By Molly Lynch – Staff Reporter

Former Jonathan Law student Sophie Penkacick is now attending the University of South Carolina with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. 

Penkacick loves USC because of its school spirit and how many opportunities it has for every student. Penkacick also loves how she can balance her schedule and has felt that she’s gained independence since attending college. 

“I love my college’s school spirit and the endless opportunities that they have for students,” Penkacick said. “I have met so many amazing people and can balance my schedule how I want to which gives me a sense of independence.”

Penkacick credits Law for helping her prepare for college. 

“Law has prepared me for college by teaching me time management and to always achieve things for myself because in college nobody is there to push you and make sure you get things done,” Penkacick said. 

Her schedule at USC is much different than her schedule in high school.

“My schedule for a normal day in college differs depending on the day of the week, but some days I could have classes from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., and other days I start at 10:50 a.m. and end at 5:10 p.m.,” Penkacick said. “It’s very different from high school but I have grown to love being able to build my schedule.”

Penkacick explained the challenge of adapting to college and what she has learned from the experience. 

“Adapting to college definitely took time, but it was helpful that I couldn’t really hide from the difficult parts,” Penkacick said. “Moving to South Carolina didn’t give me the option to come home on weekends or if I am sick, so I had to learn to be there for myself and get myself through the rough patches. Although it was hard, this definitely made me adapt to college faster and I learned what helped me, like my friends, keeping in touch with my parents, etc.”

Penkacick misses some of her former teachers at Law and the closer environment at times. 

“The thing that I miss most about Law is some of the teachers that I had grown to become really close to,” Penkacick said. “A lot of classes in college are large lecture halls that can consist of 300 students. I do miss the closer environment at times, and often wonder how those teachers are doing.”