Get to know Sophie Rock, the acting Student Programs Coordinator who joined the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) in November 2022.
“Witnessing students succeed throughout their academic journey keeps me inspired to work hard.”
What is your role as Student Programs Coordinator?
The Student Programs Coordinator oversees all things related to students within the department, be it undergraduate course scheduling, graduate admissions processes, awards, or teaching assistantships—anything a student might brush up against at FHIS has likely been visited by me at one point.
What motivated you to apply for this position?
I love working with students! Having graduated only a few years ago myself, I feel well aware of the challenges and joys that come as part of the student experience. This perspective is incredibly important in Student Programs-related work and was one of the main motivators for me to seek out this position. Day-to-day, witnessing students succeed throughout their academic journey keeps me inspired to work hard.
Prior to joining FHIS, I worked as the Undergraduate Advisor for the Department of Asian Studies at UBC. I spent five years at Asian Studies learning the ins and outs of language programs—from student placement to curriculum—so this opportunity at FHIS seemed like a natural fit to grow my professional periphery, while still staying close to what I know best.
What is your favourite part about working at FHIS so far?
I’ve loved the opportunity to learn more about Romance cultures! I studied International Relations in my undergraduate degree, but never focused heavily on this region of the world. It’s been great to learn so much about so many new places.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
I spent a little over a year living zero waste and had a neutral carbon footprint in 2018!
I’m an avid reader, love yin yoga, and am always on the hunt for a good sauna or steam room to relax in.
