Sofia Nicole: 'I’m ready for what’s next'
Sofia Nicole
Senior, Seaside High School
As graduation approaches, Seaside High School senior Sofia Nicole is savoring the final weeks of a high school journey that took a few unexpected turns—but ultimately helped her find her voice, her passion, and her purpose.
Sofia, who transferred from Monterey High School midway through her junior year, said the change gave her a fresh perspective and a chance to explore the unique opportunities at another MPUSD school.
“I had gone to IB (International Baccalaureate) schools my whole life—middle school and at Monterey High,” she said. “But I wanted to meet new people, try new things, and see what other schools had to offer.”
At Seaside High, Sofia immediately found her place in the school community. She joined leadership and became senior class secretary, helping plan events for her classmates and getting involved in ways she hadn't before.
“Everyone here is so supportive—it really feels like family,” she said.
That family spirit helped sustain Sofia through one of the hardest years of her life. Her older brother, a creative and charismatic presence in her life, passed away last July.
“He was my inspiration,” Sofia said. “He always had this joy that he brought wherever he went. I try to carry that with me now.”
Despite the challenges, Sofia kept moving forward—supported by her school, her family, and a strong desire to help others. That’s what drew her to nursing as a career path.
“I’ve always been someone who wants to help people,” she said. “I’m a big empath. I want to give people a chance to heal and feel better.”
This fall, Sofia will attend California State University, Sacramento, where she’ll major in pre-nursing and minor in communications—and she’ll do so on a full scholarship.
“It wasn’t my first-choice school, but when I found out I got a full ride, I was so relieved,” she said. “It means I get to follow my dream and do it without the financial stress.”
Sofia will also be the first in her family to go to college—a moment she calls “exciting and rewarding.”
“It feels like I made it. I’ve worked so hard for this, and I’m ready to experience all that college has to offer.”
Her journey has been supported every step of the way by caring adults on campus, especially her counselor, who encouraged her to apply to colleges, complete her FAFSA, and stay focused on her goals.
Outside the classroom, Sofia is passionate about art and dance, and stays active to keep her creativity and energy flowing.
“I like to keep moving and stay productive—it helps me stay positive,” Sofia said.
Her advice to younger students? Get involved. Don’t sit on the sidelines.
“If you don’t participate, high school will just pass you by—and you’ll regret it,” she said. “Go to the dances, join clubs, meet people. You’ll be so glad you did.”
As she looks ahead to prom, graduation, and life beyond Seaside High, Sofia is both excited and a little emotional.
“Leaving is going to be hard. This is where we grew up,” she said. “But I’m ready. I’m ready for what’s next.”
Sofia plans to stay close to the friends and community she’s built, using every tool at her disposal—text messages, FaceTime, and heartfelt conversations.
“The people I care about the most—I don’t want to lose touch,” she said.
Sofia Nicole is more than a student leader, future nurse, or first-generation college student—she’s a young woman who turned change into opportunity, grief into strength, and high school into something unforgettable.