When Sophia Wood graduated from high school, she had two personal goals in mind – attend a Big 10 University and graduate debt free.
Thanks to Ohio State Mansfield (and her financial discipline), she will accomplish both goals when she graduates May 4.
“When I was a junior and senior in high school, I knew that Ohio State Mansfield was my first choice,” she said. “I wanted to get through college without any debt. That was very, very important to me, and I also wanted to attend a well-rounded university.”
Wood was an English major from day one, and says the experience helped her develop her writing and rhetoric skills, critical thinking and attention to detail.
Although she was often asked by her peers, “What will you do with an English degree,” Wood was confident from the start that she would get a good job.
She will begin as a paralegal for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office May 5, just one day after graduation.
“When I’m asked, ‘What can you do with an English major?’ my answer is anything and everything,” said Wood. “I will do anything I want because I have an English degree and have learned the art of rhetoric and communication. This English program can and will help prepare you for that.”
One of her best experiences outside of the classroom was serving as a student worker in the Dean’s Suite, as an assistant to Cindy Wood (no relation), director of development and community affairs at Ohio State Mansfield.
“Having Sophia as a student writer on our dean’s office team has been an invaluable experience for both her and us,” said Cindy Wood. “She channeled her passion for writing and literature into storytelling that connects alumni, donors, community members and students through a current student’s perspective. During her time here, she sharpened her skills in project management, industry communication platforms, and, most importantly, the art of asking thoughtful questions — allowing her to craft meaningful narratives that make a tangible impact.”
Sophia was also active as a tutor in the Conard Learning Center – a place where she also spent time studying and preparing for classes.
She credits Andrew Mueller (CLC director) and Breanna Truax (CLC coordinator) for helping her understand the importance of tutoring and working with students from all kinds of backgrounds.
“Andrew and Breanna made me feel at home, whether I was studying for my own classes or tutoring another student,” Sophia said. “At times, the CLC felt like a second home to me, and I know other students feel the same way.”
While she had strong impressions of campus before arriving, she said the faculty and staff kept her engaged in ways that exceeded her expectations.
“I don’t think I understood the magnitude of this campus and what it does for students until I completed a few classes and worked for Cindy Wood,” Sophia said. “The staff and faculty genuinely care about students and you have the opportunity to develop close relationships and mentorships.”
Sophia said she considers writing to be “sort of like a superpower that has the potential to impact people and change lives.”
Writing has changed her own life for the better, and she looks forward to what the future brings.
Originally published April 29, 2025 by Ohio State Mansfield as a part a collection of student stories, Mansfield Graduates Share their Success Stories.