Current Members

Hometown: Newberry, Florida

Major: Business

Why Santa Fe College: I chose SF is because of the class size; I felt like it would be a good transition from high school to college. It is also close to home and it’s very affordable.

Interesting Fact About You: I was born and raised in the Philippines and can speak three languages.

Hobbies: Playing sports, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends.

5 Year Goals: Complete my bachelor's degree in Business at UF or SF.

Advice for freshmen: Don’t be scared the first day, but embrace it! You are starting one of the biggest chapters of your life. Get involved around the campus. Use everything Santa Fe College has to offer.

Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico

Major: Art History

Why Santa Fe College: I chose Santa Fe College because it was the perfect place to transition from Puerto Rico to the U.S. and get a start on my college education. Its smaller class sizes, readily-available resources, focus on accessibility, and an amazing faculty, staff, and team of advisors have allowed me to create a college experience tailored to me and my goals, and discover and create new paths and opportunities for the community and myself! SF also has a welcoming, diverse community from all walks of life, and that in itself makes the experience of being here worth it. Plus, it's cheaper!

Interesting Fact About You: I graduated from a high school specialized in math and science! I still like science, and it’s what fostered my love of learning and research, but math….. that’s another story.

Hobbies: I am currently trying to pursue every hobby that exists. I enjoy trying new things, and learning about all sorts of stuff! I haven’t gotten around to all the things I want to try yet (like playing the harmonica,) but I will—eventually!

5 Year Goals: After I complete my AA, my current goal is to transfer to a 4-year university to continue researching art, culture, and education (and all its different facets) and eventually pursue higher education. But the field is open and all kinds of new opportunities are always created, so my true goal is to just continue getting involved with all the different projects and initiatives going on here at Santa Fe College, other institutions, and the community, and continue gaining research, interpersonal, and academic experience!

Advice for freshmen: Make it your own experience! Everyone is different, so embrace it. Follow your heart, curiosity, and gut, and take whatever they bring in stride. You’ll struggle and fail, and sometimes you won’t know what you’re doing (or if it’s even worth the trouble,) but that’s all part of the process of forging your own path. And it’s hard! But it’s yours and nobody else’s, and that in itself makes it worth all the effort. So go at your own pace, trust yourself, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. That’s what we’re here for!

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Major: Journalism

Why Santa Fe College: I chose Santa Fe College because I knew it would be a great stepping stone for my future career path. 

Interesting Fact About You: I created my own business selling headbands during quarantine.

Hobbies: I love watching football, I’m a huge sports fan. Also, I enjoy hanging out with friends, creating videos, playing any sport, being outdoors, and meeting new people

5 Year Goals: My main goal is to transfer to the University of Florida. I would love to work as a videographer for the football team and get up close at games. I want to graduate and find a career in journalism and telecommunications.

Advice for freshmen: My advice to incoming freshman is to challenge yourself and get involved. Step out of your comfort zone and join clubs and activities.

Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela

Major: Engineering

Why Santa Fe College: I chose Santa Fe College because I knew from the second that I came to Gainesville that this was the place where I would like to spend my next years of life studying. Santa Fe College makes you feel that you are part of something much more and that is what I like about it.

Interesting Fact About You: I don't like tomato, mayo or mustards sauce.

Hobbies: I like to play tennis and soccer, or any sport. I like to watch YouTube videos related to science and I also like to travel a lot.

5 Year Goals: My goals for the next 5 years are to have acquired my degree in Chemical Engineering and to find a good company that can help me succeed and grow. In the far future, I hope to return to my country and bring all of the knowledge I acquired to help it be what it once was.

Advice for freshmen: My advice is not to be shy and to not waste your valuable time while studying here. Santa Fe offers many student activities and leadership opportunities that can help you succeed. I feel that if I had not had these experiences, I would not be the student that I am today.

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Biological Sciences

Why Santa Fe College:  I chose Santa Fe College because, financially it was the better option. But more than that, I knew that Santa Fe emphasized on community, which really attracted me to this college. 

Interesting Fact About You: I was not born in the United States but in the Philippines. I lived there for about 7 years. Luckily I am fluent in tagalog (the primary language) so I am bilingual.

Hobbies: I enjoy mostly the arts: painting, photography, and playing musical instruments like the piano. I also enjoy outdoor sports: lacrosse, swimming, and badminton (though its with family usually). Because I have a younger brother, I do love playing video games with him as well.

5 Year Goals: My main goal in the next 5 years, is finish my bachelors degree in Biological sciences and further my studies in medical school to become a doctor. Along the way, my goal is to be able to create a positive impact on people I meet by inspiring and motivating them in a path that leads to success.

Advice for freshmen: My advice for incoming freshmen is to utilize the small class environment, which is a big advantage that SF has over larger universities. Creating those small connections and relationships with teachers will help you with class material and information, but also in the long run for recommendations.

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Major: Clinical Laboratory Science

Why Santa Fe College: I visited Santa Fe College back in 2017 when my family and I decided that it was a better option for me to continue my education outside of my country. I immediately fell in love with it due to the fact that I am from a small country and I have never attended a big school before. Being able to complete my bachelor's while interacting with professors one on one is what I was truly looking for in a school.

Interesting Fact About You: I am fluent in Arabic, French and English.

5 Year Goals: I really want to continue representing Santa Fe with my time at the college. Graduate with my bachelors from SF. Adopt more animals. Apply to animal-related graduate programs, and maybe own a farm.

Advice for freshmen: Take it easy on yourself. It is okay to not know what you want to do with your life, that is why the college is here for you! College can be tough but, believe me, if you get involved in any way you can, build those relationships, and interact with your professors, your school life will be much easier!

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Microbiology and Cell Science

Why Santa Fe College: I chose Santa Fe College because it’s a great place to transition from high school. During this time, I received support that I wouldn’t have gotten at a larger institution. Coming from a small school, I knew Santa Fe College’s small class sizes and abundant resources would be the right fit for me.

Interesting Fact About You: I have been dancing for 15 years!

Hobbies: Dancing, drawing, swimming, makeup, playing with my 3 dogs.

5 Year Goals: After finishing my A.A. at Santa Fe College, I plan to transfer to the University of Florida to complete my bachelor’s degree. While at UF, I hope to be accepted into an undergraduate research position and volunteer in my spare time. After graduating, I plan on attending medical school to become a doctor.

Advice for freshmen: It’s ok to not have everything figured out—you’ll get there. Joining clubs is a great way to meet new people and explore your interests. Also, don’t be afraid to chat with your professors! They want to help you, so don’t hesitate to swing by during office hours.

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Business Administration

Interesting Fact About You: I have an identical twin brother.

Hobbies: I like to socialize and do things with my friends. I also like to go to the gym, read business books, and play sports.

Advice for freshmen: Get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of the small class sizes. Your professors will know you, so make sure to ask questions and get the help you need to learn the material. Also, join clubs and go to events. SF is a great place to network and meet new people.

Hometown: West End, Bahamas

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Why Santa Fe College: I chose Santa Fe College because my father's friend, who comes to the Bahamas every summer, went to SF. He spoke highly of the school and transferred to dental school at UF.

Interesting Fact About you: I’m a dental assistant and enjoy analyzing teeth.

Hobbies: I love to go salt water fishing, and hunting.

5 Year goals: 1. Stay active on any college campus that I’m apart of. 2. Successfully complete my bachelors degree in biomedical engineering/sciences. 3. Get into any dental school of my choice (University of Colorado, 1st choice).

Advice for freshmen: Breathe, it’s ok that you don’t have it all figured out. I thought that I would’ve been in flight school by now, but I’m wholeheartedly seeking the field of dentistry. Lastly, pray. It’s what got me this far.

Hometown: Zhubei, Taiwan

Major: Industrial Biotechnology, BAS

Why Santa Fe College: I want to be a graduate assistant in one of the UF agriculture departments for my next steps, and the hands-on, experience-focused program at Santa Fe College can prepare me to be ready to jump into the field at anytime. All the faculty and advisors here are very knowledgeable and caring.

Interesting Fact About you: I am from Taiwan so I speaks two language and besides wanting to be a scientist, I am a musician as well. I play violin, piano, and electric bass

Hobbies: Music, backpacking/hiking, traveling, riding motorcycle, and gardening.

5 Year goals: Become a graduate assistant at UF Horticulture Science department, work at the Department of Plant Industry, buy a house, and try to visit one country outside of the US every year.

Advice for freshmen: Discuss your academic goals and career goals with your advisors as early as possible. Having a timeline and plan during your study years is really helpful, because it can give you an idea of what you have to focus on. It also motivates you to get involved in any opportunities in school because you have a direction to go. Good luck!

Hometown: Merritt Island, Florida

Major: Zoo Animal Technology

Why Santa Fe College: I chose for the one of kind zookeeper program!

Interesting Fact About you: I love bugs!

Hobbies: Mushroom foraging, hiking, and bug collecting.

5 Year goals: To become an ambassador for animals.

Advice for freshmen: Join everything you can!

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Construction Management

Why Santa Fe College: I chose Santa Fe College because it is a great way for students to transition into college at their own pace. I was nervous about starting this new chapter of my life but SF has been a great school to help guide my path into college.

Interesting Fact About you: I speak 2 languages! I am fluent in Farsi and English.

Hobbies: In my free time I like to volunteer in my community and play the piano! I have been playing the piano for almost 10 years now. Volunteering has been a big part of my life since high school. I have always loved being involved in and helping my community. Whether it's from volunteering at the Cade Museum or participating in the student ambassador program, it always feels great to help your peers and make a difference in your community.

5 Year goals: My goals for the next 5 years are to transfer to the University of Florida where I will earn my bachelor/masters degree in construction management. Then I hope to get a job in the industry as a construction manager. I also plan on travelling in my free time to explore the world and learn a few more languages!

Advice for freshmen: My advice to incoming freshman would be to enjoy this time! College is the perfect time for students to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives. I think it is so important to go at your own pace and not to rush during this time. Explore the endless opportunities the world has to offer and really enjoy it.