Sophia Makarem

Unique, Inspirational, Beneficial, Leadership, Transformative

Being a part of the Honors Program was an impulse “why not?” decision and was the best one I made. Funny enough my mom saw an Instagram post about the benefits and encouraged me to apply after finishing my first semester in 2021, and when I got in, I was so excited to see what was in store for me. I have done a variety of experiences– study tours, self-designed (SDE), seminars– and each was beneficial in its own way; the seminar “Death and Dying” allowed me to become comfortable talking about uncomfortable subjects, my SDE of interning with an attorney confirmed my decision to pursue a law career, and the study tour to Paris ticked off a destination on my bucket list! UHP has improved my collegiate experience in that it has shaped it to be well-rounded by adding variety to my class schedules and extracurriculars.

As I am in my senior year, I have completed five experiences, all of which have been instrumental in my academic and social development. My favorite experience would have to be my self-designed experiment centered around founding and leading a student organization at UC. In the summer of 2023, I was presented with the opportunity to lead the process of starting the UC chapter of Model Arab League, a diplomatic simulation and developmental program that allows students to learn about the Middle East through mock conferences and debates. I am currently president and founder and successfully recruited (along with the amazing founding executive board) members in the Fall to participate in regionals and nationals in the Spring. We are growing with the guidance of SPIA (School of Public and International Affairs) and I am so happy and proud of this achievement. Our dedication is to the teachings of social, political, and environmental affairs in the Middle East and Northern Africa region while enhancing writing, research, and public speaking skills. (Our Instagram is @mal_ucincy if you’re interested!)

The program is truly tailored to what you want to do, regardless of your pre-professional track and/or major. Interested in art but majoring in chemistry? Take a seminar at DAAP as an honors student. Grey’s Anatomy sparked an interest in medical research but can’t see yourself doing it as a long-term career? Participate in RaMP (Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program) as an honors student. There is an infinite amount of choices to fulfill the five experience requirements of UHP– don’t let this number scare you out of applying to the program, view it as a way of growing and expanding your horizons. We are like a family and would love to have you join us!

I am planning on going to law school after graduation. My senior year is not too busy but as a double major (International Affairs and Arabic Language and Culture), I have two capstones to complete in the next two semesters. Academically, I am taking more Arabic classes and finishing up my IA electives. Socially, I am focusing on growing Model Arab League and recruiting participants for our Spring conferences (regionals will be held in Indiana and Nationals in DC, so the more members, the better)!