Sophie Geddes

She/Her/Hers

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a first-generation college graduate means paving the path for my children, my grandchildren, and other future generations to have opportunities that my parents strived so hard for me to have.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

My proudest moment from my time at UCSD will be graduating with both a STEM major and STEM minor while working 30 hours per week outside of school and juggling multiple health issues. My most fun moment will always be studying abroad in Italy for a summer!

• What advice do you have for current or future first-generation students?

I would tell current and future first-generation students to enjoy their time in college because it goes by so much faster than you realize!

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

To Mom and Dad - Thank you so much for always supporting me and pushing me to achieve all of my goals even when they seemed unobtainable at times. I definitely would not be the strong, independent person I am today without you!

To Ashton, Pierce, Bentley, and Ari - Thank you for always making me laugh!!

To Grandma and Papa - Thank you for all the FaceTime calls filled with advice and love...they really made my days better every time.

To Aaron - Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on during the hard times and a hand to hold during the fun times. You really are my rock!

To Marissa, Olivia, Bre, and Em - Even though we are all states apart, I love you more than life!

To Blimpy, DJ, and Freddy - Thank you for the cuddles...you always know just when I need them most.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Prof. Philbert Tsai - Thank you for helping us ALL with a smooth transition to online learning when the pandemic first started and for giving us extremely meaningful life advice in general.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

My short-term goals include moving closer to home in order to spend more time with my brothers while also preparing for medical school. My long-term goals include earning my MD and becoming a Neonatal Surgeon as well as starting a family. I also hope to travel all over the world.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Member, It's On Us at UCSD