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I wanted to go to the University of Florida and chose to complete my first two years at Santa Fe College (SF). This was the best decision for me. What I liked about SF was that the small class sizes allowed me to dive in deeper to subjects and make strong connections with other students and professors.
Classes are important and studies are important. But I think for me, being in a new country equally important was meeting the right people and getting involved at the college. Extracurriculars were important to develop leadership skills, communication skills. Obviously for me college was a place to learn, but really for me was the people that I met and what I got involved in that helped me later on.
The one thing that prepared me the most to go to UF was involvement in Model United Nations. At that time, this was probably one of the most uncomfortable things I had to do.
As an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) student, I was uncomfortable speaking in public and I had to learn how to give speeches in front of hundreds of people. I think that allowed me to be more comfortable with who I am and was key to my success at UF and as a FinTech Project Manager.
I think that's what always been the root of success for me. Being uncomfortable, being thrown out there and in situations that were quite new to myself. Oftentimes, if you are uncomfortable, especially as it comes down to your career and academic setting, it means that you're getting out of the things that are in your comfort center. I think that's when growth happens.
I’d say to someone looking at places to go to college, SF provides a sense of community, for me that's what did it. I keep talking about community because of the impact it left on me and the people that I met and the mentors that guided me along the way. Without Santa Fe College and the foundation, the people, and the involvement, I don't think I would be able to get where I am right now."
– Xavier Heredia
Below are just a few of the many SF graduates that successfully transferred from SF to UF.
As a lifelong Gator fan Chelsey always knew she wanted to go to UF. In pursuit of her dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse, she knew SF was the place to start. Now as a Registered Nurse at UF Health Shands and a recent graduate of UF’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, she attributes Santa Fe College as the grounds of her success.
Corey Staples dream of playing basketball at the University of Florida was derailed when she did not get accepted to UF. Corey committed to playing basketball at Santa Fe College to hone her skills in the sport, while pursuing her A.A. degree. Her dedication to pursuing her dream paid off upon graduation when she was accepted to UF and would go on to play basketball as a Florida Gator.
Joseph Washington started his journey to UF through Santa Fe College’s High School Dual Enrollment program at SF’s Watson Center in Keystone Heights before finishing his associate degree at the Northwest Campus. With good grades and the network he developed as a Student Ambassador and member of My Brother’s Keeper, not only did Joseph get accepted into UF’s pharmacy program, he would also become the president of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association.
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