Sofia Paiz ‘26: Blending Art and Psychology to Heal

Sofia Paiz ’26 is combining her passion for art and psychology to build a career that helps others heal.

Her education has been made possible by the Rogers Scholarship, which has eased financial pressures on her family and allowed her to focus on her studies. “Growing up, my family wasn’t financially well off, and we often had to rely on loans and help from others,” Paiz shared. “The scholarship has really eased the financial burden and reduced the stress around paying for school. It’s made a huge difference for us.”

Emmanuel College stood out to Sofia for its unique art therapy major—one of the few programs of its kind in the region. Her major equips her with tools to help others process emotions through creative mediums. In her classes at Emmanuel, she has learned to use various forms of art—painting, clay, drawing, and unconventional materials—to support clients in their healing.

“I’ve always loved art and been fascinated by psychology,” she said. “Art therapy is the best way to combine those interests while helping others. It isn’t just about the creative process. It’s about helping people ground themselves and find peace through sensory work. Art can reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings, like certain colors or images symbolizing life events or emotions. It’s a way to help patients focus on the present rather than their trauma. For someone working through trauma, their artwork might depict negative figures, like parents, as monsters. The art gives patients a way to express their inner world when words fail them.”

The College’s close-knit campus has been the perfect fit for Paiz, who attended a small high school. “I’m used to this kind of environment. It’s a good fit for me,” she said. The supportive community has helped her thrive both academically and socially.

Sofia has embraced opportunities for involvement on campus, participating actively in HUELLAS (Helping Unite Emmanuel Latinos Lead & Achieve Success), Emmanuel’s Hispanic/Latino club, and Outspoken, the LGBTQ+ club. She credits much of her growth to the mentorship of her professors. “My art therapy professor, Sara Roizen, was such a huge help during my first couple of years. She was so kind and supportive,” she said. “I’ve also really enjoyed my psychology classes with Helen McDonald [Associate Professor of Psychology]—her lectures are so interesting and engaging. And Megumi Naitoh my ceramics professor, has been incredibly helpful in my studio art classes.”

On the Horizon

As she prepares for her senior year, Sofia is focused on graduate programs in art therapy. She hopes to work in hospital or psychiatric settings, particularly with adolescents and young adults. In the meantime, she is applying for internships in Boston to gain hands-on experience in environments like hospitals, eating disorder centers, or nonprofits that incorporate art therapy.

Her Gender and Women’s Studies minor reflects her broader commitment to understanding societal dynamics and advocating for equity. “I’m really passionate about feminism and promoting gender equality,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always found fascinating, and I enjoy learning about the biases and societal structures that affect people.”

Reflecting on her time at Emmanuel, Paiz is excited about what lies ahead. “It’s definitely anxiety-inducing, but also exciting,” she admitted. “I’m looking forward to the challenges I’ll face and the chance to overcome them. I’m excited about experiencing graduate school and getting firsthand experience through internships. I can’t wait to see what I’ll discover along the way.”

For Sofia, the Rogers Scholarship represents more than financial support—it’s a bridge to her dreams.