Meet Sophia Soderberg ’26 W&L has allowed Soderberg to explore a wide array of passions, from dance and art to math and business.

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
January 14, 2025

Sophia Soderberg ’26
Hometown: Skaneateles, New York
Major/minor: Accounting major and studio art minor

Why did you choose to come to W&L?
My dad was a member of the class of 1992 at Washington and Lee. When going through the college application process, my dad spoke extremely highly of W&L and how well it prepared him for his professional and personal life. Aside from my dad’s experience, Washington and Lee stood out to me due to its strong liberal arts education and highly ranked Williams School of Commerce, Economics and Politics. I have always had a wide array of passions, from dance and art to math and business, and I felt that W&L would allow me to explore all my interests. Coming from a small town in Upstate New York, I also appreciated the appeal of W&L’s close-knit community and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my professors and peers. Now, at Washington and Lee, I am involved in the Dance Company and Connolly Entrepreneurship Society and serve as the vice president of finance for Alpha Delta Pi. W&L has supported my growth in every area, which I know would have been hard to find elsewhere.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L?
When I first came to W&L, majoring in accounting was the last thing I expected. I didn’t have a clear understanding of the field, and it seemed intimidating. However, during the winter semester of my freshman year, I enrolled in an introductory accounting course with visiting professor Brandi Jane Graham, a W&L alumna. Her class was both informative and engaging, and she inspired me to pursue accounting as a major.

Where is your “home” on campus?
I feel most at home in the dance studio. Growing up with dance as a core part of my life, I’m grateful for the chance to continue this passion in college. The friendships I’ve developed with fellow dancers and the mentorship of professor Jenefer Davies make the dance studio a space where I feel fully supported and able to be myself.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?
My most impactful experience has been studying in Cuba for two weeks during Spring Term 2024 with professors Jamie Casey and Emily Landry. We explored economics and private businesses in Cuba, which presents unique challenges for entrepreneurs. The experience opened my eyes not only to the subject matter but also to the value of studying abroad. Immersed in such a different culture, I gained perspectives that would be hard to replicate in the classroom. The experience has made me more culturally aware and broadened my worldview.

Have you found a mentor on campus? Who is it, and how have they helped you develop as a student?
Instructor of art Leigh Ann Beavers is a mentor to me. Taking her Drawing 100 class inspired me to pursue a studio art minor. Through her Printmaking 1 and 2 classes, I discovered printmaking as a medium, which has since become my favorite form of art. My relationship with professor Beavers feels like mentorship but also a friendship. She has guided me in shaping my educational and career goals and always makes her students feel welcomed and supported. Professor Beavers exemplifies the unique mentorship students can find at W&L, and our connection is one of the many reasons why W&L feels like such a special place.

What book has made a significant impact on your life?
The Bible has been the most significant book in my life. At W&L, I’ve been able to continue deepening my faith by attending local churches in the Rockbridge area, participating in RUF meetings and Bible studies and engaging in meaningful conversations with our campus minister, Willis Weatherford. I feel incredibly fortunate to foster my spiritual growth within the W&L community. Overall, I believe W&L provides an inclusive environment with opportunities for everyone, regardless of religious background, to explore and connect with their identity.

What are your hobbies/interests? How has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?
Dance and art are my two biggest hobbies, and W&L has enabled me to pursue both. As a small liberal arts school, W&L offers so many opportunities for students to engage in diverse activities. I’m not sure if I would have had the chance to minor in art or be part of a dance company at another institution, and I’m incredibly grateful for these experiences.

Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L?
As I mentioned above, I studied abroad last Spring Term in Havana. The experience was so impactful, and it made me want to study abroad again. This winter, I’ll be heading to Sydney for eight weeks of classes, followed by an internship in Singapore for six weeks. I never saw myself as someone who would study abroad for an entire semester, but my time in Cuba inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, and I’m excited to continue broadening my global perspective.

Fun fact:
My younger sister just started her freshman year here at W&L!