Sofia Zepeda Leo Dances Toward her Dreams
Sofia Zepeda Leo was named the outstanding graduate from the School of Music and Dance at San Diego State University. Performing in dance has always been her passion, and through the program at SDSU, an abundance of opportunities came her way to learn and grow en route to achieving her dreams.
Zepeda Leo joined the University Dance Company, which provides opportunities for students to work with their professors in a professional environment. She spent all four years learning what dancers should expect as they approach their future careers. UDC gave her a glimpse into what the real world looks like and an understanding of the expectations and intricacies that go into dancing.
Her greatest challenge was making the transition from studio dance to professional dance. “The demands and challenges are very different. It’s not just an extracurricular activity but a career,” she said. “What helped me transition was being involved in the program. I had to be attentive in classes but mostly take advantage of what my professors were offering.”
While being involved with the program, Zepeda Leo received a dance scholarship which allowed her to add courses surrounding her interests. She was also a member of the 10th chapter of the Lamda Sigma Gamma sorority at SDSU. “Being in this organization gave me the confidence to expand my network beyond my major,” she said. “I learned skills in public speaking, time management, and networking.”
Through the thick and thin moments of the journey, Zepeda Leo credits persistence for carrying her along the way. “No matter what people thought about what pursuing a career in dance might look like, I persisted with the help of my loved ones to follow my dreams,” she said.
“My hope for the future of my graduating class is that we will continue to persevere to succeed because we were taught to be willful and permeable no matter the circumstances,” Zepeda Leo said.
The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.
