As a lifelong Gator fan, I always knew I wanted to go to UF, but I wasn't sure that's where I wanted to start. It just seemed like a big leap from a small town to a big university. I wasn't confident that UF was the right move for me.
Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be a pediatric nurse. I knew nurses and heard hospitals would specify that they loved Santa Fe nursing students because they were so well trained. And so, that sealed the deal for me. I knew Santa Fe was where I needed to start this journey. I moved to Gainesville about ten years ago, hoping I would find the way to get to UF when I was ready.
There were plenty of times when I just wanted to throw in the towel and quit. Family was there along the way to push through and say, “No, you can do it. It's just a few more years. It's just one more degree.”
Thanks to SF, I am a registered nurse at UF Health Shands, currently working in the recovery room, taking care of patients post-operatively, and I am a recent graduate of UF's Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
Nursing is easily one of the most rewarding and best careers you can have. Being able to take care of people when they are at their lowest point or when they are scared or the family is scared, it breaks your heart, but it makes your heart at the same time.
I worked in the operating room with surgeons, and you get people with all kinds of issues, cancer, burns and then you get these beautiful little babies that have these issues and being able to work alongside the surgeons and fix those issues and helping to make sure that these babies are going to grow up to have a wonderful, healthy life, that is what keeps me going.
For anyone considering a path to UF, do not let circumstances dictate your future. You know, I come from a small town. I am one of five kids where we are all close in age. Our parents did not have a lot of money to send us all to college. I had big dreams and things I wanted to do for myself, and you find ways to reach them. For me, Santa Fe College was the best way to reach my dreams.
– Chelsey McClellan, DNP Nurse, UF Health
Below are just a few of the many SF graduates that successfully transferred from SF to UF.
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