Leading With Intent

Sophie Newcomb ’21, Moorhead
Major/Minors: Communication; Psychology and English Writing

Please tell us about yourself.

I grew up right here in Moorhead and I’m starting my senior year. As much as I appreciate the strong community, I am eager to move after graduation and experience life in a different area – hopefully the Twin Cities. I enjoy spending time with my family and I love being active, going on runs, and cycling classes. My favorite off-campus study spot (besides my bedroom) would definitely be BernBaum’s in downtown Fargo. The food is incredible, the staff is always so kind and caring, and I love the environment.

Why did you choose to stay in Moorhead to attend Concordia?

I knew that Concordia had a great reputation for its faculty and I wanted to attend a school where I felt challenged while also feeling comfortable enough to ask professors for guidance. I’ve always intended to go to grad school or law school after graduation, so choosing Concordia was a great decision financially. The cost of living in the Fargo-Moorhead area is much more reasonable than the cost of living at other institutions I had considered.

After completing your first year at Concordia, you transferred but later chose to return. Can you share more about that? 

Because I grew up in Moorhead, I had doubts in my first year. I had this idea that I needed to go away for school, so I transferred to the U of M. But the more I was at the U, the more I missed Concordia so I made the decision to transfer back. Being in the Cities is great, but there’s just something that big institutions don’t have, which is that connection with your peers and connections with faculty and administration. It’s the little things, like PB&J Day at the Financial Aid Office. When I got back second semester of my sophomore year, I knew I made the right decision.

What would you say to a student who is considering transferring? 

Accept that you’re not sure and look at your options but still keep trying to branch out, meet people, and join clubs. There’s this huge pressure that you have to know exactly where you’re going and that you should have a certain feeling right away when you step on campus – and some people do – but it doesn’t always happen that way. If you’re a student at Concordia and you’re thinking of transferring, reach out to other students and to the Center for Student Success. The counselors provide great support and can help guide you in processing that decision. For incoming transfer students, I think it’s really important to get involved and acclimate early on to make your experience here great, as well as utilizing the resources available to help you adjust.

What organizations are you involved in?

Student Government Association (SGA) and SALT: Students and Alumni Linked Together.

What motivated you to run for student body president?

Concordia is a really special place and I wanted to be in a position in which I can both support current students as well as help make changes that will better the institution.

What is something you look forward to accomplishing as president?

Personally, I look forward to developing relationships with students and faculty here on campus. The executive team is eager to create and implement initiatives to improve mental health resources while also eliminating the stigma around mental health conversations, focusing on strengthening student wellness (mental and physical), and finding ways to forge a stronger connection within our campus community.

What do you love most about Concordia?

The relationships I’ve developed with faculty and staff. I know I’ll always have a wide range of people to go to for any questions or concerns.

In what ways has Concordia helped you grow?

Since my first year at Concordia, I have learned many different things. I have learned how important it is to listen, rather than feeling the need to always have something to say. I also have learned to be patient with myself and with others, especially when having difficult conversations. I’ve learned there’s no such thing as having too much patience.

Have you had a favorite professor or class?

My favorite classes have been Nonverbal Communication with Dr. Cindy Larson-Casselton and Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Krejci. I loved Nonverbal Communication because I think it’s fascinating how we are able to communicate nonverbally in so many different ways – especially when it’s not intentional. Dr. Larson-Casselton is one of my advisors, and I always enjoy her energy and teaching style. Abnormal Psychology is a class I had been looking forward to taking since my first semester at Concordia because I’m really interested in how our emotions, thoughts, and behavior are all connected. I loved what I was able to learn throughout the semester and it was great having a professor like Dr. Krejci share his real-life experience from his career as a psychologist. If I could, I would definitely take both classes again.

What advice would you give to a prospective student?

Take advantage of any and all opportunities during your time at Concordia. I also think it’s important to establish personal expectations for your time here and what you want to get out of your education. These expectations can change over time, but self-accountability and goal setting are important to be successful – especially to make the most of the years you spend at Concordia.

What are your postgraduate plans?

I plan on attending law school next fall. Although it could change, I intend on studying within the field of criminal defense and potentially family law.

^{Published August 2020}