People

Sofia Reyes Ochoa

Sofia Reyes Ochoa, Analyst, This Is My Brave: A OneUSF Production and Photovoice Project 

Sofia

My name is Sofia Reyes Ochoa. I was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic to a Dominican father and a Colombian mother. I was raised in the United States after my family decided to emigrate in 2006. I attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and then Celebration High School. I have always been very passionate about equity and how healthcare can promote it. Because of this, in my time at Celebration High School, I earned a Biotechnician Assistant Credential from the University of Florida’s Center of Excellence for Regenerative Health Biotechnology and a diploma from the International Baccalaureate Program. I also participated in an observership program at an Orlando Health hospital in which I shadowed cardiologist Dr. Joel Garcia for two months. The role allowed me to observe catheterization lab procedures, cardioversions, and other related procedures. I was also able to observe a CABG + mitral valve replacement surgery, proper bedside manner, and discussions between Dr. Garcia and his Physician Assistants, as well as other professionals in the hospital.

In 2022, I received a Certificate of Recognition from the Osceola County School Board for developing a website and program at my high school to support students with tutoring, mentoring, and physical and mental health resources. I was also given the opportunity to speak at a school board meeting to describe the program and its purpose. I am currently an undergraduate student at the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ majoring in Health Sciences with a dual concentration in Biological and Behavioral Sciences. As a student at USF, I have worked as a Dean of Students Ambassador in the Student Life Center. The role involves student outreach and support, media management, planning and hosting events, and collaborating with other departments at the university, as well as planning, recording, and editing podcasts. My goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree, then pursue a degree in neuroscience at the graduate level.