Break on through to the finish line
How one student amplifies her core values in a quartet of roles at Sonoma State University
What if understanding ourselves begins with seeing others more clearly? For Sophie Rodriguez, a dedicated fourth-year Psychology major, student-athlete, student representative, and student assistant at Sonoma State University, this question fuels her passion for helping others and inspires her sense of purpose.
“There’s a Mayan saying,” she shares, “In lak’ ech,’ meaning ‘In you, I see me.’” To Sophie, these words speak to the pursuit of empathy and understanding—being open to and honoring each person’s unique story by recognizing parts of ourselves in others.
She believes that meaningful change happens through the willingness to show up for others. “During finals week, I handed out Rice Krispies treats to students in the library, and offered simple but heartfelt words of encouragement: “Good luck with finals. We see you, and we appreciate your hard work.”
For Sophie, success goes beyond personal achievements—it’s about creating a lasting impact on the community, uplifting those around her, and valuing the spaces she occupies in each of her roles.
These core principles are instrumental in how she navigates every aspect of her life at Sonoma State.
Chasing New Horizons
Originally from Temecula, California, Sophie chose Sonoma State in part because of an influential mentor on campus who left a lasting impact. “One person can make a huge difference in someone's life,” she says.
During her first visit to Sonoma State, she was drawn to the university’s slower pace and nature-rich surroundings—especially the peaceful yet lively duck pond. Watching the ducks, unafraid to take up space and make noise, Sophie found an unexpected metaphor: a reminder that at Sonoma State, everyone has a purpose, a voice, and the ability to thrive simply by being present in the power of now.
For Sophie, the harmony between the calming presence of nature and vibrancy of campus life provides a refreshing balance amid academic and athletic demands. Throughout her educational journey, she has embraced learning from supportive professors and collaborating with peers and friends, dedicating time to building meaningful relationships.
“There’s always somebody who can help you out, and interconnectedly, I’m there if I can help,” she says, even while facing her own pressures. By engaging in intellectual discussions and real-world applications of psychology, Sophie has sharpened her skills—equipping her to make a difference in the community, and prevail in the face of challenges.
Navigating her first college experience through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic deepened Sophie’s belief in the transformative power of kindness—toward both herself and others. This core value has since become her guiding North Star, leading her with compassion and propelling her journey toward success.
Harnessing Tenacity—Day In, Day Out
“It takes a village—you’re not doing this by yourself,” Sophie says, reflecting on the collective support system she’s experienced as a competitive athlete. She deeply values the tight-knit community of teammates and coaches, all united by their commitment to perseverance and excellence in both sports and education. Rising early and enduring long days are crucial for Sophie to give her best. A goal-setting mindset, she says, is necessary to build confidence and determination.
With over a decade of athletic experience, Sophie has become an unstoppable force on SSU’s track and field and cross-country teams, breaking records season after season: 5,000 meters in 19:01, 6,000 meters in 22:28 in cross-country, and 1,500 meters in 4:59, 5,000 meters in 17:46, 10,000 meters in 38:57 in track and field. What began as a childhood passion has evolved into something greater for Sophie—athletics is no longer just a sport; it’s a sanctuary, fueled by her team’s camaraderie and their effort to achieve faster times, greater accomplishments, and a stronger sense of self.
Sophie has consistent performance rituals: sticking to a disciplined schedule, fostering open communication with coaches and teammates, practicing vulnerability, and entering a mindful state of self-awareness. She says this approach strengthens her self-accountability, deepens honesty within herself, which in turn helps her connect meaningfully with others.
Constructive feedback is vital to Sophie, who regularly asks, “Here’s where I am—how can I improve?” Central to her journey is the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to enhance her physical, mental, and emotional well-being, fostering both grit and optimism.
Uniting the Pack in Seawolf Athletics
Beyond the track and trails, Sophie serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) where she plays an important role in bridging the gap between student-athletes and the Athletic Department. In this position, she channels her passion to amplify voices, drive initiatives, and foster community spirit. Through empathy, Sophie works to create a positive and inclusive environment for SSU athletes across all teams.
“What unites us across sports is being a Seawolf,” she says. “We take great pride and integrity in that because, at the end of the day, we’re all trying to do some incredible things.”
Sophie prioritizes supporting every teammate, regardless of skill level, by acknowledging the shared challenges and experiences they face. She encourages everyone to advocate and mutually empower each other and says, “Surround yourself with people who will contribute to your well-being and always keep your head up.”
Paving Opportunities in University Advancement
“Things don’t just happen overnight,” Sophie says. “There’s a lot of planning, conversations, and collaboration—exactly the kind of supportive environment I want to be a part of.” For the past three years, Sophie has worked as a Student Assistant at Sonoma State University’s Advancement Division. In this role, she connects with alumni and students to foster a strong sense of belonging. She values teamwork with her colleagues, appreciating how they “look after one another and recognize the humanity in all of us.”
Passionate about giving back to the community, Sophie finds fulfillment in supporting the Office of Alumni Relations & University Engagement in creating memorable experiences. “I have a purpose here with this group—I bring to the table what keeps us organized,” she says. Blending creativity with logistics, Sophie manages everything from event planning and data analysis to crafting cards and conducting business outreach, strengthening connections between 84,000 alumni and the student body as an ambassador.
One event Sophie treasures is Life After the Game, where alumni mentor student-athletes as they transition beyond graduation. “It’s bittersweet to share the experience of ‘We’ve been there, done that’,” she says. Through her roles in SAAC and the Alumni Association, Sophie is a dedicated leader committed to advancing connectivity between past and present students, ensuring future generations feel supported while keeping alumni engaged.
Becoming a Guide For Youth in School
As Sophie envisions her future, she plans to pursue a master’s in psychology or counseling after earning her bachelor’s in Spring 2025, continuing her mission of helping others. She draws inspiration from her parents’ decades-long careers in education—having seen firsthand their profound guidance in shaping lives.
Sophie is especially drawn to working with middle school students in a K-12 setting, recognizing the crucial role counselors play in nurturing emotional and mental well-being during these formative years. “Children are very creative, very smart, and their input on matters is just as important as anybody else’s,” Sophie says. Every opportunity she’s had to uplift young minds has deepened her passion for being a reliable source of encouragement and care.
“I really want to support them during this critical period—middle school was a very pivotal time of my life too,” she says. Understanding the challenges of adolescence—a time of significant growth and change—Sophie is determined to help young students develop the mental resilience they need to navigate this stage with confidence.
Empowering SSU Students to Thrive
“This is such an important time in your life to find yourself here – the exposure alone is worth it,” Sophie says, reflecting on her journey at Sonoma State University. For her, SSU is a place of self-discovery and growth. She believes that getting involved is invaluable, emphasizing, “There are so many people eager to contribute to your success and root for you along the way.” Surrounding yourself with supportive peers, seeking mentors, and not being afraid to ask for help, she says, can make all the difference, she adds.
As the eldest of four siblings, Sophie understands the weight of responsibility. Scholarships have been foundational in her success, providing not only financial relief, but also positive validation and encouragement for her hard work. “Scholarships are a big reason why I do what I do – why I run and work hard to chip away at the expense of college” she says, reflecting on the support from generous donors.
Sophie is the recipient of several academic and athletic scholarships. “Without scholarships, going to school and running wouldn’t be possible with the same ease. It’s a huge help in cutting down the costs as much as possible.” Beyond financial relief, she sees herself as a role model for her younger siblings, setting an example for their opportunities in education.
“Take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available,” Sophie encourages, highlighting the benefits of engaging in experiences that contribute to growth: Seawolf athletics, campus-wide events, student government, clubs, fundraisers, and internships. She says even her favorite study spot—Stevenson Hall—with its expansive windows and natural lighting, has been a huge resource for focus and productivity.
When asked to sum up her college experience in a single word, Sophie pauses. “It’s hard to describe something that’s been in your life for four years in just a few words,” Sophie says “but that makes it even more special.” Though she found it difficult to pinpoint a single word, one stood out: “emotional.” She views her college experience during a global pandemic as a meaningful journey–one that taught her to approach life with intentionality.
Sonoma State has been a transformative journey for Sophie, shaping her into a driven leader who values hard work and the power of genuine connections. Over the years, she has discovered that true growth comes from pushing beyond her limits, embracing her core values in every interaction.
As she steps into the next chapter of her life, Sophie carries with her lessons in service, strength, resilience and humility. Through her dedication to building a strong, supportive community—whether on the track or trails, in the classroom, or within the conference room and office—she has sparked a ripple effect of positivity, one she hopes will extend far and leave a lasting imprint.
Her experiences at Sonoma State have shaped her both personally and professionally, providing a strong footing for continued growth. With this, Sophie remains on pace, fueled by passion, and ready to make an even greater impact beyond the finish line tape.