Campus Involvement Student Success Stories

Sabrina Soriano is intrigued by "Still Life with Bottle, Glass and Lemons" by French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, displayed in the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut.

Kudos to Sabrina Soriano, a Citrus College alumna who is thriving at Yale University!

Since becoming a Bulldog in 2024, Sabrina has fully embraced the Yale experience and taken on a variety of diverse and rewarding roles.

Set to graduate in fall 2026, Sabrina is currently double majoring in history of art and statistics and data science. These two disciplines "challenge me to think both critically and creatively about the world around me," she said.

Outside the classroom, Sabrina serves as a head transfer counselor at Yale College, the undergraduate branch of Yale University. In this role, she works with the dean's office to support transfer students in their academic and social transition.

Additionally, Sabrina is a member of the undergraduate council at the Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel, which organizes student events and provides grassroots student services. She is also a eucharistic minister at Yale New Haven Hospital and a lector at St. Thomas More.

And that's not all! Sabrina also works as a gallery guide and curatorial intern in the department of European art at the Yale University Art Gallery.

"Yale has provided extraordinary opportunities for growth – academically, professionally and personally," Sabrina said.

Reflecting on her time at Citrus College, where she served as student trustee and earned numerous accolades, such as the Key of Knowledge and Service Leader of the Year, Sabrina credits the honors transfer program with giving her an appreciation for an intimate, discussion-based learning experience. As a Bulldog, Sabrina said she continues to seek out those smaller courses where she can more personally connect with her professors and classmates.

While interning at the Getty Center in Los Angeles this past summer, Sabrina was the only undergraduate invited to attend the Colloque International Odyssée Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence, France. This unforgettable experience connected Sabrina with the leading scholars of Paul Cézanne, a highly influential French painter in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Looking ahead, there are even bigger things on the horizon for Sabrina. In spring 2026, she will study abroad at the University of Oxford in England, where she will study theology and art history.

As she continues working toward her undergraduate degree, Sabrina aspires to work in higher education as a professor of art history. Beyond academics, she also remains focused on faith and family.

"I hope to give back to the communities that have shaped me, as well as continue to live as a lifelong learner – growing not only as a scholar, but also as a person," she said.

On behalf of the entire campus community, we congratulate Sabrina on everything she continues to accomplish! Remember – once an Owl, always an Owl!

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SABRINA'S ORIGINAL STUDENT SUCCESS STORY
ORIGINALLY SHARED ON CITRUS COLLEGE SOCIAL MEDIA · THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024

Everything changed for Sabrina Soriano after she and her father made a last-minute trip to Yale University.

Days after learning she had been awarded a full-ride scholarship to the Ivy League university, the Citrus College student trustee and Class of 2024 member was still undecided on whether to attend. After all, she had dreamt of attending UCLA.

After quickly buying two airplane tickets, Sabrina and her father found themselves at Yale as classes were wrapping up for the year. After visiting the residential colleges and the Yale University Art Gallery, Sabrina visited St. Mary's Church, a Roman Catholic church on campus.

"We planned a quick visit but were soon captivated by the church's beauty and the heavenly hymns sung by the choir and church leaders, accompanied by the organ," Sabrina recalled. "It was a divine experience."

After learning there would be an evening mass for the kick start of the National Eucharistic Revival Pilgrimage, Sabrina decided to stay for the mass on campus. During the gathering, she and her dad participated in the pilgrimage as it began from St. Mary's Church.

"As a practicing Catholic, my faith is central to my life and this event felt like the clearest sign that Yale was the right choice," Sabrina said. "The decision was made – it was Yale."

A lifelong San Gabriel Valley resident, Sabrina is set to graduate on June 14 and will spend the summer in Southern California before attending Yale in the fall.

As she wraps up her time at Citrus College, she leaves behind an incredible two years of accomplishments and service. Recently, she earned two top honors at the 61st annual Achievement Awards – Service Leader of the Year and the Key of Knowledge.

One of two Service Leaders of the Year, Sabrina earned the recognition based on her academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community. As one of 10 Key of Knowledge recipients, Sabrina was named one of the college's top academic students.

"One thing I will miss the most is my favorite space on campus – the Student Services Building," Sabrina said. "The people there have given me immense joy, support and encouragement throughout my entire experience at Citrus College." Sabrina added that she is grateful to everyone who has been a part of her Citrus College journey. For her advice to other students, Sabrina referenced the Community Cultural Wealth Model that she learned about while taking a class at UCLA.

"Recognizing the special gifts, perspectives and stories we bring to our experiences as students, learners and leaders can help us understand that we have much to share and that our voices are valuable," she said. "My advice would be this: Use your capital in your journey and be proud of it."

The entire campus community wishes Sabrina well as she embarks on the next Ivy-covered chapter of her life. Remember – once an Owl, always an Owl!

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