Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Sophia Pargas

Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor

Sophia Pargas (she/her) is a junior Journalism and Marketing Communications double major from Miami, Florida. She has served as the Beacon’s living arts editor and enjoys this opportunity to be heavily immersed in the happenings of life as an Emerson student and Boston resident. Sophia hopes to continue her love of journalism whilst learning more about the people, places, and things of not just our campus, but the whole world.

Latest from Sophia Pargas
Brooke Shields’ ‘Pretty Baby’ exposes the sting of childhood sexualization

Brooke Shields’ ‘Pretty Baby’ exposes the sting of childhood sexualization

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
April 26, 2023

In a newly released Hulu docuseries, childhood star Brooke Shields opens up about her experience growing up as Hollywood’s adolescent sex icon. Though her individual encounters are nothing short of sickening,...

The Longest Day in Havana

‘The Longest Day in Havana’

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
April 3, 2023

As ten-year-old Mercedes Jacobs sat in the Havana airport in 1962, the wait was long and her clothes were heavy. Already classified as an adult, she was only allowed three dresses on her journey to Miami,...

Illustration by Rachel Choi

DeSantis, my home is not your political playground

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
March 29, 2023

In his inaugural address, Governor Ron DeSantis proclaimed Florida as “the land of sanity” and essentially crowned himself the king, minus the crown and scepter. As he continued, he vowed to “protect”...

Asian actors make history at 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Emerson alum recognized

Asian actors make history at 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Emerson alum recognized

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
March 1, 2023

During the intro of the 29th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, actresses Janelle James and Quinta Brunson marveled at the beauty, energy, and talent in the room, professing: “There is inspiration everywhere...

‘Expect to be uncomfortable’: ‘The Sympathy Play’ to bring Emerson audiences a fresh look on theater as they know it

‘Expect to be uncomfortable’: ‘The Sympathy Play’ to bring Emerson audiences a fresh look on theater as they know it

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
February 23, 2023

While “The Sympathy Play” began as a final project for one student’s playwriting class, it will soon jump from within the classroom to upon the stage of the SPC Theatre.  On Feb. 25 and 26, RareWorks...

Somebody I Used to Know challenges every idea of love as we know it

‘Somebody I Used to Know’ challenges every idea of love as we know it

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
February 15, 2023

In the romantic comedy genre, the concept of authentic on-screen love seems to be lost for good. Rom-coms have become oversaturated with cliché plots and all-too-predictable endings, and originality in...

Dining Center of Emerson College

Transformed dining hall garners mixed reviews from student body

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
January 25, 2023

This spring semester, students have returned to the Emerson Dining Center to find several changes in both food quality and station layout—but not all agree on whether or not these modifications have...

Golden Globes: Jennifer Coolidge takes Best Supporting Actress, other Emersonians nominated

Golden Globes: Jennifer Coolidge takes Best Supporting Actress, other Emersonians nominated

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
January 22, 2023

At the 80th annual Golden Globes Awards held on Jan. 10, Emerson College was represented by several alumni nominees in various categories ranging from acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting.  Among...

“Comics of Color” will give platform to POC performers

“Comics of Color” will give platform to POC performers

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
November 2, 2022

A live comedy-variety show invites people of color to share their comedic talents through sketch, improv, and stand-up. The event, hosted by Stand Up in the Park, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 3 at...

Emerson Poetry Project’s Spooky Slam will be so good it’s scary

Emerson Poetry Project’s Spooky Slam will be so good it’s scary

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 26, 2022

This Halloween, the Emerson Poetry Project is providing a celebration like no other: a head-to-head performance poetry battle. The Spooky Slam, held on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. in Little Building room 227, is...

Creative Commons

Ethics aside, the death penalty is legal. Use it or lose it.

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 20, 2022

On Feb. 14, 2018, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School didn’t just gather for a normal day—they gathered for an extraordinary one.  Luke Hoyer awoke to a Valentine’s Day gift...

Photo of four girls smiling in dresses

From the castle to Boston: What happens to home when you’re abroad?

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 5, 2022

As I stared out at the descending Miami skyline on my first flight back to Boston since December 2022, unease rumbled in my ribcage like the engine of the Delta Boeing 737 surrounding me. Apprehension,...

The Robert J. Orchard Stage, one of ArtsEmerson’s venues

‘We need to change our story’: A look into ArtsEmerson’s 2022-23 season

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
September 8, 2022

ArtsEmerson will display seven in-person and two virtual performances this upcoming academic year, all of which seek to elevate minority voices and emphasize the diversity of Boston artists.   “As...

Allen designed and sold the Emerson College shirt worn by Stranger Things character Nancy Wheeler in season four of the show. The profits are donated to victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Photo credit / Reagan Allen

Stranger Things cameo inspires student-run fundraiser for victims of Uvalde school shooting

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
June 5, 2022

One Emerson student launched a campaign and raised over $25,000 — and counting — for victims of the mass shooting that killed 22 students and teachers in Uvalde, Texas on May 24.  In the first...

Why I’ve (mostly) let go of “the way it should have been”

Why I’ve (mostly) let go of “the way it should have been”

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
February 11, 2022

When I first started college amidst a seemingly unrelenting pandemic, there was little in my life which remained untouched by the effects of COVID. For the past three years, I have gracelessly bounced...

The seasons of self discovery

The seasons of self discovery

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
February 4, 2022

When I made the 1,500 mile move from Miami to Boston for college, I knew many invigorating changes were awaiting my arrival.  I knew I was journeying to a beautiful city, one I spent countless years...

Places They Call Home photo practicum in the Huret and Spector Gallery in the Tufte Building.

Fall 2021 photo practicum ‘Places They Call Home’ captures an array of student experiences

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
December 9, 2021

Upon walking into the Huret and Spector Gallery on the sixth floor of the Tufte Building this week, one is greeted by a professional, vibrant, and emotional exhibition filling the space around them. The...

Eric Gordon, executive director of the Engagement Lab and professor

New initiative ‘Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence’ launches two undergraduate courses

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
December 2, 2021

Emerson’s Engagement Lab is launching a new three-year initiative titled “Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence” in partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention...

Therapy dogs, chair massages and more: Iwasaki Library to host Cirque de De-Stress this Friday

Therapy dogs, chair massages and more: Iwasaki Library to host Cirque de De-Stress this Friday

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
December 2, 2021

In the midst of the most stressful time of any college student’s semester—finals week—the Iwasaki Library will be hosting Cirque de De-Stress, a Spirit Award winning event where students can unwind...

A photo of Carolyn Freyer-Jones 88.

Alum finishes and publishes late friend’s book

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
November 18, 2021

An Emerson alum released her debut book, What If This Is The Fun Part? for purchase on Amazon Wednesday. The book, originally started by the author’s best friend about life coaching, is now a story about...

Emerson Dance Company

Emerson Dance Company to host first live show since fall 2019

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
November 12, 2021

After over a year of strictly pre-recorded and live streamed events, Emerson Dance Company is kicking off their first post-pandemic season in the Semel Theater on Saturday and Sunday with “Momentum,”...

Including captions during filmmaking are one of the topics covered in the Accessible Cinema course.

New class ‘Accessible Cinema’ promotes inclusive filmmaking

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
November 7, 2021

Cinema as we know it is filled with advanced animation, encapsulating sound, and enchanting visual effects, but it tends to forget those who cannot experience these things to their full potential. Filmmaking...

The flyer for The Beta Test.

Two alumni direct and star in new film ‘The Beta Test’

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
November 4, 2021

Twelve years after they graduated in the same class, two Emerson alumni and self-proclaimed “college drinking buddies” directed and starred in the new feature film “The Beta Test,” which premieres...

The art installation, What Do We Have In Common, on the Boston Common.

End of Boston Common Art Installation leaves behind conversations on ownership

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 28, 2021

The public art installation “What Do We Have in Common?” concluded its run on Boston Common Sunday after a month of prompting passersby with questions about ownership.  The installation, a large...

Part of A Shared Vision: The Lilian Farber Photography Collection.

Lilian Farber photo exhibition captures the world through the decades

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 14, 2021

A new exhibit in Tufte Building’s Huret and Spector Art Gallery, “A Shared Vision: The Lilian Farber Photography Collection,” features images by various famous photographers from across the globe...

The flyer for Colorful Peace.

Student short film ‘Colorful Peace’ uses color to shed light on mental health struggles

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 14, 2021

First year visual media arts student Seyf Naman’s new short film, “Colorful Peace,” received the Spirit Award at the Shawna Shea Film Festival in September 2021.  The film sheds light on the...

The pill made me someone I’m not, and I dont blame the hormones

The pill made me someone I’m not, and I don’t blame the hormones

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 7, 2021

Growing up, one of my family’s most watched movies was “The Bad News Bears,” a 1976 classic whose entire script quickly earned a permanent spot in my brain. Though the movie is about a little league...

Emerson Stages production of The Late Wedding marked the return of live theater on Emersons campus.

Live theater returns with production of “The Late Wedding”

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
October 4, 2021

After 559 days of closed curtains and empty theaters, Emerson Stage kicked off its fall season with a production of “The Late Wedding,” a play about love, marriage, and all of its complexities.  The...

Trent Cole 18s single Here was released last week.

Alum begins music career with release of new single “Here”

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
September 23, 2021

Trent Cole ‘18 has loved music for as long as he can remember. It’s that passion that drove him to release his debut pop single “Here” last week, a song about coming to terms with and moving on...

The grim realities of mental health

The grim realities of mental health

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
September 16, 2021

September, also known as National Suicide Prevention month, is a time when organizations, communities, and survivors rally to raise awareness and share resources on the realities of mental health.  According...

Ricky Downes III performing on stage

Alum Ricky Downes III writes and performs his own Lion King parody

By Sophia Pargas, Content Managing Editor
September 9, 2021

“The Lion King but it’s Just One Guy” began when Ricky Downes III ‘15 was a junior at Emerson—now, the production, a one man show, is free to stream on YouTube after it completed a successful...

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