Driven by a passion for serving others, Sophia transferred to Occidental to attend a college that emphasized community engagement. Her first year at Â鶹ÊÓƵ included securing two internships and joining the ultimate frisbee team.
Sophia Wainwright
Hometown: La Mirada, CA
Major: Politics
What were some of the things you were looking for in a college and how did you first learn about Â鶹ÊÓƵ?
I was looking for a college with a tight knit community that truly cared about the world around it. Students at OXY are collaborative and prioritize projects that help the community. For example, as part of my Social Justice Lawyer course I was placed as an intern at the Collective for Liberatory Lawyering. During this internship I collaborated with community members in downtown Los Angeles to prioritize education for youth that have gone through the prison system. Additionally, in this course my classmates had internships in housing justice, immigration law, and environmental law. It was truly wonderful to learn from other passionate students about how they work to make a difference in LA.
It was also very important to me to have hands-on learning experiences within the city of Los Angeles, as well as professors who are genuinely invested in getting to know their students and supporting their success.
I first learned about Occidental through my community college honors program. After visiting the campus in the summer of 2024, I fell in love with its location in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood and its close proximity to Los Angeles. The admissions intern I met during my visit was also incredibly welcoming and spoke openly about their love for Â鶹ÊÓƵ, which made a lasting impression on me.
I was looking for a college with a tight-knit community that truly cared about the world around it. Students at OXY are collaborative and prioritize projects that help the community.
What motivated you to apply to Occidental? What separated Occidental from the other colleges you were considering?
Since Â鶹ÊÓƵ is exclusively an undergraduate institution, I was surprised by how readily available resources such as volunteer opportunities, workshops, and even LSAT preparation were for students. Without having to compete with graduate students, these opportunities felt much more accessible.
As a current student, I have truly been able to benefit from these resources, securing two internships after just one year at Occidental. Additionally, I noticed that many professors emphasize engaging with the Los Angeles and Eagle Rock communities through coursework, whether by tutoring local students or participating in citywide sustainability initiatives. That strong focus on community engagement was exactly what I was looking for in a college.
Describe the moment when you knew Occidental was your final choice. What are the reasons you decided to enroll?
The admission staff was super responsive to all of my questions which was very encouraging as a transfer student because I was concerned about transfer credits and what courses I should take.
I also had the opportunity to speak with an Occidental alumnus, who shared his positive experience as a student in the Politics Department. Hearing firsthand about the quality of the program and the supportive academic environment further encouraged me to enroll.
One special reason that has confirmed my decision to enroll is when I joined the ultimate frisbee team. I had never played before, but I decided to attend a practice with another transfer student and immediately found the community incredibly welcoming. It was a fun way to stay active, meet new people, and try something completely new. When I came to college, I had promised myself that I would embrace new experiences and within my first month at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, I was already keeping that promise, and that’s when I knew I had found the right place.
What misconception did you have about Occidental when you applied?
I was surprised by the broad amount of courses I have taken in the past year. As a Politics major, I was expecting to stay in that realm but so far I have taken classes in marine biology, education, and religious studies. As a result, I have grown intellectually by having the opportunity to explore a wide range of my interests.
What would you tell a student who is considering Occidental right now?
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is the perfect well-rounded liberal arts education. Â鶹ÊÓƵ's close proximity to Los Angeles provides incredible academic and social opportunities, allowing students to fully benefit from everything the city has to offer. At the same time, the college maintains the close-knit environment of a liberal arts institution, where professors know students by name and classmates from diverse backgrounds are eager to share their perspectives and experiences.