Building Skills, Confidence, and Purpose: Meet Sophia

Sophia 12th Grade | Marshall Learning Center

For the past three years, Sophia has been a dedicated member of the Marshall Learning Center’s after-school program — and her passion for STEM has continued to shine brighter each year.

Sophia’s favorite classes at the Learning Center are the STEM programs provided through LET'S GO with STEM. She especially loved diving into genomics, where she learned hands-on lab skills like performing gel electrophoresis. She also thrives during the center’s engineering challenges, embracing each new problem with curiosity and creativity.

Through her time in STEM at Marshall Learning Center, Sophia has strengthened her focus, improved her academic discipline, and built confidence in her math skills. The smaller class sizes have given her the chance to receive one-on-one support, collaborate in small groups, and develop strong teamwork abilities.

Beyond her own learning, Sophia also gives back. She enjoys helping the younger elementary students who attend the center, serving as a role model and encouraging their excitement for learning.

The diverse, enriching classes — including STEM programming from LET'S GO — have opened Sophia’s eyes to new career possibilities. She has discovered a passion for understanding people and plans to pursue psychology. Her next steps include earning an associate degree and then transferring to a four-year university.

Sophia believes deeply in the mission of the Marshall Learning Center: “The work they do to support Hispanic families with resources and education is truly commendable,” she shares.

We’re so proud of Sophia’s growth, leadership, and bright future ahead. Sophia’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to explore their potential. Through hands-on STEM learning, mentorship, and a community that believes in her, Sophia has grown into a confident learner and leader with a clear vision for her future. As she takes her next steps toward higher education and a career in psychology, we are excited to see how she will continue to learn, lead, and inspire others along the way. 🌟