Q&A With SSU Student Life Lead, Sofia
Ever wondered how it feels to rediscover your creativity while juggling school, work, and a whole new life in a different country? Sofia Salcedo shared her experience as a Visual and Creative Arts student and her role as an Events Team Lead here at the SSU. If you’re interested in visual arts, personal growth, or just want to learn how other students navigate their journey, check out our Q&A with Sofia below.
“Growth is always possible – each new skill or challenge helps me see myself from a different perspective and stay inspired to keep evolving.”
- Sofia Salcedo
Q: Has this program changed the way you see yourself or your future in any way?
A: Absolutely, I am authentically me, unapologetically creative and confident in my abilities to create interesting works. I don’t see working in my career as annoying, but I look at it with excitement and courage, as another challenge to face and learn from.
Q: If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you wish you’d known before starting your program?
A: I would be more patient with myself, to appreciate my creations and share them rather than try to be something else or compare myself to others. I would be more consistent with drawing without references, digging into my interests no matter how abstract they might be.
Q: How would you describe a typical day working at the SSU?
A: A typical day starts with meeting the team at the Marquee. We discuss what needs to be done, the roles for each person during the event, and chat about how school and work are going, while working hard during the shift.
Q: Outside of Sheridan, what’s something you’re passionate about?
A: Learning new things keeps me motivated because it reminds me that growth is always possible. Each new skill or challenge helps me see myself from a different perspective and stay inspired to keep evolving.
Q: What is something that has inspired you lately?
A: Recently, I travelled to Vancouver and went hiking in the mountains (my happy place). Of course, I had to take my sketchbook with me, and I did some drawings and one painting inspired by the places I visited!
Q: Tell us a bit about your experience in the Visual and Creative Arts program!
A: It’s been a journey of rediscovery and growth. At first, I found it challenging to find my footing and understand what was expected of me. For a long time, I had put my creative identity on pause, so learning how to express it again took patience and self-trust. But as my confidence grew, I began to create work that truly reflected who I am—and that has been the most rewarding part of this experience.
Q: What inspired you to choose this program in the first place?
A: Drawing has always been an interest of mine from my childhood; it was something I truly enjoyed, but for some reason, I didn’t see it as a possible career or path to follow. After coming to Canada, completing an Educational Assistance Program and working as a Behavioural Therapist for a few years, I realized I wasn’t happy, and I wanted to find myself and go after what I am truly passionate about. I did some research, and VCA checked all the boxes of what I wanted to explore.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself or life by working at the SSU?
A: I have learned the importance of having a work-life balance. When you study and work simultaneously, it is easy to forget about your hobbies, make time to see your family and friends, and have time to work on personal projects. These areas are very important to remain stable and healthy, and I believe thankfully, it is something I’ve learned to prioritize.
Q: What’s a project, assignment, or experience you’re especially proud of — and what made it so meaningful to you?
A: Recently, I had the opportunity to create a painting for the Latin American Heritage Contest organized by the SSU. This project allowed me to reconnect with my roots and reflect on the experiences that shaped who I am today. To reach that point, I worked on a series of pieces that helped me explore my cultural identity more deeply, starting with an interpretive drawing of my internal and external self, and later a reinterpretation of a Colombian folktale, La Candileja (The Fireball). These explorations eventually led me to a composition inspired by the greatest influence from my childhood and the person who shaped much of my worldview—my grandmother, a farmer in the Colombian countryside and, my second mother. This project became more than just a painting; it was a way of honouring her strength, wisdom, and the roots that continue to guide me.
Q: What habit or daily ritual can’t you go without?
A: I love going outside on my balcony, feeling the sun on my skin first thing in the morning with a glass of peppermint tea with honey. I still try to do it now that the weather is getting colder, even if it is only for a minute.
Q: When things get overwhelming, what helps you stay grounded or motivated?
A: Looking back at how far I’ve come always makes me aware of what I am capable of, and that reminds me of why I do what I do. If I get too overwhelmed, journaling is my go-to solution. Putting all my thoughts into writing helps me organize my ideas and set up a plan.
Q: What’s something or someone at Sheridan that’s had a lasting impact on you?
A: I’d say, being able to create art inspired by my life experiences, dreams, deep thoughts and anything that comes to my head has changed me for good. It has made me grateful for my life as I continue my path as a creative person.
Q: What’s something that excites you about what’s next?
A: I have a few trips I am looking forward to in 2026, and I am super excited about, as well as graduating from VCA and starting Digital Product Design in September. I guess I am excited to work in the field of UX, UI Design and work with like-minded people and continue exploring the world!
Enjoyed This Q&A? Keep Reading!
Check out these blogs and get inspired to be a part of the SSU community.
