-What is your full name?
Sophia Rene Constantine
-What is your nationality?
Half Hispanic, half Irish
-What is your major?
Mass Communications with a minor in Spanish and Latino Studies
-What year are you in college?
Freshman
-What are your plans after graduation?
Pursue a Masters Degree
-How are you involved in USFSP?
This year I have participated in Entrepreneurship Club, Longboarding Club, Delta Sigma Zeta sisterhood, the USFSP Department of Sustainable Initiatives, The Student Green Energy Fund, the Clean Energy and Resource Conservation Commission, the Interim Vice President of the Gay Straight Alliance, volunteering with Student Government and also with Harborside Activities Board. I was recently appointed as the Harborside Activities Board Vice President for next school year and starting this summer I will be a part of the Deans Library Improvement Board, the Sting Ray Mentorship Program and a Senator in our Student Government. While doing all of this and schoolwork I have worked part time at Red Mango, the campus yogurt shop in the USC, and as an Orientation Leader.
-What has been your biggest responsibility as an USFSP senator?
Although my term as a Senator doesn’t begin until summer session my largest involvement with Student Government has included increasing campus recycling. On April 17th, my $25,000 recycling project was approved by the Student Green Energy Fund and the Clean Energy and Resource Conservation Commission for outdoor recycling stations. They will be installed this summer just in time for when students return in the Fall.
-What has been your biggest accomplishment in USFSP?
My largest accomplishment has been receiving the Freshman Leadership Award because it really encompasses all the work I have completed thus far. For the longest time I struggled asking myself why I was at USFSP and what my goals were out of my experience here. Once I realized I’m here because my passion is to help people, my drive, strength and desire became much more powerful.
-Do you feel like your hard work in student government has paid off?If so, how?
Absolutely! I have been graced with the opportunity to guide my peers and my school by making it more sustainable, getting more students involved, improving the experiences our campus offers, hosting events that will be remembered for a life time, reviving traditions and building leaders of tomorrow.
-Number one thing on your bucket list
My number one goal is to help people in whatever way I am able to. This isn’t exactly a one-time thing like sky diving or spotting a whale but helping people truly makes me happy.
-How did it feel to win the talent show?
I was so nervous to participate because I performed a Spanish Flamenco dance and many people don’t know what Flamenco is. I was worried it would be seen as “weird”. One of my life goals has always been to embrace people who are different than myself and I was so happy to see all the audience embrace my talent.
-Where and when did your passion for dancing begin?
I was four years old when my Mom took me to see an internationally known dance company perform. I fell in love with their makeup, costumes and all the bright lights. I signed up for classes soon after and haven’t stopped dancing since. I have toured all over the US and I was recently invited to travel with a company to Colombia this summer for an International Dance Festival.