Our student leaders are full of Gator pride! They hold themselves to a high standard and excel both in and out of the classroom. Our students leave their mark on the University of Florida through their experience with the First Year Florida Program. Please click on one of the following students to find out what they have to say about their Peer Leader experience.
GRAD YEAR: 2021| HEALTH SCIENCE
I chose UF because I grew up in Gainesville and it has always been my dream to attend this university. The best part of UF is the fact that there is always something to do. There are events everywhere on campus, and it is super easy to get involved. I became a peer leader because I love people and I love to make an impact. Helping others has always been my goal, and being a peer leader allows me to do that. I know how tough the first year of college can be, so I want to help ease students into their transition. My greatest experience as a peer leader is when we played “touch someone who” on the last day of class. Many students were shocked to see the impact they made on their peers, and it was awesome watching their reactions.
GRAD YEAR: 2020| BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
I chose the University of Florida because they have very strong academic programs and really care about helping their students succeed, whether that be socially, professionally, or academically. Also, the best part of the University of Florida has been the community. The culture of care we have here is always felt and we have access to so many opportunities to ensure we succeed as students as well as professionals. I became a First Year Florida Peer Leader because I took First Year Florida my first semester here, and understand the significant role it plays for new students. I wanted to be able to aid in the success of students’ transition to the university as I know first-hand the difference taking First Year Florida has on first-year students. My greatest Peer Leader experience so far has been meeting with my students in our one-on-ones as each student has a diverse background and a unique story to share.
GRAD YEAR: 2020| PSYCHOLOGY
Coming into the University of Florida as a freshman, I was filled with all kinds of emotions – excitement, anticipation, confusion, and a slight sense of intimidation. The transition from high school to college required tremendous adjustments. I was so grateful to have been given such valuable guidance and insight through my experience as a student in First Year Florida. The course truly prepared me for success, not only for my first year, but for the remainder of my college career and beyond. Being able to give back to my fellow Gators in this capacity through the FYF Peer Leader Program has been such a humbling experience. It is my goal to provide every one of my students with a source of confidence, comfort, and empowerment. I feel blessed to be able to witness and play an integral role in their growth.
GRAD YEAR: 2021| POLITICAL SCIENCE
My decision to come to UF came down to the most practical choice for me in terms of financial aid and amazing academics. I always loved UF and knew that if I was to stay in state, this is where I wanted to be. The amount of resources and focus on personal growth along with an insane Gator pride was really appealing to me. The best part about UF is being able to become independent and embark on self-discovery all while meeting new people and being with old friends from back home, too. The whole experience of being in a college town that’s so well-recognized has been a strange change from being in a very Hispanic metropolitan area like back home, but it gives me the chance to experience the best of both throughout the year. I became a Peer Leader because in high school, I was always the girl that parents or younger students would go to for advice or references to resources so I thought this would be a cool way to do that here. I wanted to be able to help new students get comfortable with a different environment, especially one as big and active as the University of Florida. Plus, how cool is it that I help teach a class! The greatest experience I have had as a Peer Leader is getting to experience both sides of First Year Florida within one year! From being a student, to training and meeting all the awesome Peer Leaders from all over campus, to now meeting my own students and cultivating a comfortable environment in the classroom. It’s so humbling being open to other students about my first year experience and getting to share with them the lessons I’ve learned along the way.