Age: 22
Hometown: Limerick, Pennsylvania
Year: Senior
Major: Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (minors: WGS, PPPM)
Dream job: Working at a global think tank, maybe international law eventually.
Why did you choose U of O?
I fell in love with the campus when I first visited: it was a sunny day in February, so you can bet everyone was outside soaking in the rays, smiling, throwing frisbees… much happier than when I visited other universities.
How/Why do you want to change the world?
I’m interested in renewable energy, and as it’s 2015, believe we should cease dependence on fossil fuels. By going into international energy policy, I want to encourage decisions to become more sustainable and prevent more environmental damage to less fortunate communities.
Best part of your college experience?
Hearing the Dalai Lama speak was definitely one of the highlights from attending the UO. As to the more general college experience, traveling around the west coast on breaks, for conferences, and random adventures have left some really wonderful memories from Oregon.
What are you proud to have been part of at U of O?
Taking part in some of the activism on campus. For me, it was mostly environmental organizing, but participating in the rallies against sexual assault on campus showed how important this issue is to different aspects of campus life. Being in the Women & Gender Studies department definitely enhanced my college experience. Finding different passions and being able to pursue them on and off campus in Oregon has helped me figure out what I want to do post-grad.
Goals after college?
I’ll be studying and interning in Poland this summer, then going to St. Petersburg to continue studying in the fall- hopefully getting into a master’s program in SPb. After those, I’d look to get into international NGO work or public policy institutes.
Role model?
Probably my mom. She worked in a male-dominated space for most of her career, and seeing her success encouraged me to continue working for what I’m passionate about.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Sophie Hoover is a 21-year-old from Sacramento, California majoring in international studies (Taylor Wilder/Emerald).