My name is Sophia Aiello, and I am a current undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Go Vols!

My passion for journalism began my sophomore year of high school as I began writing for The White Station Scroll, a student-ran newspaper organization. This led to declaring my major in Journalism & Media with a news concentration at the College of Communications & Information.

During my time at UTK, I have learned that the study of journalism extends beyond just writing articles. I ventured out into the world of broadcast news through The Volunteer Channel. In my freshman year, I became heavily involved with the Daily Dose show, formally called the Morning JEM. After my first year being exposed to a news studio, I was asked to become an Executive Producer. Check out our content on Instagram @tvcnewsnow. Additionally, I serve as the Treasurer for the Society of Professional Journalists.

Alongside broadcast news, I discovered my passion for advertising and marketing. You may have stumbled upon a video from one of my classes with Dr. Pittman, Social Media Strategy. Here’s a link to one of the most viral videos made in my class. In this class, I got to learn more about how social media can be used to leverage a business. After taking this class, I knew I wanted to learn more about social media advertising and marketing. The following summer, I did just that through gaining experience through two internships - marketing at Help You Dwell and paid social at Tombras.

One big part of my college experience has been my involvement in my sorority Chi Omega. I am privileged to be surrounded by like-minded women who value and prioritize academics. My favorite lines in the Chi Omega symphony are

“to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances; to be, in the best sense, democratic rather than ‘exclusive’ and loveable rather than ‘popular’”

I have been able to grow my leadership skills in this chapter, as I currently serve as Director of Career & Personal Development. Previously, I held two other positions - Webmaster and Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Other on-campus organizations I am involved in are Leading Women of Tomorrow and Order of Omega. Order of Omega consists of the top 5% Greek leaders and scholars.

In my free time, I find usually find myself hanging out with friends, working out, reading, or listening to music. I try to find time to volunteer weekly to give back to a community that gives so much to me. My favorite spot in Knoxville to volunteer at is the Free Store through the Office of Sustainability.