Sofía Mühlmann
Year: 2016
Hometown: I was born in Boston, MA, but I live in Longmeadow, MA
Major: Psychology
Her Campus: Why Brandeis?Sofía Mühlmann: It was the summer before my senior year and I had no idea where I was going to go to college, in fact, I had my heart pretty set on being a hobo. In any case, I came to visit Brandeis on the most rainy day imaginable, not having signed up for an information session or a tour; my dad and I kind of explored the campus on our own, but we ended up going on a tour anyway. Despite the weather, I had this feeling (“on a summer day, when you were gone” – get it?) that I needed to apply. So, I devised a magnificent plan to apply ED. I did not apply anywhere else, and if you’re wondering, yes, I did get in.
HC: You were recently elected Vice President of the Student Union for the 2014-15 school year. Who or what inspired you to run in the first place?SM: Last semester, I was in Sherman for dinner and a few people approached me about running for Student Union. My desire to represent the Brandeis community, along with the support and encouragement from my peers (and, full disclosure, I spoke with my youngest sister, Esther – she’s 12 – and she was in, so, I was in) is what prompted me to run. I didn’t run for this position in order to fill any agenda, except that of advocating for and supporting my peers.
HC: What was the first thing that went through your mind when you found out you won?SM: Well, it was still Shabbat when the email came out, so one of my really close friends decided to meet me in the SCC around midnight so that we could check the email together. Finally, when my friend got the email, I was too nervous to hear the results, so my friend read it first. Instead of telling me who won, my friend scrolled through the email (slower than a snail would stroll on the beach, if I might add) and when my name showed up, my jaw dropped, my eyes widened, I pointed to myself, and in a shocked whisper I said, “that’s me.”HC: What are the main responsibilities you’ll take on as the Student Union VP? What are you hoping to achieve?SM: I tell people I’m like Joe Biden, aBiden by the rules; but it’s fine, you all know that I’m not Joe Biden, I’m Sofia Muhlmann. Anyway, part of my job includes presiding over the senate and scheduling, facilitating, and mediating the senate meetings. I’m also a part of the president’s cabinet, and as someone who is on the executive board and the senate, I will work to make sure there is clear communication between both of these realms. One of the first things that I believe we as the Student Union need to think about is setting goals at the beginning of our terms, making reasonable deadlines to accomplish these goals, keeping all undergraduates in the know, and informing our constituency about how it is we are collectively working to represent and support our undergraduate community. I would like to be able to touch upon all aspects mentioned in my platform over the course of my term as Vice President, and I am very much looking forward to pushing for improvements in residence halls (we pay to live here, we should enjoy the conditions our living spaces), increasing awareness about sexual assault and advocacy (as a community of individuals who aim to be responsible members of society, finding an implementing ways to promote advocacy and awareness on this issue is crucial), making sure the meal plans we have are fitting of the needs of our undergraduate community (we need to eat, and should be able to do so without any hassles), and lastly, finding out ways to increase transparency in terms of the administration (we deserve to know where our money is going, it’s that simple). I believe that each of us can have a wholesome Brandeis experience, and I am honored to be in a position where I can help make the Brandeis experience one that is meaningful, memorable, and formative in our lives here at Brandeis, and beyond.
HC: Full disclosure: did you vote for yourself?SM: Yes.
HC: You’re a CA in Shapiro Hall. Is it completely different from what you expected or just how you imagined it would be, BEMCO calls and all?SM: Yes, I’m the CA for Shapiro 2B (or not 2B, it’s not a question, it’s a residence hall). Before becoming a CA, I definitely had conceptions about what CA life would be like. I came into the position very much looking forward to welcoming my residents and creating a safe and comfortable environment for them. As the year progressed, it became apparent to me that my Community Advisor position was not limited to the care of my own hall, building, quad, or on-call hours. I’m extremely thankful that I was able to be helpful in quite a few serious crises, and I’m even more grateful for the resiliency that we, as human beings, are capable of. To put it simply, there’s no way I could’ve ever imagined what this year would’ve been like.
HC: What’s the best part about being a CA?SM: That is a LOADED question. Hmm…I would have to say, the best part about being a CA is not having your own CA!!!!! (YASSS!)
HC: What else are you involved in on campus?SM: Everyone thinks I’m involved in everything on campus (I understand that, it’s because I’m a ninja). The things I’m actually involved in are: Work In Progress, which is an improv comedy group that focuses on teaching and practicing improv (if you’re ever in need of a laugh, you can always come to our open rehearsals; we meet every Saturday in Kutz), English Language Learners, and MEOR board. I also work closely with Sheila McMahon as a bystander intervention trainer.
HC: Word on the street is you’re going to be an OL next fall. What made you decide to apply and what are you hoping to get out of that experience?SM: Thinking back to my first days here, I remember being so scared and nervous I didn’t want to get out of my parents’ car. But after four days of orientation, even though I was only girl in my group, I felt like I had been a part of the Brandeis community for like seven years. I hope to instill within the Class of 2018 the same love that I have developed for Brandeis. I can’t wait to work with my fellow OLs to make this the best orientation ever. Class of 2018, BRING IT. #letsgoFavorites
Movie: The Princess Bride
TV Show: Chuck
Book: Our Eddie (by: Sulamith Ish Kishor)
Food: All the food (let’s keep it Kosher, though)
Class at Brandeis: Russian 10 and 20, with Irina Dubinia