College of Social & Behavioral Science Orientation Spotlight
Fallow Howe | Naomi Smith | Blake Mawhinney | Annabella Vasquez | Alondra Sanchez
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
One goal I have is to make as many connections as I can with different people. In the past, I feel like I haven’t fully taken advantage of all the opportunities I have been given to get to know people with backgrounds and perspectives different from my own. I have since realized that life is only what we make of it, and if we want to truly experience it, we must put ourselves out there by learning as much as we can about ourselves and others.
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
My experiences with wealth inequality and injustices in society inspired me to choose sociology. I come from a lower-income background, so I would love to learn how I can help address these issues. I hope I can make a difference by getting involved in the law.
What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah?
I am most excited to become independent as I start this new stage of life. As an out-of-state student, I will be living on campus and I am ecstatic about the opportunity to develop my sense of self apart from my family. I will become a more responsible and confident individual as I encounter new challenges and situations throughout my freshman year.
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
I hope to get involved on campus by joining Greek life! I am beyond excited to join a sorority and to become more connected with other students.
What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
I’m curious to try the debate club on campus. It’s not necessarily outside of my comfort zone, but I haven’t been able to try it before. I feel that it will help me improve the public speaking skills I will need in my career.
Who is someone you admire, and what do you admire about them?
I admire my father greatly. He has taught me to bring passion and determination to every task and goal I commit to. Because of him I know that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to and overcome any barriers that may arise.
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
My goal is mostly to survive, get good grades and meet new people.
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I enjoy science and math in general, but the brain adds another exciting layer. When I heard the U was adding a Neuroscience program, I knew I had to try it.
What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah?
Starting classes and getting out of high school.
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
The Ute Pride football game sounds really cool.
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
I hope to get involved through community service or activities at the student recreation center.
What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
Skiing. I’ve never been even though I grew up in Utah.
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
One goal I have is to get 1% better every day. I also want to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone.
If you could collaborate with any professor, club or group at the U, who would it be?
The baseball team.
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I want to attend medical school, and I am interested in how the brain works.
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
Saint George, Utah. I wish people knew how good the baseball community is.
What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah?
Meeting new, like-minded people!
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
Go to the football games and learn how to ski.
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
I want to do some research or possibly join a medical-related club.
What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
Joining a club or introducing myself to people I don’t know.
What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect?
I have a vast amount of geography and sports knowledge.
How do you communicate your perspective on the world around you? Through writing, discussion, art or action?
I communicate my perspective through discussion.
Who is someone you admire, and what do you admire about them?
I admire my mom because she is always reasonable and always helps me.
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
One goal I have this year is to make a lot of friends!
If you could collaborate with any professor, club, or group at the U, who would it be?
I want to collaborate with Swoop!
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I want to go to law school, and I’m interested in politics.
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
A rural town in Utah called Tropic. I wish people knew the population was less than 2000 and there is not much out there.
What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah?
I’m excited to meet new people.
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
Hiking Mount Timpanogos is at the top of my Utah bucket list!
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
I hope to rush, join new clubs and just be more outgoing.
What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
I’d like to try Rock climbing.
What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect?
I play pickleball.
How do you communicate your perspective on the world around you? Through writing, discussion, art or action?
Discussion!
Who is someone you admire, and what do you admire about them?
Both of my parents! They came to the United States to give their family a better life.
Alondra Sanchez
Major(s): Psychology
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
I’m from Mexico, and I am excited to open this new adventure!
If you could collaborate with any professor, club or group at the U, who would it be?
I would like to collaborate with a group involved in athletics.
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I want to become a dentist and specialize in treating children.
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
Sandy, Utah. It is a good place to visit.
What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah?
I’m most excited to make new friends.
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
I’d like to go on new adventures.
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
To get involved, I want to join clubs and go to events.
What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
I am curious to try hiking and attending parties.
What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect?
I can speak Spanish.
How do you communicate your perspective on the world around you? Through writing, discussion, art or action?
I communicate through music and art.
Who is someone you admire, and what do you admire about them?
I really admire my dad.
Any views, experiences, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this student highlight do not necessarily represent those of the College of Social and Behavioral Science.
Published September 10, 2026
Media Contact: Natalie Pyne, LAS Marketing Director
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