Meet our 2023-2024 SOHO Intern, Michelle Lopez

Hi, my name is Michelle and I joined SOHO in 2017.The best thing that happened to me that year was getting matched with my mentor.After Katrina and I were matched, we made so many great memories together at SOHO and in the SOHO Club. We have been inseparable and we are still going strong after 7 years. I am so excited to be a part of this year’s SOHO group because I want to see the girls get matched with their mentors and each have a new role model in their life, just like how my mentor is my biggest role model. Afew of my greatest hopes for this year are for the girls to gain new friendships and have fun, but most importantly to continue their relationships with their mentors for many years.

One of my favorite memories with my mentor is when I made slime with her at her house after we finished our first year of SOHO.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned from having a mentor is that you will always learn and keep growing no matter where you are at in your life.

My favorite SOHO project was the bookshelf that we made because I was able to put objects that symbolized me on the shelves.

Three words that I would use to describe my mentor are amazing, responsible, and supportive

Something that I have learned so far in my internship is that even if days are gloomy there is always a bright side, you just need to look for it.

We asked Michelle’s mentor, Katrina, a few questions, here is what she had to say!

How did you feel when you were matched?

Excited, and nervous, but mostly excited! I had enjoyed getting to know her over the initial weeks of the SOHO year, but I was thrilled that I would be able to develop a relationship with her 1-on-1 and explore each other's interests and passions.

How has Michelle impacted your life?

I look forward to every time we get together and connect as a chance to deepen our relationship – whether through the new things we try together or through the perspectives she provides in our conversations. She’s not the only person looking for advice most of the time –she’s a great sounding board and helps me see the other side of things, particularly as it comes to my own teenage daughters. I hope she stays in my life for a very long time, as I can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make on the world.

How do you feel about Michelle being a SOHO intern?

She is perfect for the role!Through the SOHO Club events we’ve attended over the years, Michelle was always eager to connect with the younger SOHO girls and hear about their experiences. She’s also great at connecting with the mentors, just as easily. I'm sure she’s been giving great advice and encouragement to the current cohort of girls and mentors. I knew this would be a great opportunity for her to demonstrate her leadership skills and pick up some new ones, such as team-building, event planning, and other soft skills so important to develop for wherever life takes her next.

How has your relationship evolved in the past 7 years?

I’ve always enjoyed hearing Michelle share what she’s learning in school, but since high school our conversations about current events and her hopes for the future are especially thought-provoking and illuminating. I wish every adult in this country had the opportunity to hear from youth like Michelle – they would learn so much just by listening. :-)