Double majoring in studio art and art therapy, senior Sophia Bossio seeks to use her gifts to serve others

Sophia Bossio of Castle Rock, Colorado, is a senior at Concordia University, Nebraska. Double majoring in studio art and art therapy, she is also president of the university’s Social Sciences club, social media manager of the Art Club and works at the university’s Marxhausen Gallery of Art and in the psychology department as a student aid.  

Why did she choose to study art at Concordia Nebraska? The university offers one of the few art therapy programs available in the nation, something that instantly attracted her to Concordia. In addition, when she toured campus she said she instantly connected with the university’s art professors and was impressed by the university’s renowned art program.  

“The art department offers a rigorous bachelor of fine arts program,” she said. “Concordia is unique because it centers around connection. Because Concordia is smaller, it is easier to connect with various people. Even in my art classes, I always meet new people from other majors on campus. I love meeting new people, and Concordia fosters connection through its classes and club activities.” 

Bossio said one of the many things that makes Concordia Nebraska remarkable is the caliber of the university’s professors. 

Because Concordia is smaller, it is easier to connect with various people...I love meeting new people, and Concordia fosters connection through its classes and club activities.

“The art department has terrific professors,” she said. “The professors invest in your studies and who you are from freshman to senior year. My professors value me as an individual, not just my class performance. They are encouraging, especially when pushing students to grow out of their comfort areas. The art department also offers art studios to select students. This is a fantastic opportunity because it gives students the space and storage to work on their projects. These spaces also foster a great community because studio students are constantly collaborating and helping each other with their art projects.” 

She said all of her professors, from those teaching general education classes to underclassmen to those teaching specialized courses to juniors and seniors, are incredibly supportive of students and are very passionate about what they do. 

“My psychology professors invest in their students and craft their classes so everyone will grow in knowledge,” she explained. “Not only do they make sure everyone understands the material, but they make it applicable to our next steps after undergrad. Professors also go above and beyond to make classes engaging and fun. I have always felt comfortable opening up or asking questions with every professor I have had. The professors are here because they care about what they teach and the students they teach.”  

 She said that participating in club activities has been a fantastic way for her to meet new people and truly get involved on campus. Offering field trips and a myriad of new experiences, clubs also offer her the opportunity to learn more about her interests of psychology and art.   

Bossio said that her time at the university allowed her to grow, explore and seek support when asking hard questions. 
“Concordia has given me the space to struggle and ask questions about my faith,” she said “Dr. John Genter gave me a space to ask hard questions and be honest about my struggles and doubts. He was nonjudgmental and wanted to engage in deeper conversations about faith.”  

Bossio’s parents Daniel and Deana Bossio are from Michigan, but she said she moved around quite a bit as a child due to her father’s job. This included the opportunity to live in England for a year when Bossio was six years ago. Her father is a software engineer and her mother is a homemaker. Her brother Anthony recently graduated with a business degree and is soon to be married. 

Following her time at Concordia Nebraska, Bossio intends to attend graduate school to obtain her master’s degree and PhD in art therapy. She dreams of working with children and teens as a certified art therapist and psychotherapist.  

“My experience at Concordia has prepared me to get along with a wide demographic,” she said.  
The material and content I have learned have also shaped who I am and my perspective on the world. Concordia has expanded my love for learning and continuing to grow.” 

With a degree in art therapy from Concordia University, Nebraska, students can help others heal physically and mentally using art. Painting, drawing, sculpting and other forms of art increase dexterity in patients with physical disabilities, and art can function as a therapeutic release to help people become more emotionally healthy. By employing a combination of studio art, psychotherapy and counseling, art therapists guide their patients toward a healthier and happier life.