much.
Q: Would you rather spend time at the beach or camping, and why?
A: I would rather spend time at the beach because I don't like tents. I love the beach, especially in Greece.
Q: If you could go back in time, what time period would you most like to live in, and why?
A: The ancient world because I love ancient architecture like temples and columns.
Q: How did you choose the University of Utah?
A: I chose the University of Utah for both the community connections, meeting international students and the community I could form here.
Q: What are you most excited about starting this year or what are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m most excited to further my education and learning.
Q: What is a hobby you enjoy and why do you love it?
A: A hobby I enjoy is collecting vinyl and shellac records; I love fixing old record players and exploring music.
Q: What is your dream career, and what is it that excites you about that career?
A: A dream career of mine is to become a politician or political speaker because it's a social role, but also a chance to educate others.
Q: What is your most frequently used or favorite emoji, and why?
A: The laughing nervous face, I don't have a particular reason.
Q: Who is someone in your family whom you look up to, and why?
A: My grandfather, who practically raised me; he inspires me in the way he treats others and holds to his morals.
Q: Would you rather spend time at the beach or camping, and why?
A: I would rather go camping because I hate the heat.
Q: If you could go back in time, what time period would you most like to live and why?
A: I would love to live in the roaring twenties just to get the experience of seeing the transition between that decade and the dirty 30s. I would also want to see the social/economic conditions and how relatable they are to the ones my generation is undergoing.
Q: How did you choose the University of Utah?
A: I chose the University of Utah because it is close to home but far enough where I can have the full college experience. I'm from California, so it was nice choosing a school that was affordable and a good fit overall.
Q: What are you most excited about starting this year or what are you most looking forward to?
A: Starting this year, I am most looking forward to meeting new people and going to all my classes.
Q: What is a hobby you enjoy and why do you love it?
A: I love baking, reading, and listening to music because they are good ways to relieve stress.
Q: What is your dream career, and what is it that excites you about that career?
A: My dream career is working for the FBI or anything involved in the government. I love politics and history, so getting paid to do something that excites me would be the best thing.
Q: What is your most frequently used or favorite emoji, and why?
A: My most frequent emoji is 😭. It’s my most frequently used because it often fits into conversation.
Q: Who is someone in your family whom you look up to, and why?
A: I look up to my older brother because he’s overcome many challenges in his life. Seeing him succeed gives me the reassurance that I can do anything I put my mind to.
Q: If you could go back in time, in what time period would you most like to live and why?
A: If I could go back in time, I would go back to the 80's or 90's, so I can see all my favorite musicians live.