Resident: Sofia Hernandez
House: Badcock
My name is Sofia Hernandez, I’m an Animal and Marine Science double major with a minor in Music Performance. I come from a family of immigrants who came to America searching for a better life for their kids. My parents have always had big dreams for me and my brother and have always pushed us to be the best that we can be, as well as strive to be the best that they themselves can be. Both of my parents are now American Citizens and I am so proud of both of them. I am a junior in college now and have been a part of SSF ever since my first semester here at the University of Florida. Music has always been an important part of my life, I have been playing trombone for 10 years now and hopefully that number will keep increasing. I was debating continuing music in college, but as I continued on my college path, I realized that I couldn’t live without it. So during my first year of college, right after I got accepted into SSF, I applied to join the GatorMarching Band and marched for the first time in my life. Being a part of two wonderful groups my first semester of college was so amazing and has made the transition of being away from my family that much easier. During the spring I realized that I wanted to become more involved in band and became a sister of Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary sorority for members of the college band. I have also realized my passion for marine life and have decided that I want to be an aquarist and work towards the conservation and rehabilitation of our marine ecosystem.
I come from the city of Kissimmee, located in Florida, and if you asked me back in high school where I saw myself in 5 years, I would not have said any of that. My college experience has forever been changed by all of these organizations and I can honestly say that it was for the better. Music has given me the chance to be myself, Tau Beta Sigma has allowed me to give back to the bands, and SSF has given me a place to call home and people to call family. I have met so many amazing people in SSF, especially in my house. Badcock isn’t just a house, it is truly a family. I’ve never had a sister, but if I did, I hope that it would be exactly like this. Coming home to a house of 15 other girls who know your name and are always there to listen to your problems is such an other worldly experience. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or a smile to share, there is always someone willing to create memories with you. I am now a junior and this will be my 3rd year in SSF, at this point I’ve seen so many wonderful girls come and go. This is by far the best part of SSF and I can’t imagine the day I graduate college and sadly leave. Though I’m sad for that day to come, I know it won’t be the end of my story and I have made friends for life. As a wise bear named Winnie-the-Pooh once said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
