Sofia Carolina Wageman

College affiliation: Rachel Carson

Department: Sociology and LALS

What Award/Scholarship did you receive? Fanny Carruthers Award in Sociology

When do you expect to graduate? Spring 2024

Where do you call home? San Jose, CA!

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? Since Santa Cruz is so close to home, I grew up coming here very regularly. I fell in love with this beach town at such a young age, I knew my way around since I was about 15 years old. Around that time is when I found out there was a college here, and since then I was dedicated to going to UCSC. I love that the campus is in a forest, but the beach is ten minutes away. It still blows my mind every day!

What is your field of focus? I am double majoring in Sociology and Latin American & Latino studies.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? When I graduate from UCSC, I hope to work with and help people. I have a few career paths in mind, but one thing that is for certain is that I want to help people!

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? Being part of one of the largest academic strikes! It was very eye-opening and incredible to see so many people come together. As it didn’t directly affect me, it was great to show solidarity with the graduate students!

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? Take time to get to know the campus. Go on hikes with friends, make it an event. It is a huge campus and I still get lost to this day! 

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will help pay for my tuition and gave me the confidence boost that I needed!