Sophia Palomino

Hometown
Tucker, GA

High School
Grady High School

Degree Major
B.S., Electrical Engineering

Expected Graduation
May 2025

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?

My favorite thing about being a student at UGA is the community you build here. From the people you meet in your classes to the ones in the clubs you join, you will find your people! Everyone is encouraging and rooting for you.

Why did you choose engineering?

I chose engineering because I have been interested in avionics since I was young. I’ve always loved math and efficiency so I knew engineering was my best career choice.

Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?

I think it is important to be able to interact with people with different backgrounds and upbringings to see things in a different light. By having a diverse community at UGA, people are able to find their place here. I have found my place here by joining clubs such as SHPE and HSA where I see people who look like me all working towards their goals.

What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest challenge has been putting too much pressure on myself. Engineering is a very rigorous major and has a tough course load. I wasn’t being patient with myself when I wasn’t understanding topics on the first try. But by asking for help and finding a balance, I was able to stay organized and be successful.

What have you learned that has made a difference for you? 

Not being afraid to ask for help. Your professors and peers are there to help and guide you, they have the knowledge and are more than happy to explain things thoroughly for you. Establishing those connections and relationships with your professors and TAs is not only key to succeeding in your classes but also to your future after college.

Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?

My parents and my peers have helped me become the best version of myself to be a successful student here. My parents consistently push me and are my biggest supporters no matter what. I wouldn’t be the person I am without them, and they have consistently given me guidance academically and personally. My peers have helped me grow as an engineer and been a great support system through tough classes.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the science library. They have spaces for group study but also tables for when you need to study alone. Their chairs are super comfy and having Jittery Joes right there is super nice too for a little pick me up while studying!

What has been your favorite class at UGA?

My favorite class has been my circuits class with Dr. Herring. I learned a lot in this class and it was the fundamentals of basically my entire major so it was great to see what I would be looking towards in my collegiate career. Outside of engineering, I took a Latin American and Caribbean Studies class where I learned so much about the culture and history of Latin America, it was very enriching.

What has been your best memory at UGA?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I think I would have to pick the day I got the call for my co-op offer. It made all my hard work worth it and great to see it paying off! It really was a full circle moment from when I was younger and loved avionics to actually getting to work in the industry and on the aircraft!

What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?

You don’t have to know what you want to do as soon as you get to college. Try new things, explore new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. College is the time for all these things, to push yourself and learn new things. Engineering can be hard but it is so worth it in the end.

How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?

I hope I can make an impact with an engineering degree by creating a space for younger engineers to feel as though it is possible to achieve. I hope to apply the knowledge I learned here to make a real difference in the world through innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.