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Freshmen (from left to right) Sophia Marroquin, Michael Warawita, Lola Faniel, Mateo/Adrian Barcelona, at Cal Poly Pomona University
Freshmen (from left to right) Sophia Marroquin, Michael Warawita, Lola Faniel, Mateo/Adrian Barcelona, at Cal Poly Pomona University
Image by Mj Beltran

Sophia Marroquin – Freshman Focus

The Student with a Heart of Gold and a Mind Like No Other
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Sophia Marroquin, a 9th grader known for her kindness and intelligence, has a reputation for being the friendliest person in any room she enters. With a brilliant mind and an even bigger heart, Sophia quickly becomes a standout student and friend to everyone she meets.

Sophia Marroquin, a freshman known for her kindness and intelligence, has a reputation for being the friendliest person in any room she enters. With a brilliant mind and an even bigger heart, Sophia quickly becomes a standout student and friend to everyone she meets.

Known for being the friendliest person in any room, Marroquin quickly captures the hearts of those around her. 

According to her close friend Lola Faniel, a fellow freshman, Sophia’s presence is not only comforting but also full of light. “Sophia is hardworking, compassionate, and mellow,” Faniel says, adding that she is someone fun to be around.”

“She always offers to buy me something when we go places,” Faniel said. Her strong academic abilities and compassionate nature have made her a valued friend to many. She is known for her dedication to learning and her genuine care for those around her, earning the respect and appreciation of her peers.

Sophia’s modesty sets her apart from others. Despite her academic success and widespread popularity, she remains humble and doesn’t seek attention. “Sophia is a modest person who doesn’t need to thrive from attention,” Faniel reflects. This quality has made her someone people trust and admire. Her willingness to listen and support others speaks volumes about her character.

“Sophia means very much to me. She is a close friend who is easy to confide in and fun to be with,” Faniel explained. 

What truly sets Sophia apart, though, is how she handles challenges and supports others through difficult times. When confronted with obstacles, she doesn’t rush to solutions or make hasty decisions. Instead, Sophia takes a step back and carefully assesses the situation. 

Faniel recounts moments when Sophia has faced tough situations with calm and grace, always finding a way to solve the problem. This level-headed approach to life makes Sophia a reliable friend. 

“When facing a challenge, Sophia takes a step back from the situation and does her best to find a solution, which she usually does,” Faniel said. This ability to handle adversity with such poise is one of the many reasons Sophia is respected by her peers.

Sophia’s kindness is evident in everything she does. Whether it’s her spontaneous acts of generosity, like offering to buy a friend something or planning days to hang out with loved ones, Sophia’s thoughtfulness shines through.

 “Sophia works efficiently and plans specific days to hang out with her friends,” Faniel explains. Her friends feel valued and supported by her presence, and she continually fosters an environment of positivity within her group. Whether it’s lending a listening ear or offering advice, Sophia’s empathy and support are always evident. 

“Sophia is someone who’s easy to talk to,” Faniel shared.

Perhaps the most significant impact Sophia has had on Faniel is how she has inspired her to be a better person. Her kind and humble nature serves as a model for how to interact with others.

“She inspires me to be more compassionate, humble, and supportive to those around me. She shows me how to balance kindness with confidence, and that’s something I admire deeply.” Sophia’s genuine nature and commitment to others are traits that her friends, especially Faniel, will always cherish.

Sophia approaches challenges with a calm, reflective mindset, never letting frustration get the best of her. Even as someone who excels in many areas, she readily admits with a laugh, “I’m terrible at history,” showing she’s not afraid to own her weaknesses. Through experience, she’s learned the importance of staying on top of her workload, summing up her advice to other students in just a few words: “Don’t procrastinate your hours.” Simple yet valuable, her perspective is shaped by both her successes and struggles, making her wisdom all the more meaningful.

Sophia Marroquin (Left) and Lola Faniel (Right), having Food 4 Less bags for No Backpack Day (Image by Mateo Barcelona)

Sophia approaches social situations with the same thoughtfulness she applies to academics, valuing peace, calm, and good energy in her interactions. With playful honesty, she sums up what makes her high school experience better in just a few words: “Less annoying people.” A small but humorous glimpse into how she prioritizes the environment around her, ensuring she surrounds herself with positivity. This down-to-earth perspective is a big part of why people are drawn to her—she doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She does what feels right, not what earns attention. As Lola Faniel described, Sophia is someone who “does the right thing” not for applause, but because it’s part of who she is.

Outside of academics and friendships, Sophia finds joy in the things she loves—like Webtoon and Genshin Impact. These hobbies might seem like casual interests to some, but for Sophia, they are part of how she recharges, creates, and explores stories and characters that spark her imagination. They also offer her a chance to connect with others who share similar passions. It’s not just about scrolling or gaming—it’s about finding meaning, comfort, and inspiration in the little things. In this way, even her downtime reflects her thoughtful, creative spirit.

As for the future, Sophia keeps her focus on what’s right in front of her. 

“Take one step at a time,” she says, another simple yet powerful motto. It sums up her entire approach to life: steady, thoughtful, and always forward-moving. She doesn’t rush. She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. She knows failure is possible, but she doesn’t let the fear of it stop her. Instead, she moves with care, with humor, and with heart. And maybe that’s the most inspiring thing about her—she sees herself “as people see [her].” And those who know Sophia see her as a light, calm, kind, clever, and completely unforgettable.

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