Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sophia grew up surrounded by dogs and cats, which ignited her lifelong passion for veterinary medicine. Unlike many who discover their calling later in life, Sophia knew from the tender age of five that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Her unwavering dedication to this dream was evident in her singular focus – she never considered an alternative career path. As she matured, her natural affinity for animals merged seamlessly with a growing fascination for medicine, making veterinary practice an ideal fusion of her interests.
Her professional journey began early when, at age 15, she started shadowing at a general practice that uniquely combined conventional and holistic medicine approaches. During her undergraduate years at the University of South Florida, where she graduated in 2018, Sophia balanced her academic pursuits with her role as a Division 2 swimmer. Despite the demanding schedule of being a college athlete, she remained committed to gaining veterinary experience, spending her summers working alongside a mobile veterinarian in general practice.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Sophia’s career took an exciting turn when she joined an emergency hospital. Though initially overwhelming, the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine quickly became her passion. She also further honed her skills as a veterinary technician in the ICU, where she discovered her love for critical care.
Currently pursuing her veterinary degree at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Sophia is on track to graduate on May 2, 2025. Making the most of her first visit to Las Vegas, she’s excited to explore the Strip and experience one of the city’s magic shows. When not focused on her studies, Sophia maintains an active lifestyle through regular workouts, enjoys hunting for unique finds while shopping and thrifting, and embraces outdoor activities to maintain a healthy work-life balance.