Sofia Miera

Giving Voice to Others

 

Armed with powers of the pen and creative flair, junior Sofia Miera is channeling her passion for storytelling into a summer internship with NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), a non-profit organization designed to showcase works by underrepresented filmmakers from around the world. In her role, the California native is tasked with social media management and press outreach, helping to amplify enthusiasm and awareness surrounding the organization’s upcoming film screenings.

Due to COVID-19 uncertainty, the Screenwriting and Journalism double-major says her internship has been fully virtual, but that it hasn’t hindered her ability to glean new skills along the way, including understanding the importance of networking and forging lasting relationships.

“One of my favorite (and most creative) things I’ve gotten to explore over the course of my internship has been graphic design,” Sofia said. “It’s long been a hobby of mine, so I reached out to the internship manager and got permission to create graphic designs to promote each new film via our Instagram and Facebook stories.”

She added that she applied to the NFMLA internship through Handshake, a job search tool offered through LMU Career and Professional Development (CPD). The portal connects students and alumni with job opportunities posted by 400,000+ companies and non-profits.

“As a resource, CPD and its staff of knowledgeable Career Coaches make an active effort to really get to know you and about your unique interests and aspirations,” Sofia said. “I always leave their office feeling motivated and confident in myself.”

Originally drawn to the bluff for its renowned LMU School of Film and Television -- recently ranked 7th in the nation by The Hollywood Reporter -- Sofia says that it was the welcoming community atmosphere she experienced that sold her on the idea of becoming an LMU Lion.

“LMU has made me more academically confident, especially in my writing,” she said. “I write because I want to bring hope and joy into the world, to make people laugh and smile.”

Academics aside, Sofia is also active in several student clubs and organizations, serving as senior editor for the LMU Chapter of Her Campus, vice president of membership programming for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and student tour guide for Undergraduate Admission.

As for what advice she has for future LMU Lions?

“Say ‘YES’ to every opportunity that comes your way,” Sofia said. “And make sure to take advantage of those office hours with your professors. Having such a strong support system behind you, especially at this age, is very important, and LMU has definitely given me that.”