Ever since the ___ experience of finding her son dead from a drug overdose, Sophie has been a strong ___ of mandatory drug education in the public schools. If drug education isn’t required, she says, schools may cut corners and omit it.

Ever since the traumatic experience of finding her son dead from a drug overdose, Sophie has been a strong advocate of mandatory drug education in the public schools. If drug education isn't required, she says, schools may cut corners and omit it.

To understand the meaning of the word "advocate" in this sentence, we can break it down. An advocate is someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause, policy, or action. In this case, Sophie is supporting and promoting the idea of mandatory drug education in public schools. She believes that without this requirement, schools might neglect or overlook the importance of educating students about drugs.

The word "advocate" is often used in the context of supporting or speaking up for a specific cause. It implies taking a stance and actively promoting that cause to others. In this sentence, Sophie is expressing her viewpoint and actively advocating for mandatory drug education in public schools to prevent potential tragedies like the one she experienced.