When she enters Yale University in the fall, Sofia R. will merge her two passions – neuroscience and theater.
“It’s really a unique experience getting to do arts and academics during the day — at the same time,” she said. “You get that ability to express yourself creatively and any way you want.”
Having been interested in both subjects since she was a kid, the senior at Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts credits her well-rounded high school experience with giving her the opportunity to take the jump from Dallas, Texas to New Haven, Conn.
“A lot of students don’t end up pursuing their art, but it’s still a big part of who they are and what they do,” she said. “It’s that ability to think outside the box. Creativity is a lot more than just the creativity we do as artists. It extends to any field possible.”
For Sofia, that field is neuroscience. She discovered the subject in fourth grade during a summer program hosted by UCLA.
An actress since she was young, she shifted gears to directing and stage managing while in high school. This year, Sofia took a senior directing class, an audition-only course where she had the opportunity to direct two plays for the year.
“Being in the arts helps with academics. You get to do a lot of fun projects in your academic classes you wouldn’t get to do otherwise,” she said. “The teachers here try to put arts into their lesson plans,” she said. “That’s a really unique aspect to the school – a lot of times, we get to blend the art and academic aspect.”
Sofia also served as president of the senior class council and was a member of various clubs, including the Environmental Club, Science National Honor Society, and Student Voter Empowerment Coalition.
Sofia, who applied to 26 schools, said she was shocked when she received her acceptance letter to Yale.
“I opened 10 decision letters that day. It was really overwhelming to go back-to-back,” she said. “I’m still in disbelief. It was so much to process at once.”
While working toward a neuroscience major, Sofia plans to continue to grow her passion for theater – whether that’s pursuing a double major in theater and neuroscience, receiving a theater certificate, or volunteering at community theaters in New Haven.
She is moving to Connecticut in August and is most excited to meet teachers, staff, and her fellow students.
“Yale has a unique way of bringing together people of many different talents and disciplines, Sofia said. “It’s very like Booker T. in that sense. There’s something you can learn from every person you talk to. No conversation is boring.”
