Name: Sophia Collado
Hometown: Spring, TX
Grad year: 2019
Major: Neuroscience and Spanish
Dorm: Flaherty Hall
You just returned to Notre Dame after studying abroad, where did you go?
Toledo, Spain
Of all the amazing programs offered through Notre Dame International, how did you decide on Toledo?
I picked a Spanish-speaking program because I wanted to put all of my years in the classroom to good use! I also wanted to learn about the Spanish culture, and living with a host family seemed like a wonderful way to immerse myself in it. There were also many cities in Spain and Europe that I wanted to visit.
What was your experience like?
As cheesy as it sounds, it was the best experience of my life. I loved everything about Toledo, and it was amazing to be able to get to know a historically rich city so well. By the end of the program, I was able to walk around without using Google Maps, which was a huge accomplishment for me. I also ate so much delicious food! My host grandma was definitely the best cook in Spain. Her paella was INCREDIBLE.
What’s your craziest/funniest/weirdest moment from your time in Spain?
One of the weirdest things my friends and I did was rent an Airbnb in Toledo. We lived kind of far from each other, so we wanted to be able to spend a night together. We stayed up all night listening to Christmas music and making cookies. It was wonderful and very much needed when the homesickness kicked in.
You only have three more semesters left of undergraduate study at Notre Dame. What does life have in store for you next?
That’s a question I ask myself every day. With some new life experience under my belt, I’ve been trying to figure out a career path for myself. After studying abroad, I learned that I love speaking Spanish, so I want to incorporate that into whatever I do.
What has been your favorite part of attending school in the Midwest?
As much as I complain about it, my favorite part is the weather. Being from Texas, I have never experienced four seasons because we only have two: hot and cold. I love seeing the leaves change or the first snowfall (even if it means weeks of unbearable temperatures). It’s also very different from the south and I like to think that I’ve adapted well to the different lifestyle.
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your Freshman self?
No one has it together. Even in the second semester of their Junior year.
You were a music mentor for Notre Dame Vision last summer. Could you tell us a little about that experience?
It was a life-changing experience! I loved hearing the stories and watching the faith progressions of the different high-schoolers. I learned a lot about myself and was able to grow in my own faith, too. I also met some of best people on campus and made so many wonderful friendships.
What was your favorite song you performed over the course of the summer?
“Canticle of Zechariah”! It really got everyone (me) excited. The musicals were also super fun.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Oh man
Favorite film? Edward Scissorhands
Favorite book? The Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite TV series? Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
If you could be someone else for a day who would it be and why? Beyoncé. I just wanna know what it’s like to be so. perfect.
Ideal first (ND) date? Gotta be a DHD. Nothing like awkwardness in its rawest and purest form.
Favorite Snack? I love a good Sour Patch Kid.
Thing you never leave the dorm without? Headphones. But also my phone and probably my ID.
What do you miss most about home? MY DOG COCONUT HE’S SO GREAT. And Whataburger.
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Photos provided by interviewee