Sofia Azuara is a Posse Scholar majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Literatures of
English. She will graduate from Bryn Mawr in 2025.
1. What led to your decision to attend a women’s liberal arts college in Philadelphia, PA?
Listening to my uncle speak about his college experience at a large state school solidified
my decision to continue my education outside of Texas. He described having over one hundred people in his freshman seminar. As someone who was shy as a child, I wanted a space where I could feel comfortable speaking out in class, where I didn't feel limited in my education, and would be encouraged to contribute to class conversations in those collaborative environments. I also wanted to be in classes with people whose names I knew and with professors who knew me.
I was attracted to schools on the East Coast for their locations and the proximity of the cities to each other. I was also attracted to the connectedness of the Seven Sister Colleges, as well as Bryn Mawr's consortiums (partnerships with nearby colleges).
Women's colleges really value making students' voices heard. I am currently in a class with a visiting professor. Sometimes, after class, she asks me for advice. This struck me since she’s a New York Times bestselling author, but she’ll ask me for feedback regarding the class structure and readings. I have found that professors at Bryn Mawr really respect students' opinions—that itself can be really rare in the classroom, but not at Bryn Mawr.
2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist for minority students at Bryn Mawr College?
Just because you’re leaving your city doesn't mean that you're leaving your community. A lot of people in my Posse cohort are involved with Mujeres* and other affinity groups on campus, like BACaSO and Sisterhood. And because we're so student-run, they've gained leadership positions and experience through that. For example, Mujeres* will put on picnics for students, or have a speaker come in, or support local businesses in Philadelphia. Our consortium relationships mean that student-run organizations from Haverford College and Swarthmore College will come together to have fun, take a break from classes, and host big events like La Gala or small events like movie nights. Through getting involved with other schools and Philly, our communities and sense of home can be so expansive, and yet so intimate at the same time.
3. What advice do you have for juniors and seniors in high school who want to
attend Bryn Mawr College and…
a. … have never been to Philadelphia?
There is so much to discover in Philadelphia. It's rich in history and the different communities that live here. As someone coming from Houston, which notoriously has a horrible public transportation system, I’ve taken full advantage of the several means to get into and around the city. Bryn Mawr now has the SEPTA UPass program, so students don't have to pay to go into Philadelphia. I've gone to the city alone, for class, with friends to visit museums, to shop, to grab some coffee and a pastry. I feel very comfortable navigating the public transportation system.
Philadelphia is beautiful; there are stores, artists, booksellers, musicians, murals. If anyone ever ends up in Philadelphia, I recommend just walking around and looking at all the public art dispersed throughout the city.
b. … want their application to stand out?
Be yourself. Don't worry about trying to fit into a mold, specifically what you think a scholar looks like. You're already a scholar in your own right. You're qualified. There's not one specific way to be an outstanding scholar.
4. What are some of Bryn Mawr College’s most notable programs?
It's been really interesting seeing the Creative Writing major grow over the past two years! I think it's really great that people can just explore it now, even if they have the tiniest bit of interest in it. As a part of the program, we have the Bryn Mawr Reading Series, where
professors bring in writers and poets from across the globe to come and speak to us. They hold a reading and then answer Q and A's. Sometimes the authors will come to class and speak with you on a more personal level. As a senior in the creative writing major, you have the opportunity to go to dinner with these writers as well. I went to dinner with a visiting author recently and we were able to engage in conversations where it did not feel like we were just students but was more of a conversation amongst friends. It showed the sentiment of respecting opinions and seeing students as people outside of class.
Beyond the Creative Writing department, there are campus-wide traditions like Parade Night. Our Tri-Co Philly Program. Our 360° Program. I took the opportunity to explore things at the club fair when I was a first-year—I would sign up for everything. I also recently went snowboarding for the first time with the ski club!
5. What advice would you offer a student who is considering attending Bryn Mawr
College, but is on the fence about it?
Think about the community. Yes, consider what the school has to offer you in terms of their programs and academics. But if you're going to be living out of state and on a residential campus, I would consider the community and the location. Look around and think "Can this be my home for four years?" Because you'll be sleeping here, living here, eating, socializing, etc. If you can picture yourself here and picture this place as somewhere you can grow both as a person and in your academic or career fields, then go for it!
6. One word to describe a Bryn Mawr College student?
Curious.
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