Erin Socha
Miami University

Degrees: B.A. in Architecture with an Anthropology Minor

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship gave me the freedom to explore. I took classes I otherwise would not have taken, traveled to countries I’d only read about, engaged with students across campus, and so much more because of the Stamps Scholarship.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Success is not a competition, so don’t let others define your achievements. Sometimes the greatest successes can come from the smallest moments.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
When I accepted my offer to Miami, all Professor J. E. Elliott told me was, “Fantastic. Welcome to the funhouse.” And what a fun four years he gave me. In and outside the classroom, J taught me to do everything with passion and to do the things that brought me joy. He always believed in me even when I had given up, and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you, J, for encouraging me to be uniquely me, to never shy away from a challenge, and to always smile.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
My junior year the Miami cohort hosted Kevin Sammy, a Miami alumn and former speechwriter for President Obama, for a campus keynote. The experience brought our cohort so much closer, and was such a unique opportunity to have in my undergraduate experience.

What comes next?
I’ll be attending Washington University in St. Louis for their 2-year Master of Architecture program.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu