student spotlight

Where are you from? Fort Lauderdale, Florida

How has HHP equipped you for the future? As a firstgeneration college student, it is comforting to know that HHP is devoted to helping students secure a once unattainable future.

Do you have a favorite class? My favorite classes are always my APK classes. Among those, “exercise prescription” with Dr. Gordon has been the best class I have taken so far.

What one piece of advice would you give your freshman self? Stay confident in who you are and give yourself grace.

What is your favorite Gator tradition? Watching the sunrise or sunset at Paynes Prairie gives me a chance to take a well needed pause from academics and bask in the beauty of nature.

In the future, I aspire to… enter the medical field as a physician assistant specializing in orthopedic surgery or emergency medicine.

Where are you from? Okeechobee, Florida

Where are you interning? This summer I am interning for Torch Relay planning a torch relay run in Gainesville to raise money for Children's Miracle Network.

Do you have a favorite class? My favorite class that I have taken at UF is “sport marketing” because my professor, Yonghwan Chang, was very engaged in the class and super helpful.

Favorite thing about UF? My favorite thing about UF is the large amount of students who go to this school. I graduated from a high school with a class of 269 students so at first it was a lot to adjust to but now I love going to a large university because I get to interact with new people almost everyday.

Who within the college has had the biggest impact on you? The person who has had the biggest impact on me is Laine Hatcher. She is an amazing academic advisor.

In the future, I plan to… become a contract lawyer for the NFL or NBA.

Where are you from? Boston, Massachusetts

What has been your favorite class at UF? My favorite class was “emotional health and counseling.” This course truly resonated with me, providing profound insights into emotional health, its impact on overall wellbeing, and the crucial role of effective counseling.

What is your favorite Gator tradition? My favorite Gator tradition is the Gator Chomp. The iconic arm motion and chant unites fans and creates an electrifying atmosphere at sporting events. It symbolizes our collective pride, spirit, and support for our teams.

In one word, how would you describe HHP? Inspiring

Where is your favorite place to study? The Marston Science Library. The quiet atmosphere, ample resources, and comfortable study spaces make it an ideal spot for focused learning.

In the future, I plan to… become either an OB/GYN or pediatrician, driven by a deep desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Where are you from? Born in Misawa, Japan — from Crestview, Florida

How has HHP equipped you for the future? I've not only been taught by industry experts, but I've met professionals across the hospitality industry. For example, the HHP Internship and Job Fair allowed me the chance to work with an events coordinator from the City of Gainesville's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.

Why did you choose UF? I chose UF due to its highranking status, in-state tuition and commitment to alumni following graduation.

What’s your favorite thing about UF? The community I've built here and the pride we share as Gators — I have made friends in classes, organizations, and through events who all are so proud of the Gator Nation and what we represent.

In one word, how would you describe HHP? Innovative

In the future, I plan to… take the knowledge I've acquired and apply it to my career as a corporate event planner.