Transfer Student Spotlight | Sophia Cauble

Q: What advice would you share with other students thinking of transferring?
A: Transferring is a big decision; it’s scary and overwhelming, and it can come with a weird sense of guilt. That was the hardest part for me to get over, because most of that guilt came from outside voices: my parents, my friends, my teachers. In the end, I realized this decision had to be purely for myself. It’s not easy to quiet those outside factors, but you’ll know when a place doesn’t feel right. If you’re lucky enough to have support from your family, or the opportunity through scholarships or financial aid, take it. The sooner you take that leap, the closer you get to finding the place that truly makes you happy. For me, it was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made, but also one of the best. When I transferred, I tried to leave my old school without resentment. Someone told me, “Don’t leave with bad energy. Leave holding onto the good memories.” That helped me so much. My first transfer application was actually rejected because of my old grades, but I appealed, got accepted, and worked hard to make it count. If you’re having doubts about where you are, that’s your sign. Be selfish in this decision; it’s your life. You can always go back, but you’ll never know what’s possible if you don’t make that jump.

Q: What excites you about your major?
A: Both of my majors, Environmental Sustainability and Communication, overlap in ways that feel natural to me. Together, they give me tools to connect environmental science with real-world communication and creative storytelling. The Environmental Sustainability program has been incredibly meaningful, especially given today’s political and environmental climate. Each class teaches something I genuinely care about, and the professors’ passion makes it even more inspiring. Faculty like Amanda Brunelle, Larry Coats, Mitchell Power, Natasha Seifried, and Susana Velásquez-Franco show how deeply they care about their subjects and their students. That enthusiasm is contagious. I also love how the program connects with the local community, we visit nonprofits and learn directly from people working on sustainability issues across Utah. It’s expanded my understanding of community beyond campus. My Communication major adds another layer, especially through journalism and media writing, helping me learn how to share environmental stories in a creative and accessible way.

Q: What strategies or resources have helped you be successful here at the University of Utah?
A: The Center for Disability & Access (CDA) office has been amazing in helping me with class accommodations and test-taking needs. The Learning Abroad Program was also one of the best experiences of my life, I studied in Florence, Italy last summer and gained so much perspective, passion, and self-exploration. Career coaches at the U have been a huge support too. They understand how overwhelming this stage of life can be and always want the best for students. I also recommend actually reading the campus newsletters and Canvas announcements, that’s how I discovered my current opportunity working in the Paleoecology Lab at the Natural History Museum of Utah. I’ve been assisting Dr. Susana Velásquez-Franco with her research on lake sediment cores to reconstruct wildfire and volcanic activity in the Cerro Machín Wetland in Colombia. I just submitted my first Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) application to continue this work next semester, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at the U.

Q: How can faculty and staff better support transfer students?
A: I think academic advising could be more streamlined and proactive. It’s difficult when you’re undecided, and sometimes students are encouraged to take exploratory classes that don’t end up counting toward their goals. More individualized guidance and long-term planning help transfer students feel grounded and confident in their path.

Q: How has your transfer experience shaped your future goals?
A: Transferring completely changed how I make decisions for myself. It pushed me to be more independent and trust my instincts. Being away from home for the first time taught me how to take initiative, no one’s there to sign you up for things or remind you of deadlines. It’s given me confidence to pursue opportunities that scare me, and it showed me that taking risks often leads to the most growth. I’ve learned to keep myself busy, say yes to new opportunities, and not be afraid of change. Even if something doesn’t perfectly align with your long-term goals, it can still teach you valuable personal or professional skills.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your remaining time at the U?
A: I’m excited to keep taking classes that align with my specific interests and to finally combine what I’ve learned into personal, creative projects. I want to use what I’ve learned in sustainability and communication to create work that not only reflects my passions but also helps others engage with environmental topics in meaningful ways.