I met Sofia Buitrago, smiling and laughing, on the monkey bars at our preschool. Now 18 years later this UT student and future doctor is still brazen, still brilliant, still beautiful, and now…bald.
What’s your major?
?Hispanic Studies and Pre-Med
??What’s one word you would use to describe yourself?
?Bold
??What do you like to do for fun? What are your hobbies and extracurricular activities?
?Salsa dancing, Singing, Volunteering at the pediatric oncology clinic, The founder and president of S.M.I.L.E. (Students Making Impacts through Love and Empathy)
??How did you decide to shave your head for cancer research?
?A year ago S.M.I.L.E. was invited to go to a cancer fair. Little did I know I was about to witness the shaving of many people’s heads! I walked in and saw the children from the oncology clinic sitting in the front row cheering and smiling! I was so touched that the simple act of shaving one’s head could bring so much joy to these children. I decided that I would be there next year shaving my head! That was the least I could do to give back to these children and show my support.??What is it like being bald and beautiful??Being bald is great! I feel so liberated and free because before I had so much hair. The only down side is that the sun really burns my scalp. Also people that don’t know me or why I did it stare and point.
??If you could have one wish, what would it be?
?If I could have one wish I would want to be able to destroy and create matter!??
Where do you see yourself in 10 years??
I see myself in my residency in some hospital, working hard, and being very sleep deprived.