Student Spotlight: Meet Sophie

What attracted you to UNT?

As a transfer student, there were many elements that drew me to UNT, but there are two that stand out. The main draw for me was UNT’s phenomenal data science program. As a fairly new major finding its place in universities, finding a good program that aligns with industry and what you want to be able to learn is essential. Second was UNT’s general environment and welcoming nature. I loved seeing how people from all sorts of backgrounds could find something that worked for them here and how UNT encourages and supports that sense of community.

What student organizations, programs, and activities are you involved in?

I work on campus as a transfer ambassador, am involved with Hillel’s learning fellowships and in organizing the 2026 Israel Fest, and volunteer with the Sustainable Arts Garden.

How has being involved helped you develop valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom?

Being involved is a key aspect of the college experience. Even though it’s easy for me to sit and focus on my classes, being involved helps me socialize and make connections, put the things I learn in class and my talents/passion into practice, and gives me a sense of fulfillment to be an active participant and contributor to my community.

What advice would you give a student who is looking to make the most out of their college experience?

Make it a goal to fail. Put yourself out there, talk to people and professors, try new things, apply to positions, put something on your bucket list just for the plot, and let yourself fail. At some point, it’ll end up working out, and you’ll learn something new about yourself, but treat every single failure as a data point to learn from and to get you closer to your goal. Additionally, it’ll make you a well-rounded, well-experienced person.

What do you like most about UNT?

I really appreciate the amount of student resources, departments, labs, unique programs, and more available at UNT. There really is something for everyone and someone to point you in the right direction. UNT makes it easy to find your niche and get the support you need to excel. I appreciate the way UNT invests into its students’ experiences, whether it be through programs like the Professional Leadership Program or the ease of use of the Student Health and Wellness Center. I’ve never seen a campus with so many resources and so many activities!

If you could recommend students attend one campus activity or event, what would it be?

I would recommend everyone attend the Art Mart! I love getting to see and support the creative nature of UNT students and be inspired myself to dedicate myself to my craft.

What's a fun fact about you?

I’ve spent the last five summers working at a summer camp in Wimberley, Texas and still go back around twice a month to work retreats and other programs!

What are your plans after graduating from UNT?

After graduating from UNT, I hope to begin my career in data science and work toward being a technical product manager, contributing to and supporting the work of technology to eliminate data bias and improve our world.

What is something you have learned at UNT that you will carry with you for life?

My time getting to and at UNT has taught and reinforced to me the value of resilience. Life is never as linear as we expect it to be, but we can continue to forge ahead and make the path work for us, finding the reason for ourselves.