I’m Sofia, a Registered Nurse aspiring towards a nursing career in dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetics.
I attended Valparaiso University, where I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree and graduated Cum Laude in May of 2022. During my college years I was involved in the Sigma Theta Tau Honors Nursing Organization, Student Nurses Association, the Chi Omega sorority, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and I performed in the Dance Ensemble for 3 years. I’m grateful that I was able to receive such a quality education and exceptional college experience right in my hometown!
I have a year of experience as a psychiatric nurse!
I have a year of experience as a psychiatric nurse specializing in addiction and detox. I’ve been working on a dual diagnosis unit treating a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses and assisting patients in safely detoxing from any sort of substance. I love being a positive impact on patients’ lives and I am fulfilled from having the opportunity to guide them on a road to new life and new success.
My aspirations going forward are to immerse myself in the dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetic nursing professions and help people reclaim their self confidence and enhance their natural beauty through cosmetic health services.
I was a member of the Chi Omega sorority for all 4 years at Valparaiso University
During my time in the sorority I was able to develop my leadership skills through being appointed the Social Director and Recruitment Chair, serving for a full year in each position. These positions cultivated my skills of planning ahead, professional communication, detail orientation, education, critical thinking, problem solving, sales, and resilience. I learned a great deal about the woman I want to become and the purpose I am called to fulfill through being held accountable to live out Chi Omega’s values of academic excellence, career and personal development, high standards of personnel, community service, friendship, and campus involvement. Being a member of this sisterhood furthered my compassion, prioritization, professionalism, and self confidence that will serve me well as a healthcare professional.
My passion from the age of four has been the performing art of dancing
As a quiet, introverted child, dance took me out of my comfort zone and became my means of expression. It didn’t require me to say anything at all, while at the exact same time saying so much. I was blessed with this gift of a delicate balance between grace and strength. I am the most authentic version of myself when I am on stage connecting my body’s movements to music and a live audience. I’ve spent about 17 years of my life dedicated to getting as close to perfection in my craft as I could. I’ve danced in the genres of ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop. I wanted to be as well-rounded as I could. I danced competitively around the nation with my studios’ companies, studied at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago, and also performed at the Youth America Grand Prix, a prestigious ballet competition. One time I even auditioned for America’s Got Talent with my team! But we had too much talent so they didn’t accept us onto the show (at least that’s what I tell myself). I spent anywhere between 15-20 hours a week rehearsing and building my technique.
I attribute much of my inner grit and determination to dance. Although I now am focused on building my nursing career, my love for dance still resides within.
In 2020, right before the beginning of the pandemic, I was introduced to Orangetheory Fitness
I was feeling like I was in a valley point in my life and was in search of a rigorous physical outlet since dance was not prominent in my life anymore. I became a member of the Valparaiso studio and my passion for physical fitness was ignited once again. Being in a group atmosphere in a studio setting, moving to music, and being pushed past your limits by a coach brought me right back to my dancing days. I’ve regained my self-confidence and feel powerful in my own skin again. I was so excited about this internal shift I felt that I applied to be a part of their team and was lucky enough to land the position of a Sales Associate in which I’ve been working and thriving in for over 2 years now. I get to share the unique and life changing effect that this workout can have on other people who feel similar to how I did when I discovered Orangetheory.
Orangetheory’s slogan is “more life,” and that’s exactly how I have been blessed. More life, more community, and more love.
More fun facts about me:
I have a mini bernedoodle named Gio, who is my absolute best friend!
Gio loves a good walk, playing tug of war, and begging for my food. I’m pretty confident I have the most “persony” dog to exist and am quite certain there will come a day where he starts talking to me. Anyone with a doodle of any sort understands this feeling.
In my free time, I love to read
Especially fictional romance, mystery, and thriller novels. Currently, my favorite author, along with what seems like the rest of the female twenty-something population, is Colleen Hoover. I could easily devour a whole book of hers in a day.
I have a deep love for music
My love for music most likely comes from listening to all types through my years in dance. I pride myself on my playlists and love discovering new songs and artists. I have a very eclectic taste—you name it, I probably listen to it. Except for screamo. I refuse to believe anyone actually enjoys screamo.