Why are you attending UO?
I got a pretty good scholarship to come here. It’s close to home, and I needed to diversify a little more.
How/why do you want to change the world?
Why wouldn’t you? I always think how awesome it would be if everyone had a job that was socially responsible. We all could make a change in the world, and if we all did one little thing, one little act of change, it could make a big difference.
What has been the best part of your college experience?
Meeting people. I’ve met some great people who are very interesting and come from different backgrounds.
What are you proud to have been involved with at UO?
I’ve been working at the Holden Center for Leadership and Communication for three years. For the past two years, I’ve been working as a Days of Service co-director. I get to work with a lot of nonprofits in Lane county. I interned with Central Latina-Americano for about six months, doing some immigration work. It was amazing.
What are some of your goals after college?
I’m going to grad school starting in the fall, and I’m getting my masters in Urban and Regional Planning.
Who’s your biggest role model/influencer?
I would say for the past four years of college, Chris Ruiz de Esparza and Corinne Bauman, who both work at the Holden Center, have been my biggest inspirations. I’ve done a lot of leadership development and civic engagement work with them.
Which fictional character is most like yourself?
Yzma from Kronk’s New Groove! She has a fun, kind of crazy personality that is different. I wouldn’t identify with the evil side of her, but I think would say she matches my sense of humor. What is one fun fact about you? I’m almost fluent in Farsi, and I’m allergic to showering with hot water.
Sofia Alvarez-Castro
May 31, 2019