FINDING SUCCESS THROUGH MENTORSHIP AND BEYOND
After almost 15 years, support from five agency programs, and a degree from UC San Diego, Sophia Cohen credits Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) with changing her life.
Sophia, now 22, grew up with her Persian-Jewish immigrant parents in a warm and supportive community, surrounded by family and friends. When Sophia’s younger sister was diagnosed with a serious illness at a young age that required an extended hospital stay, the community stepped up to help with day-to-day activities. They drove Sophia and her older sister to school, packed lunches, and generally filled the roles Sophia’s parents couldn’t perform because they were always at the hospital. Despite their physical needs being met, Sophia and her sister’s teachers suggested a Big Sister through JBBBSLA’s Youth Mentoring program to provide an encouraging voice during a trying time.
Little Sister in the Youth Mentoring Program
Matched at age 8, Sophia flourished with her Big Sister’s support. Even after her younger sister recovered from her illness several years later, Sophia stayed with the mentorship program throughout elementary and high school. Already a highly motivated, intelligent and curious individual, Sophia’s Big Sister encouraged her to try new things, learn, discover, take chances, and pursue her ambitions. She excelled in high school, discovering interests in medicine while working in a medical lab. Sophia also became politically active to support the environment and sustainability.
Camp Bob Waldorf
Sophia also attended overnight summer camp at Camp Bob Waldorf, thriving in a camp environment inspired by the values of community, inclusion, identity, and respect. Camp Bob Waldorf’s Jewish Cultural Session further reinforced the value of Jewish community.
College Access + Success
Together with her older sister, Sophia enrolled in JBBBSLA’s College Access + Success program, an agency initiative only available to former “Littles” and campers. This core program provides high school students with free one-on-one college guidance from a professional college counselor as well as college scholarships. By participating in this program, Sophia accessed events that allowed her to explore the details of different career paths, along with a personal college guidance counselor who worked with her on every step of the college admission process, from essays to financial aid.
The support that Sophia received through JBBBSLA expanded with her growing needs throughout high school and guided her to study hard and be focused on her education. By the time Sophia entered UCSD, she had plenty of AP credits and her general education requirements halfway finished. She completed her bachelor’s degree in political science in two years, while simultaneously starting on her master’s degree in international affairs, which she received a year later. Thanks to several scholarships, including the JBBBSLA Plost Family Scholarship, she finished her college
career debt-free.
Beyond propelling her to lofty academic goals, Sophia’s experience with JBBBSLA also imparted a desire to give back to her community. Throughout her college career, she served as a JBBBSLA Lead Student Ambassador. This program allows scholars to hone their leadership skills by organizing and facilitating Scholar Community events, workshops and hangouts, as well as serving as a representative for JBBBSLA on her college campus. While she’s currently employed by one of the nation’s largest electric utility holding companies developing a plan to support the company’s goal of net zero emissions in southern California, she also plans to become a Big Sister and pay forward the support she’s received from JBBBSLA.
And Beyond
“I will forever be grateful for the impact that JBBBSLA has had on my life,” said Sophia. “I’ve made lasting memories that have been so positive, they’re a reason why I am where I’m at today. And in addition, the Plost scholarship has made all the difference to my family and me. As a kid, I needed that mentorship that my Big Sister provided. And for the future, I plan to give back to my community by becoming a Big Sister and providing the mentorship that was provided to me.”