2014 Alumna Visit: Sophie Iglar

Five years after graduating from St. James School, Sophie Iglar returned to inspire current middle school students with stories from her intense immersion experiences in Peru and Bolivia. As a participant in “Where There Be Dragons,” Sophie traveled extensively with a small group to remote communities. The array of experiences tested her own physical, mental, and emotional limits. Whether trekking through the clouds in the Andes or fording rivers in the Amazon, Sophie’s hands-on engagement made an indelible impact on her worldview.

Students shared their thoughts after Sophie’s presentation:

“Even though the trip was supremely intense and difficult, Sophie said she learned so much about other cultures and historical sites. This is something I would definitely do with friends I know, but otherwise, I could never do the 90-mile hiking or go without seeing my family for 3 months.” -Elijah

“Sophie Iglar's presentation was eye-opening and fascinating. She mentioned her rigorous trips in Peru and Bolivia through mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as adjusting to things she was not accustomed to, such as high altitudes and difficult hikes. Ms. Iglar also mentioned how the journey around Peru and Bolivia was so taxing, some of her fellow travelers could not handle the journey. Iglar said later in her presentation, however, that all the difficulty was worth the outcome. Iglar, as well as ten other students, got to see some of the world’s most beautiful sites and experience the culture in a developing country. Ultimately, this sounds like an adventure worth having.” -Tobias

“Sophie started her presentation by telling us how she didn’t feel college was for her after her first year. She took a gap year and found a program were she’d study abroad in Bolivia and Peru for a few months. To do so, Sophie and the other members of her group had to sacrifice their phones. This kept them focused in the program. They stayed with host families and during treks they’d camp. They hiked, trekked, and exerted themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. This opened my eyes to other options besides working and college right after high school. If I had the opportunity to do this, I most definitely would. Sophie spoke about how much of a toll it took on her, but how she felt a rewarding sensation afterwards. Before Sophie’s talk, I was not familiar with the idea of studying abroad. This presentation fascinated me.” -Sofia

“Sophie went in detail about her many struggles on the trip, but also the enjoyable parts. She hiked a ton and one night she was so cold she thought she would die. It was an extremely grueling experience, but she was glad that she went on it for a totally new adventure. I would like to go on her trip, but maybe not for a few years because it sounded super tough!” –George