Sonia’s story is one of MOBILITY. As a first-generation student who seeks to create change in the justice system, her ambition to become a lawyer and advocate for underrepresented communities is inspiring.
SUMMARY
Hook: moving countries at a young age, aspiring to become a lawyer after observing current legal system
Goal: studying political science/international affairs and attending law school
Activities: Zeta Phi Beta, Women in the Law, College Corp, College Track, National Panhellenic Council
Scholarship: 2023-24 Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship, Middle Class Scholarship
STRATEGY
Sonia’s drive to pursue law after observing harsh criminalization in the justice system, especially for underrepresented groups, is a meaningful commitment to fight for change and raise the bar for justice. Her story is a profound example of community and mobility.
NARRATIVE
Becoming the Change: An Advocate for Justice
At only nine years old, Sonia Oluoch left behind all she knew in Kenya to move to the United States. She faced the challenge of adjusting to an unfamiliar environment while she and her family put down new roots in San Francisco. As she gradually found her footing, she realized her parents made many sacrifices to provide a better future for her. This knowledge motivated her to focus on her studies and commit to achieving her goals.
Determined to make every opportunity count, Sonia decided to study political science and international affairs at UC Riverside. Years of witnessing harsh criminalization, particularly for marginalized communities, fueled her drive to become a lawyer and advocate. “I don’t just want to be part of the change in our justice system,” she says. “I aspire to become the change.”
Sonia plans to attend law school after graduation and become a lawyer for underrepresented groups. Participating in organizations such as Zeta Phi Beta, Women in the Law, College Corp, College Track, and National Panhellenic Council has simultaneously enriched her college experience and professional journey. Sonia is a recipient of the 2023-24 Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship and received the Middle Class Scholarship.
SOUND BITES
Political science student aspires to be a voice for marginalized groups
Defending justice and advocating for judicial equity through higher education
- After witnessing the harsh criminalization of underrepresented groups, Sonia decided to study political science at UC Riverside. She aspires to be a lawyer and advocate for change in the legal system.
- By pursuing higher education, Sonia can achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer and helping marginalized groups in the justice system. At UC Riverside, she has access to campus resources, such as Women in the Law and the Career Center, that will help Sonia with her professional journey.
QUOTE
“I don’t just want to be part of the change in our justice system – I aspire to become the change.”
“Being a first-generation student pursuing higher education, I aspire to become a lawyer because I’ve witnessed how underrepresented groups face harsher criminalization.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn and Facebook:
Sonia is a first-generation student majoring in political science and international affairs. Her goal is to become a lawyer and advocate for change in the justice system for marginalized communities. Sonia is involved with Zeta Phi Beta, Women in the Law, College Corp, College Track, and National Panhellenic Council. These organizations have provided Sonia with valuable experience and will help set her up for a successful future.
Instagram:
After witnessing systemic injustice towards underrepresented groups, Sonia Oluoch decided to work towards becoming a lawyer and advocate for change. Sonia is currently studying political science and international affairs with plans to attend law school after graduation. She is also involved with different organizations on campus, which has enriched both her college experience and her professional journey.
Suggested hashtags: #UCRiverside #UCR #CHASS #boldheartsbrilliantminds
AVAILABLE ASSETS
Photo provided by student. Reach out to Stan Lim (stan.lim@ucr.edu) for photography.
CHASS-related print and/or digital materials
CHASS-related events: sharing student stories
Print or digital advertising: recruiting prospective students during application season