Name: Sofia Casamassa
Hometown: Red Bank, NJ
Year: Senior
Majors/Minors: public relations and political science
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Her Campus American: What do you consider the ultimate comfort food?
Sofia Casamassa: Pepperoni pizza.
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HCAU: What project are you most looking forward to this semester?
SC: I am looking forward to completing my public relations capstone. We are simulating working at a PR firm and working with clients who have very meaningful projects. My client, the Coalition for the National Museum of the American People, is working towards getting a museum that tells all the stories of immigration and migration in the U.S. from 20,000 years ago to today, built in Washington, D.C.
As the child of an immigrant with strong ties to my family back in Mexico, it is a meaningful experience to help my client work towards this objective. I am also working on a team with six people, and I am enjoying getting to know them better and working with them together towards the same goal. It feels so impactful and empowering to work on such a great group project!
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HCAU: When have you felt the proudest?
SC: When the article I wrote for Forbes on Latino representation in education was published in October of last year. I was approached by Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative to write the article for their Forbes page. It was empowering to share my personal experiences and amplify underrepresented voices in education on a wide platform– definitely one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life.
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HCAU: How did you first get involved with the School of Public Affairs Leadership program?
SC: I applied to the program when I was an incoming freshman at AU! It is an Honors cohort program in SPA geared towards community-based research and learning. I have completed two year-long community-based research projects, including one on food insecurity in Washington.
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HCAU: What’s your role at the American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center and what has been your favorite exhibit recently?
SC: I am a Shift Supervisor at the Katzen museum! I essentially ensure the day-to-day operations at the museum run smoothly and support the rest of the staff. I also have worked on some social media campaigns with them as well. My favorite exhibit is Positive Fragmentation.
The AU Museum partnered with the National Museum of Women in the Arts to curate prints from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation. The exhibit includes more than 100 works by 21 contemporary artists who use prints to question the status quo and suggest new perspectives. I also love Fields and Formation: A Survey of Mid-Atlantic Abstraction. This exhibit features artwork from female and non-binary artists from across the mid-Atlantic region. Both are on display at the Katzen Museum until May 22, 2022. The museum is definitely worth checking out!
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HCAU: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
SC: My first language was originally Spanish! I grew up in a Spanish-speaking immigrant household. Though my dad is American, I did not fully learn English until I went to school since I was primarily spoken to in Spanish at home. My first word was “nunca” which means never, in response to going to Pre-K when I was two. Ironically, I loved school and academics throughout my whole life, English being my favorite subject, so my family always laughs about my refusal to go initially. I am still fluent in Spanish and I consider it a native language of mine, but I have become more proficient in English since starting school.
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HCAU: What do you like to do in your free time?
SC: I love to spend my free time with my friends and loved ones. I enjoy reading and journaling. I also enjoy going on hikes– there are a ton of great trails around the DMV area. I also love animals so I like to spend time with my roommate’s cat and my sister’s dog. I am hoping to get a dog or cat of my own after graduation!
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HCAU: Where do you see yourself in five years?
SC: I am trying to keep an open mind, but I hope to be done or close to graduating from law school and/or in a job I love. I hope to be working in public affairs or government relations either in a communications role or as an attorney. Washington is definitely home for me, so I am hoping to stay here for as long as possible and continue to build my life here!
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HCAU: If you could give incoming freshmen one piece of advice what would it be?
SC: You should prioritize sleep and taking care of yourself. AU has a culture of constantly being on the go. Many students like myself juggle multiple jobs, internships, extracurriculars, a social life and more on top of a full-credit course load! This lifestyle can be really taxing on your physical and mental health. Balance and prioritizing your own needs are key.
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HCAU: Where can we keep up with you?
SC: Instagram: @sof_casamassa
Facebook: Sofia Casamassa
LinkedIn: Sofia Casamassa