Throughout her six years with 49ers SLI, Sophia has grown both as a student and a person. Participating in FTC, Tech Challenge, and Pay It Forward, along with courses such as Honors Human Physiology, Sophia discovered her passion for bioengineering and helping othersz while cultivating hobbies such as knitting and crochet.

As a Korean-American, Sophia is incredibly in touch and passionate about her culture. Since sophomore year, she has been president of the Korean Student Association and a dancer for Ilhyun Kim Korean Dance Company, performing traditional fan and drum dances at over 15 events in the Bay Area. She is also a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and works with disabled children to increase accessibility for children with autism and physical limitations.

Through mental and physical hardship, Sophia has also gained more resilience and empathy for emotionally struggling teens, having gone through similar experiences herself. She has grown from an anxious and timid freshman to a confident and outgoing senior, and her personal development journey is only just starting. She looks ahead to a bright future with new people, places, and memories.