A huge Canadian flag hangs outside the window. “It was only $2!” exclaims Sophie. Despite her Canadian pride and citizenship, Sophie Zhao hails from Lexington, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston known for the “shot heard round the world” and for having a Dunkin Donuts store at every corner. As a freshman Information Systems major, Sophie is already making her mark on campus. She is a member of ACF (Asian Christian Fellowship) as well as Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity. However, unlike her fellow peers, Sophie’s involvements aren’t just limited to the CMU campus. She has also used her leadership skills in her involvement with Northway Christian Community in Oakland, where she co-leads a discussion group for CMU students. “It’s a good way to connect with other Christian students at CMU who attend Northway. It’s also nice because this way, I don’t just see people on Sundays.”
As for her other passions, Sophie enjoys shoe shopping, watching Netflix, and the color green. In high school, she was a hurdler, in the robotics club, and involved in Chinese dancing. In terms of work experience, she was an intern for Groove Events and assisted with various event coordinating and planning. When asked about her favorite thing about CMU, she instantly replies, “The soul ramen at the Tartan Express.” Although she’s only been at CMU for a semester and a half, Sophie has learned some valuable skills. “I’ve learned basically everything about every single bubble tea shop around CMU. And the value of microwave cooking.”
So next time you see her walking around campus, don’t be shy to say hello—and of course, ask for a bubble tea recommendation.