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Taking a chance on herself

Taking a chance on herself

by Shannon Dufresne
 

At Ursuline, growth often begins with a single moment of belief.

For Sophia Gbadebo '27, that moment arrived at her eighth-grade graduation when she heard her name called for the Principal's Award.

"Hearing my name on stage gave me a sense of pride that I had never experienced before," she said. "For the first time, I realized I was more capable than I thought."

The recognition marked a turning point for Sophia, who had arrived at Ursuline as a shy seventh grader after moving from California.

"When I first arrived, I was trying to adjust and find my footing in a new environment," she said.

Over time, she began to discover both her confidence and her voice. Ursuline's academic programs, leadership opportunities, and culture of encouragement challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and pursue her interests with purpose.

One opportunity nearly passed her by. Sophia almost decided not to apply to Ursuline's Science Research program.

"I didn't think I was enough of a science person," she said. "I thought it was a great opportunity, but I wasn't sure I was the right fit."

At the last minute, she applied. Today, she considers that single decision one of the most important she has made.

Through the Science Research program, Sophia learned how to approach complex issues through inquiry, analysis, and evidence while developing skills that mirror college-level work.

"This program has helped me grow so much as a student, researcher, and person," she said.

Her current Science Research project examines gender-based violence and its impact on society through a psychological lens. Inspired by her studies and experiences at the Brown University Leadership Institute, Sophia began exploring the factors that contribute to these issues, how they affect individuals and communities, and how research can inform meaningful responses.

Science Research gave her more than a topic to study. It provided a framework for understanding problems, asking better questions, and exploring solutions.

"I am now able to look at real-world problems from an analytical standpoint and think critically about possible solutions," she said.

That mindset soon extended beyond the laboratory. Motivated by stories from survivors and her own experiences with street harassment, Sophia launched defenHER, an initiative designed to empower young women through self-defense training, personal safety education, and abuse prevention awareness.

Turning the idea into reality required persistence. Sophia drafted proposals, connected with community organizations, reached out to local martial arts centers, and collaborated with Ursuline's Mothers' Auxiliary to bring self-defense training opportunities to students and parents.

"It is daunting to turn an idea into action within your community. But it is also exciting to pursue something you are passionate about."
- Sophia Gbadebo '27

"It is daunting to turn an idea into action within your community," she said. "But it is also exciting to pursue something you are passionate about."

Next year, Sophia plans to expand defenHER through quarterly self-defense and personal safety workshops while mentoring younger students interested in continuing the initiative after she graduates. The project reflects a lesson Sophia has learned throughout high school: meaningful change rarely happens within a single discipline or through the efforts of a single person.

Through Science Research, Global Scholars, DECA, and student leadership opportunities, she has explored her interest in women's safety and empowerment from multiple perspectives.

"I have learned that nothing is siloed," she said. "Research, leadership, advocacy, business, and community education all play a role in creating change."

That interdisciplinary approach continues to shape her work. Her Global Scholars capstone builds on her research with a comparative study of gender-based violence in developed and developing countries.

At the same time, DECA has strengthened her communication and strategic thinking skills. At the 2026 DECA State Career Conference, she earned recognition for her work in retail merchandising and marketing. Together, these experiences have helped her approach complex issues from multiple perspectives and translate ideas into action.

This summer, Sophia will continue her research with a mentor at Northwestern University, deepening her study of women's and gender issues.

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue international relations on a pre-law track, combining many of the interests she has cultivated during her time at Ursuline.

She credits Ursuline's all-girls environment with giving her the confidence to pursue ambitious goals and take intellectual risks.

"Being encouraged to pursue academic excellence in an all-girls environment has contributed to the growth of confidence in my own abilities."
- Sophia Gbadebo '27

"Being encouraged to pursue academic excellence in an all-girls environment has contributed to the growth of confidence in my own abilities," she said.

When asked what she hopes younger students take away from her experience, Sophia's answer reflects the lesson that has guided her own journey.

"To find what you're truly passionate about, you have to explore and try new things," she said.

Her story reflects the power of saying yes to opportunities that feel uncertain. Through Ursuline's Science Research program and the many opportunities that followed, Sophia transformed confidence into action. What began as a willingness to take a chance on herself has evolved into research, advocacy, and leadership efforts designed to create lasting impact for others.

Learn more about Ursuline's distinctive programs HERE.

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