Sophie Lewis
Human Rights Studies Class of 2026
What was your major/minor? Why did you choose it?
I majored in sociology with three minors: communications, human rights studies, and professional writing. I was interested in sociology because of how it explores the background of social, racial and criminal justice. I always knew I wanted to go to law school after undergrad, so exploring the underlying issues that impact justice felt like the perfect option. As for my minors, I chose to do three because it allowed me to learn about a wide variety of inter-related topics, all relating to my sociological interests in different ways. It was exciting to constantly see my class content overlapping.
What was your first job after graduation?
After graduation I interned at the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office in the Misdemeanor and Felony unit.
What are you up to now?
I began my 1L year as a J.D. candidate at Brooklyn Law School in August 2026! I am super excited to be attending an institution so deeply rooted in public service and interest.
How did your experience at UC Davis prepare you for the next step in your academic and professional journey?
With a human rights minor, I was constantly being challenged to think past the basic ideas of human rights and wrongs. This minor challenged me to think and construct arguments in ways that my other classes weren't whether it was because the content was less familiar or more complex. The minor also helped me practice considering different perspectives, why people act certain ways, and how certain issues get overlooked in a sea of others. These are skills I am certainly using as a law student where I look at various cases and doctrines, think about how people are impacted by them, and consider my role in the future of legal work.
What's your advice for someone considering your minor?
Do not be intimidated!!! I almost stopped pursuing my human rights minor several times. Instead, I decided to become a more active participant in my own efforts by going to office hours, asking questions, speaking more in-class, and thinking outside of the box I previously established for myself.
What are you most proud of from your undergrad experience?
I am immensely proud of my ability to balance every job I took on and club I joined with my academics. (In my humble opinion) I truly believe I mastered the art of time management and work-life balance by the end of my time at UC Davis.
Do you have a professor or a class you want to shout out?
Professor Luna-Victoria! She was instrumental in my success as a human rights minor and her assignments challenged me to think and make arguments in ways I had never been challenged to before; and I'm so happy she did!
What were you involved in outside of class (clubs, internships, etc.)?
I was a member of Released Contemporary Dance Company (RCDC) and Davis Pre-Law Society. Additionally, over the four years I worked at the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center as a writing tutor and head writing tutor, the Career Center as a receptionist, the ASUCD Student Advocate's Office as a case advisor, and the Pantry as a volunteer and advocacy coordinator.
Anything else you want to share?
Don't be afraid to bet on yourself! I know for a fact that if I did not bet on myself day after day, I would not have accomplished half of the things I did.