Sophia Hobby’s journey from caregiver to commencement speaker
In a remarkable culmination of her academic journey, Sophia Jean Hobby, a 22-year-old double major in psychological science and criminology, law and society, has been selected as the 2025 School of Social Ecology student commencement speaker.
Growing up in Brea, Hobby's path to this honor was shaped by personal experiences and a deep-seated passion for advocacy. Her role as a caregiver for her brother with Down syndrome from a young age instilled in her a unique perspective on the intersections of law, society and disability rights.
“I became a caregiver from a really young age,” Hobby reflects. “There were gaps in the laws and the protections that we were able to use. I think studying the law gives you a greater understanding of what those gaps are."
Her personal connection fueled her academic pursuits, culminating in a senior honors thesis that explored hate crime protections for people with disabilities. Under the guidance of faculty members Valerie Jenness and Amanda Geller, Hobby delved into the complexities of legal systems and public policy, bringing her personal experiences to bear on rigorous academic research.
Beyond the classroom, Hobby distinguished herself as a leader in student government, serving as the Social Ecology Senator and Rules & Oversight Chair in ASUCI. Her peers recognized her dedication, voting her Outstanding Senator and naming her committee the Outstanding Committee of the Year.
“As a Black woman, my desire to be a senator at ASUCI was rooted in my commitment to ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued within our university’s governance,” Hobby explains. Her efforts in student government focused on increasing transparency around financial aid, protecting student representation, and strengthening policies that shape student life.
“Sophia exemplifies the values of UC Irvine and our school,” says Susan Charles, associate dean of the School of Social Ecology, who worked with Hobby in her role at the Social Ecology senator. “She has been a scholar and leader who cares about her community and works to make changes that will benefit current and future students.”
Hobby's involvement extended to UC Irvine's Mock Trial team, where she honed her advocacy skills and eventually earned a spot on the A Team.
“Mock Trial has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience,” she says. “It shaped the way I lead, speak and advocate, and those are skills I'll carry far beyond college.”
As she prepares to address her fellow graduates, Hobby emphasizes the concept of “teaching forward” — a principle she attributes to her mother's influence.
“What motivates me most is I always had a desire to learn and that my mom went back to school is a big indicator of how learning does’'t end,” Hobby shares. “We're constantly learning. I have the urge to keep learning and understanding the world because it’s changing really fast.”
Looking ahead, Hobby is considering a career in the Air Force, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and uncle. She aims to work in data privacy and securities, leveraging her understanding of how systems interact and shape people’s lives.
“I feel like my degree has prepared me for it,” Hobby says. “A lot of what social ecology has prepared me to understand is how systems interact and shape people’s lives and we’re going into a more digital world. It's a whole new landscape.”
As Sophia Hobby takes the stage on June 16 to deliver her commencement speech, she embodies the spirit of resilience, advocacy and continuous learning that defines the UCI experience. Her journey from caregiver to commencement speaker serves as an inspiration to her fellow graduates and a testament to the transformative power of education and personal commitment.
— Mimi Ko Cruz