Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2012

As one of the relatively few out-of-state undergraduate students at the University of Florida (only approximately 4% of the student body are non-Florida residents), I remain a bit of an anomaly to many people I meet. I’m usually met with either confusion as to why I left a big city for a college town or excitement regarding my accent and subsequent requests to pronounce a dozen words that contain long “a’s”. Or both. Regardless, I always end up telling people how much I love UF and particularly the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Where I have found both professors and advisers who are not only passionate about their work, but passionate about helping students, as well.

Of course, coming to Florida from Illinois was a big change for me. Since moving here, I have learned a lot that I didn’t know, including:

1. Alligators do not live in the rain gutters, and thus you do not have to walk a wide circle around them to avoid getting attacked and dragged underground. (Yes, I thought this when I first moved here. I saw it once on television, I swear).
2.  Sure, this is the Sunshine State, but BRING AN UMBRELLA EVERYWHERE. It can go from 95 and sunny to a raging monsoon and back within 10 minutes. Don’t be fooled by the forecast. It lies to you.
3.  Cockroaches are the most terrifying insects known to man. I have spent many nights locked in ferocious battles with roaches that show up in my apartment bathrooms, armed with Raid and a heavy textbook. I had never seen one until I came here. They might as well be dinosaurs for as much as they scare me.
4. Moving to a place where you don’t know anyone may sound intimidating at first, but it really does end up being more fun and exciting than anything else. All it takes is the willingness to accept that you’ll be embarking on quite a big adventure- and what else should life be, really, if not an adventure?

So I can say with confidence that choosing to attend UF was one of the best choices I have ever made because of the friends I have made, the things I have learned, and the faculty who have taken the time to listen to me and help me succeed. As an out-of-state Gator, I would encourage other students from outside of Florida to learn more about UF so that they too can take advantage of all the great opportunities the university has to offer. The academics are exceptional, the football team top-ranked, and the weather gorgeous (most of the time). I have found a second home here at UF. Although I graduate in a year and a half, I know that I will always and forever be a Gator.

Kendra Harmon 

Class: Junior
Hometown: Grayslake, Illinois
Major: Food Science and Human Nutrition
Specialization: Dietetics
Involvement: Volunteer at Baby Gator, Undergraduate Nutrition Research, Gator For A Day Program, cooking class volunteer at the Gainesville VA, FSHN Club 
Hobbies: Running, cooking, reading, camping and hiking, going to see plays and spending time with friends
After College: Plans to complete a combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program and become a registered dietician

Oct. 21-27, 2012

Oi!

My name is Ana Luiza, and I am a fourth year environmental science major. This is my second year as a CALS ambassador, and I’m loving it!

This semester things are a little different. I am currently in Porto Alegre, Brazil participating in a study abroad program! This has been an amazing experience for me. Although it is difficult being away from family and friends for such a long period of time, I must say I wish this program would last another semester. I’m studying at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Universities here are a lot different from in the States. So it has been quite the learning experience! Although I’m not new to Brazil, the culture in the southernmost part is very different. I’m adjusting to living in a big city and understanding the crazy weather we have here! But the food, the people and language make me feel at home!

It’s hard being away, and although it’s not the same as being in person, thank goodness for facebook and skype! It’s my sister’s first year of college, and I really wanted to be there to help her out. I was really looking forward to grabbing sushi or Tijuana Flatts with my sister and best friend Michelle just to catch up during the week. I also miss all the orange and blue! It makes me sad to know I’m missing football season!  I can’t wait to get back!

This exchange program has given me numerous opportunities. I have had the chance to study in a different environment, which has been eye opening. I also have had the time to travel a bit down here. I’ve been to four new cities in Brazil and traveled to Argentina and Uruguay! And of course, I couldn’t have done it all without the amazing friends that I have made here in Brazil!

All this being said, my responsibilities as an Ambassador have not been forgotten! I may not be in Gainesville, but being a CALS Ambassador means I’m still available to help people when needed. Questions any of the new ambassadors or prospective students have I’m available to answer. I miss my ambassadors, and I can’t wait to meet the new ones!!!

GO GATORS!

Beijos,
Ana Luiza

Class: Senior

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Environmental Science

Specialization:  B.S. Environmental Science

Minor: Nonprofit Organizational Leadership and Latin American Studies

Involvement: College Democrats, Circle K International and Event coordinator for Soul Sisters

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, volunteering in the community, yoga, meditation and traveling.  

After College: I plan on going to graduate school to further my education.

Oct. 14-20, 2012

Hello!  I am a senior Food and Resource Economics major, with an Agricultural and Natural Resource Law minor.  After transferring as a junior from North Florida Community College, I was honored to be chosen as a CALS Ambassador to recruit for the College and educate others about agriculture’s significance and UF’s large contribution to the industry.  In addition, I am a member and past officer of the Agricultural Economics Club, an inductee of the Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Honors Society, a student in the CALS Honors Program, and a recruiting representative of the FRE Department.  I go by John-Walt, which is often mistaken, and understandably so, for my entire name. 

When I was a new transfer student, I quickly discovered the innumerable opportunities that are so easily accessible to students at UF.  With over 900 student organizations on campus, the potential to learn new things, meet new people, and explore new places is truly limitless, even unfathomable.  However, perhaps the most important lesson I have come to understand is that as badly as I want to play an active role in all the programs in which I am interested, I realize one person simply cannot fully experience all that UF has to offer in the short time we are here as students.  Stretching yourself too thin between your studies and heavy involvement in extracurricular activities can be overwhelming, stressful, and a failing exercise.  Furthermore, to assume leadership positions in these organizations can compound the problem.

And so, this leads to JW’s Words of Wisdom:  Don’t overdo it!  Find 3, maybe 4, clubs that are of primary interest to you, and be an active member in each, even an officer in couple.  However, avoid being the person who jumps from meeting to meeting, just filling the seats, munching on free food, and not contributing time or efforts to the club’s direction.  Find a happy medium that allows you to enhance your skill set, engage in community service, study abroad, and network with fellow students, faculty, and professionals, while allowing some time for you to relax and regroup throughout the week.

I have found my happy medium by maintaining a balance between coursework and student involvement, as well as enjoying meals with a group of friends every evening and exercising to just get away from the world for an hour or two, whether it be jogging or playing tennis.

You’re probably thinking, “Listen here, J. Dubs, I don’t care what you say.  I’m gonna live it up at college!  I’m gonna take advantage of every opportunity I can!”  That was my similar mindset coming to CALS at UF as well.  But, unfortunately, UF students have finite resources (time and money) when faced with an infinite number of opportunities.  Therefore, every UF student must identify their “opportunity costs,” or the cost of foregoing the next best alternative. (I know I’m channeling my inner economist, but once you get into your respective majors, you’ll be just as enthusiastic about your field of study as I am!)  In other words, life is about choices! 

As my fellow Ambassadors can attest, we are all busy people with hectic schedules, varying interests, and diverse backgrounds.  Frankly, if we weren’t, we wouldn’t be representative of the students within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. And, ironically, we wouldn’t be as effective and cohesive of a group.  We have charted our own paths, and made decisions in our best interests so that we can excel.  Above all, I encourage all prospective Gators to enjoy their time at UF, for these truly are the best years of your life.

I look forward to welcoming you into the Gator Nation.  Good luck and Go Gators!

John-Walt

 “Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things.”

-          Stephen R. Covey

“It takes less time to do things right than to explain why you did it wrong.”

-          Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

John-Walt Boatright

Class: Senior

Hometown: Live Oak, Florida

Major: Food and Resource Economics
Minor: Agricultural and Natural Resource Law

Specialization: International Food and Resource Economics
Involvement: Member and immediate past VP of Industry Relations, Agricultural Economics Club; Food and Resource Economics Diplomat; Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society

After College: Plans to attend law school and specialize in agriculturally related issues in the North Florida area

Oct. 7-13, 2012

 Hi, I’m Amy Emery.  I’m a junior majoring in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. I just transferred to UF this semester, and I’m having a blast! I love my major!  My favorite classes are Introduction to FYCS and Parenting and Family Development.  The instructors are awesome! They both really care about their students and always provide real examples from their own lives to make the course more interesting and applicable.  Between classes, CALS Ambassador activities, and Gator Football, I’m staying really busy.

            Being a “new kid on campus” I thought I would share some of the quirky things that have happened to me...

First, I probably got lost at least three times in first three weeks! This campus is HUGE and so confusing when you first get here.  After awhile, you get used to it and learn your way around and it doesn’t seem so big anymore. You learn the landmarks, like the French Fries and the Dancing People, which help you find your way.

Second, I’ve been accused of being “the biggest creeper of college athletes” ever.  I’m not a creeper, but I have to admit, I do know where Trey Burton parks at 9:30 AM on Wednesday mornings.  And I do know what Caleb Sturgis’s scooter looks like.  Also, I am working on a class project in a group that includes Karsten Whitson.  I’m not a creeper, I’m just very observant and take advantage of opportunities!

Finally, I am starting a campaign to rename the RTS busses.  Anyone who has ever driven to UF understands the aggravation of getting behind six RTS busses in one block.  They stop every 5 feet! Now, I know RTS buses provide a good service, so I was trying to think of what they could make me like them more.  I’ve decided RTS buses should be renamed Swamp Buggies.  It would much harder to get mad when you’re stuck behind a Swamp Buggy, and wouldn’t Swamp Buggy 22 be more fun to ride than RTS Bus 22?! Join my campaign!

It’s been an awesome semester so far! The LSU game was incredible, and I just picked up my tickets to Gator Growl! It’s great to be a Florida Gator!

Amy EmeryClass: Junior
Hometown:  Brooker, FL
Major: Family, Youth and Community Sciences
Involvement: First Baptist Church, Lake Butler, FL. College and Career and Honduras missions.
Hobbies: Cooking and baking, spending time with family, Gator football, and shopping
After College: I plan to continue my education and pursue a career in the medical field. I also want to continue to work in missions in 3^rd world countries.

Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2012

Deirdre Hilliard here! I am a junior majoring in Food and Resource Economics with a specialization in Agribusiness Marketing and Management and a minor in Entrepreneurship. I am from right here in Gainesville, FL. I transferred to the University of Florida from Santa Fe College in the spring semester of 2012. This was the best decision I have made in my life thus far. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) has made a large impact on my life. Since joining this wonderful college, I have been presented with opportunities I never dreamt of.

This summer, with the help of my advisors, I was able to secure a paid internship in the marketing department at Gainesville Regional Utilities. This internship has been the great real world experience. As I continue working for Gainesville Regional Utilities, I constantly have on the job training. My internship has been extended from just a summer internship to a year round opportunity. In September, five other students and I traveled to a conference put on by the Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent and the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association in Naples, Florida. At the conference, we were able to learn about the produce market and network with many different people from the produce industry.

As a transfer student, or any first time incoming student at UF, life on campus can be complicated during your first semester. Whether you are trying to maneuver your way through the crowds of students, or simply trying to find where you fit in. For me, I knew that I wanted to do something to be involved with not just my peers, but also with faculty, staff, prospective students and alumni. After researching student opportunities on the CALS website, I found the page on the ambassadors. I immediately knew that it was the perfect fit for me. Being an ambassador has been more than just making new friends; it has also allowed me to have additional opportunities during my first full year as a UF student.

In July, I traveled to the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference in Kissimmee, Florida with two other ambassadors on behalf of UF/CALS and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). At the conference, we helped with set-up and registration, which was a great opportunity to get to know Florida farmers. However, the best part of attending the conference was going to the different sessions. We learned about everything from food safety audits to the value of heritage breeds in livestock and poultry production. It was a great place to network with industry specialists as well as UF and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) professors.

Another opportunity, I relished this summer as an ambassador was being able to work at the new student convocation. It was an eye opening experience seeing what the incoming CALS freshmen are faced with. Since, there had not been a large scale convocation for transfer students. It was a very humbling experience to explain my love for CALS and my major to incoming freshman, as well as, answer the questions they had about starting college.

Think about Batman, Wolverine, Wonder Woman, Superman, Hulk, Spider-Man and Ironman. What do all of these superheroes have in common? They were all present at the Steinhatchee Landing Resort for CALS Ambassador training. This summer, I had my first training experience as an ambassador, and it has by far been my favorite experience to date. We all stayed in beautiful cottages. I even had the honor of staying in the cottage that once served as the vacation residence for President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter! The theme of our training was “Superheroes”. This theme did not just consist of how we were able to identify with superheroes on an individual level, but how we as ambassadors could be superheroes for prospective and current students, our college, the university, and the state of Florida.

One of the activities we did was to create “Ambassador Heroes” and list the powers and abilities that we would like for our heroes to have to be effective ambassadors. Some of the powers and abilities we came up with were super speed, rapid learning, super senses and immortality. Super speed would be used to make sure our heroes were always on time, and where they needed to be. We selected rapid learning so that the ambassador heroes would be able to learn the information about CALS and IFAS and be able to explain it in great detail to anyone who had a question. With super senses we could make sure that our ambassador heroes would be able to see every individual, hear every question and taste victory when we either recruited somebody to the college or taught somebody something that they did not previously know about CALS or IFAS. Lastly, we chose immortality so that the ambassadors never die. It is well known that the ambassadors are a great group of students and very important to the CALS/IFAS, UF and the state of Florida. Immortality is the super power that will keep the ambassadors going strong forever!

On September 27, 2012, the college held the first Solutions Seminar of the year. This seminar was an educational celebration of the Morrill Act. We had 80 students sign up to attend the event and celebrate the act, which made the University of Florida what it is today, a top 5 land-grant institution. Abraham Lincoln made an appearance, cut and served the ceremonial cake and took pictures with students (of course I had my picture taken, how often do you get to meet a former president?). Our Dean, Dr. Teresa Balser and Agricultural Education and Communication Professor Dr. Kirby Barrick both gave outstanding presentations about the opportunities the Morrill Act gave UF and the vision for the future. UF also has a website devoted to being a land-grant university, http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

CALS is obviously a great and BUSY place to be!

“The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.”-Solomon Ibn Gabriol

Go Gators!!

Deirdre A. Hilliard

Remember, The Gator Nation is Everywhere!! UF is Land Grand!

Deirdre Hilliard
Class: Junior
Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Major: Food and Resource Economics
Specialization: Food and Agribusiness Marketing and Management
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Involvement: Food and Resource Economics Diplomat, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Agricultural Economics Club Historian, UF Chapter of National Agri-Marketing Association, UF Chapter of Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, Rebuilding Together
Hobbies: Anything sports related, photography, cooking and crocheting

After College: Plans to attend graduate school before pursuing a career in marketing.