Student Stories Archives | University of Florida Online

Father of Two Completes His Bachelor’s Degree via UF Online

Working as a paralegal can be stressful enough, but for 38-year-old Chris Rapozo it’s just one part of an impressive balancing act. This Spring, Chris achieved his goal of becoming a Florida Gator grad after completing his bachelor’s degree via UF Online. “I never saw myself as the university student type,” Chris said when speaking

Dr. Crystal Marull Is Revolutionizing Online Language Learning at UF Online

Since becoming a Spanish professor at UF Online, Dr. Crystal Marull has earned recognition from colleagues and admiration from students for her groundbreaking language course. Crystal has revolutionized the way students learn and comprehend language in an online environment, earning her the CLAS International Educator of the Year award. As she continues to implement successful

UF Online Prepares Student for Life After the Military

While serving 11 years as an aircraft mechanic at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, 30-year-old Pommary Kem wanted a head start on her next chapter. As a first-generation American from a Cambodian family, she decided to enroll in UF Online’s environmental management program to pursue her dream of building homes in third-world countries.

A Married Couple Pursues Their Nursing Degrees Together at UF Online

David and Erin Franklin first met while working at the same restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida, before getting married and having three children. With their own passion and drive for nursing, they both graduated from Palm Beach State College’s RN program before pursuing their BSN at UF Online simultaneously. After beginning their UF Online

A Firefighter Advances His Career in Fire & Emergency Services via UF Online

While working in fire and emergency services for several years, 38-year-old Brian Canaday decided to pursue a four-year degree to further his education and advance his career. Growing up with love and admiration for the Florida Gators, he fulfilled his dream of becoming one himself via UF Online—the #1 online program for his degree. Set

UF Online Public Relations Student Named PRWeek’s Student of the Year

After spending a decade as a professional ballerina, 34-year-old Angela Null discovered her newfound passion for public relations while studying at UF via UF Online. Plus, Angela is the proud recipient of PRWeek’s 2022 Outstanding Student Award for her groundbreaking Olympic PR campaign. “I hope to inspire people,” Angela said. “It’s definitely one of my

An Active-Duty Student Pursues His Political Career via UF Online

When moving to the United States from Venezuela over ten years ago, Brown Simon arrived with the goal of one day attending the University of Florida. He later achieved this dream by pursuing his criminology degree via UF Online while serving at sea in the United States Navy. Now, 30-year-old Brown Simon is a Gator

Meet Your Dedicated College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Advisor: Dylan King

Rare among university models across the country, UF Online students each have an assigned, personal UF academic advisor for their entire journey through graduation. From application to graduation, UF Online students receive individualized guidance from their personal advisor who offers one of the most valuable relationships they’ll develop throughout their academic journey. Working across and

No Limits to What Gators Can Accomplish: Celebrating Student Body President Cooper Brown’s Path to UF via PaCE

Excitement, nervousness, and anticipation are just a few of the emotions that first-year applicants experience on the University of Florida’s annual decision day. On that big day, UF’s newest Gators find out if they’ve been admitted to the University. New Gators join the Gator Nation via several admissions programs, a hallmark of UF’s inclusive undergraduate

A Father and Veteran Fulfills His Lifelong Dream of Becoming a Gator via UF Online

While leading a fulfilling life of service to both his family and country, 32-year-old Alan Thompson held onto his lifelong dream of graduating from the University of Florida. Given life’s unpredictable twists and turns, Alan became a father, veteran, and business owner before his path led him to the Gator Nation. Four years after beginning

Category: Student Stories