Sophia Cardona

Sophia's History Making Moments

What are your central passion(s), and how do you plan to pursue them after graduation? How have your experiences at Flagler shaped these passions?

I am deeply passionate about telling stories that expose the truth but also bring to light underreported issues. I love finding new angles to stories and sitting down with people while they share not only their fears and worries, but also their hopes and dreams. Through journalism, I have gotten the chance to meet amazing people that I would have never met otherwise. The connection I have with my sources is so special and inspires me to continue writing. 

I plan to continue pursuing this passion of mine after graduation by writing and telling even more stories. This year, I was selected as the 2026 Reporting Fellow by the Pulitzer Center. In the summer, I will travel to Cuba to report on the elderly and explore the difficulties they face every day as they bear the consequences of the U.S. blockade and the lack of resources in the country. 

Who or what inspired your passion in this area?

Journalism was never a path I thought I would take. I like to say that journalism found me and not the other way around. My spring semester of my junior year, I decided to give it a try after doing multiple marketing internships. It was very scary to give journalism a try because I never felt like a good writer. What inspired me to finally give it a chance was the amazing support from professors like Erin Horan and fellow classmates, and also realizing how valuable and important the stories I write truly are.

Can you share a memorable story from your time at Flagler that always makes you smile? What made this moment special for you?

Anytime that I am at The Gargoyle Lab on the third floor of the library with my friends is when I am the happiest. I love being surrounded by such amazing and supportive people. Flagler College has given me a beautiful community that makes me excited to get to campus every morning. That room has seen my friends and I laugh, cry, stressed out, and excited.  

Some of my favorite moments also include anytime my friends and I prank Professor Brian Thompson by sneaking into his classes, and when “homework sessions” turn into yapping sessions — which happens a lot. 

Which academic resources, experiences, or mentors at Flagler were most valuable to you, and how did they contribute to your success?

I met Brian Thompson a year ago, during the spring semester of my junior year, after I joined his Publications Workshop class. After my first one-on-one meeting with him, I remember feeling so supported and motivated. For some reason, he believed in my abilities, and that helped me to also take a chance on myself. 

Brian has really inspired me to follow my passions and tell important stories, no matter how intimidating they may seem. He has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey and has taught me so many valuable lessons. Not only is he a great mentor, but he is also a great friend — one of the best actually! He is always there to listen and is so caring. Whenever I need help, I know I can always count on Brian Thompson. 

What advice or lesson would you give to your freshman year self about the college experience?

I would not tell my freshman self to do anything differently. I have learned and grown so much from my setbacks, but what I would tell her is to trust that what is meant for her will work out. I have spent so much time worrying about not getting an internship or getting a bad grade, but things have always worked out in the end, often not in the way I hoped, but I have learned that is also okay. 

In the Flagler spirit, how do you hope to make history after graduation?

I hope to make history after graduating from Flagler College by publishing stories on underreported topics and showing new angles to important issues. I want more people to learn the power there is in listening, speaking, and writing. We can all make an impact in this world by being genuine and open.