In being nominated for the BEST Board, Sofia Itskovich was quickly recognized for her active participation in a wide range of campus activities ranging from Community Advisor to Transfer Learning Community Coordinator.
“Sofia became a Community Advisor at mid-year and stepped up to the challenge,” her nominator said. As a CA, Sofia connected with her residents and has given added attention to incoming international and transfer students. “She has supported her international residents on how to navigate the college system and to make connections with domestic students. She provides intentional hangouts which have been attended well by her floor. These hangouts have allowed residents to get connected on the floor, in Crawford, and learn more about themselves.” Serving as president of the Tau Sigma Honor Society, which is for transfer students specifically, Sofia was passionate about transfers transitioning to campus life at Minnesota State Mankato. “She encourages students to try new things and supports her students in any capacity,” her nominator added. “Residents know that Sofia is always in their corner and there as a resource. Many of them turn to her for support and information.”
LET’S GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SOFIA:
Name: Sofia Itskovich
Home: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major: Theatre Design & Technology
Campus and/or CSU Involvement: Community Advisor, Tau Sigma Honor Society President, USITT Social Chair, LGBT Center Peer Panelist, Jane F. Early Scholarship Recipient, Theatre Student Rep, USITT (U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology), Transfer Learning Community Coordinator
How has campus involvement and/or campus employment enhanced YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?
Through my campus opportunities, I have expanded my interpersonal and conflict resolution skills and made wonderful friendships.
How has campus involvement and/or campus employment enhanced YOUR FUTURE?
As I move into the post grad world, my MNSU involvement experience makes me a more diversified candidate and gave me confidence in my ability to lead.
How has campus involvement/campus employment enhanced YOUR LIFE? How are you different today than you were on your first day of college.
I have absolutely learned the power and benefits of being involved in your community.
Provide one or more detailed examples where your campus involvement/work experience made you a better leader.
In March 2023, I created a survey full of students concerns within my department. I was able to distribute it and analyze the data before presenting to the entire theatre and dance faculty in order to start makes changes.
What advice would you share with fellow students in helping them make the most of their college experience?
Always ask for help right when you need it. Often people wait until it’s too late and they stay stuck. People typically want to help!
Throughout your college experience at Minnesota State Mankato, what has provided the greatest personal growth, memories, satisfaction and/or personal pride?
At the beginning of 2023 I was elected as the student representative for the undergraduates in the theatre department. I attend weekly faculty meetings and strive to make my department a better place to be a student.
Share a special “lifelong” memory of college you will take with you when you leave Minnesota State Mankato.
A lifelong memory at my time at MNSU was being a community advisor for three semesters allowed me to expand my leadership and make amazing friendships along the way.
