This is a story about the importance of community.
Joseph Washington grew up in the small, close-knit community of Putnam Hall. He had several options for high schools in nearby towns, but in the tenth grade he and his family decided to try out the dual enrollment program offered by Santa Fe College at the Watson Center, a satellite extension of the college in Keystone Heights. It was a perfect fit.

“My greatest moment at SF had to be leading my very first tour as a student ambassador - essentially potential students who had scheduled tours as a mechanism to introduce themselves to the college,” Joseph recalls. “I took this as a mandate to produce an experience that brought the college to life with fun theatrics, statistical evidence of our academic excellence, and pearls of wisdom on assimilating into student life.”
Joseph also served on SF’s Student Conduct Board, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), a group of black men who mentor and support each other at the college. Outside of school, he worked a part time job at a small grocery store. It was there that friendly and caring customers who had chatted with Joseph enough times to know his life goals (beyond his stint in the seafood department) presented him with an opportunity that changed his life. They knew of a job opening at a Publix pharmacy, and they knew the manager at the store, and that manager wanted Joseph to come in for an interview.
Joseph already knew he wanted to apply to the University of Florida’s pharmacy program, which requires more than really good grades. It takes experience and letters of recommendation. With his academic success and this new-found job (if you live in Gainesville and he looks familiar, yes, he probably gave you a flu shot), Joseph suddenly had all the pieces of the puzzle. Little did he know that he would not only get into the highly competitive pharmacy program at UF, he would also become the president of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, a volunteer on service trips all over the world, and a voice for underrepresented communities who need access to life-saving medicines.
“I believe Santa Fe does an exceptional job of tying together personal and professional development with extracurricular engagement,” says Joseph. SF taught me to communicate directly with professors on complex issues and to promote the needs of the community.”
Below are just a few of the many SF graduates that successfully transferred from SF to UF.
Growing up in Brazil, Francisco never really thought about his future. It was not until he tapped into something inside himself, after being diagnosed with one of the most aggressive types of blood cancer, did he discover a determination that knew no limits.
Learn how Francisco got into UF
Growing up in Hong Kong, Joyce Siu dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. After researching the best universities with the best programs all around the world, she chose the University of Florida.
Deshon Tuck knew college would be tough on him financially, but he also knew he could start his college career at an affordable price at Santa Fe College. Deshon is now a proud Gator and Santa Fe College alumnus.
The road to becoming a Florida Gator can be a bit daunting, but you won't find yourself alone on that road. Layne Weitzel of Gainesville experienced the bumpy road, but is now a proud Gator and SF alumna.
When Milton Baker finished high school in Lake City and saw many of his friends heading off in one direction, he knew he wanted to march to the beat of his own drum and ventured out to Santa Fe College.
When a rejection letter derailed his college plans, Christian Keen found a home at Santa Fe College, where he developed into a student leader and scholar. Christian is now a proud Gator, and Santa Fe College alumnus.
Learn how Christian got into UF