Telling the Campus Life Story: Sophie Fung 27Ox Builds Community Through Digital Connection
For Sophie Fung 27Ox community building doesn’t begin and end in a physical space. It lives in the stories students tell, the moments they share — and the ways those experiences are reflected back to them, both on campus and online.
As Campus Life’s social media manager at Oxford College of Emory University, Sophie plays a key role in shaping how students experience and engage with campus life. Through digital storytelling, programming support and mentorship roles, she helps create spaces where students feel seen, welcomed and connected — whether they’re current Oxford students or just beginning to imagine themselves here.
"In my role as Campus Life’s social media manager, I work closely with the Dean of Campus Life to develop and implement digital content and social media campaigns that highlight student stories, campus events, and the vibrancy of the Oxford community. I also serve as a student staff member, where I collaborate with student leaders and campus partners to help design and support initiatives to enhance the overall student experience.”
Sophie’s work with Campus Life extends beyond the academic year. This summer, she will assist with Oxford’s Pre-College Program, supporting high school students as they experience college life for the first time — a role that reflects her deep belief in early access to community and belonging.
“I believe that the Pre-College Program is special because it gives students an early opportunity to explore their academic interests and start gaining independence before they enter the college application process,” she says. “They get to experience managing their own schedule, taking college-level courses, and imagining themselves thriving in that environment earlier on.”
For Sophie, Oxford’s close-knit culture makes that experience especially meaningful. “Being surrounded by a supportive, tight-knit, and welcoming community allows students to expand their worldviews with confidence,” she adds.
Finding Her Voice Through Digital Storytelling
Sophie first joined the Campus Life office at the invitation of Dean Darleny Cepin, unsure at first what the role might become. A small creative experiment quickly revealed her instinct for storytelling.
“One day, I put together two short reels with clips from events I had captured on my phone,” she recalls. “I posted them without expecting much, but they received a surprisingly positive response. That moment really sparked my interest in digital storytelling.”
Since then, Sophie has leaned into short-form content — mini vlogs, Reels and on-site interviews — capturing campus life as students experience it.
Sophie approaches digital storytelling with intention, focusing on capturing campus life as students genuinely experience it. By filming events in real time and incorporating interviews and short-form content, she creates space for students to see themselves reflected in the Oxford community.
"For me, student engagement means curating virtual and in-person spaces where students are seen, heard, and connected to the community. Whether I’m filming on-site, using short-form trends like mini vlogs, or doing mini-interviews, my goal is always to spotlight students and candid moments.”
Moments That Matter
One project stands out as particularly meaningful. Just before finals, Sophie filmed a reel asking students and faculty to describe their Oxford experience in a single word.
“While filming, I had the chance to connect with people from all areas of campus and hear what makes their Oxford experience meaningful,” she says. “The reel received a lot of engagement, and the timing made it even more special as it coincided with the Early Decision season.”
When the reel was later featured on Emory’s Admissions page, Sophie saw firsthand how digital storytelling could shape prospective students’ perceptions of campus.
“It included authentic student and faculty voices which show the strength and closeness of the Oxford community,” she says.
Leadership Through Collaboration
In addition to content creation, Sophie works closely with the Dean of Campus Life and Campus Life directors, helping translate institutional vision into student-centered messaging. Through that collaboration, she has gained a deeper appreciation for the intentionality behind campus programming.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is just how much thought, intention, and energy goes into curating a welcoming and supportive experience for every student at Oxford,” she reflects. “I’ve also learned the importance of looking at the bigger picture in making decisions — understanding not just what we’re creating, but why it matters to students.”
Balancing creativity with responsibility has shaped her growth as a leader.
"Balancing creativity with the responsibility of representing Campus Life’s values has helped me grow into a more intentional storyteller and leader. This experience has helped me understand the kind of leader I want to be — someone who listens deeply, collaborates intentionally, and uplifts the community around them.”
That leadership extends across campus. As a member of the Living & Learning Committee within the Student Leadership Council and a student-athlete on the tennis team, Sophie brings the same care and attentiveness to every space she occupies.
Looking Ahead
As Campus Life continues to expand its digital presence, Sophie is excited about the possibilities ahead.
“I’m really excited about the ways Campus Life can keep using digital spaces to strengthen connections with the community,” she says. “As we grow our presence on platforms like Instagram, my hope is that it becomes not just a place to share updates, but a true virtual community.”
Whether welcoming high school students through the Pre-College Program, supporting campus programming behind the scenes, or capturing everyday moments online, Sophie’s work is guided by the same belief: community is built when people feel recognized, valued and included.
And through her storytelling — both virtual and in person — she continues to help students see themselves as part of the Oxford story.
