Sofia Jubraj

Class of 2026

Major

Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Theology and Religious Studies

What brought you to Marymount?

I was looking for schools in the D.C. area because the think tanks and real research opportunities are here. I chose Marymount because it was a smaller school where I knew I would get a personalized education in which I could work one-on-one with professors and get the experience I need to get a good internship and job in my field.

Tell us about the program you will be completing this summer.

I am going with three other students to spend six weeks studying at Oxford University. It is part of the Honors Summer Study Abroad program at Oxford University in which we will complete seminars and tutorials abroad. I will be furthering my research on the psychology of genocide, looking at it from a new perspective. I’m excited to work with new professors at Oxford and learn about my topic of study from people with different backgrounds and perspectives on the issue. I can’t wait to be a sponge and just soak up all the wisdom they have to offer me. 

Why did you choose the psychology of genocide as your research topic?

I have always been interested in the process of dehumanization that leads to genocide and other such atrocities. We’re often taught that people who commit atrocities are not like us, that they’re fundamentally different or evil in some way. But the truth is we all start out good. Hate is not inherent to the human person, it is learned and taught. I hope that my work can help teach people how to better understand this from a human perspective, and be aware of how we speak and relate to others so as not to contribute to the problem — and be the solution to hatred.

You received a scholarship to attend this program. Can you tell us about that?

I am one of several students to receive scholarship funding through the Hispanic Student Success Initiative Grant given to Hispanic-Serving Institutions by the Biden-Harris administration to support Hispanic students in a variety of fields. This will allow me to participate in the Oxford summer program without incurring any costs. That’s a huge help for me — I have been saving for this trip since I started at Marymount my freshman year! Now I won’t have to worry about anything while I am over there, and I can just focus on absorbing and learning as much as I can.

What does it mean to you to win this scholarship?

I’m very humbled to take on this experience and use my background and skillset to make a difference in the world. I’m very proud to be Latina — it’s a huge aspect of my life. For the younger women in my family, this is an example of what they can accomplish and that makes me so proud.

What will you do after graduation?

I plan on getting my master’s and going to law school, whichever I can complete first! Then I’d like to work at a think tank or nonprofit in D.C. or work for a law firm that deals with international law. 

How has Marymount helped you grow as a person?

Marymount has empowered me to take control of my education and my research. The undergraduate research opportunities provided through the Honors Program have really built up my confidence to work with different professors and bring new perspectives into our conversations.