Student Stories Archives | University of Florida Online

UF Fire & Emergency Services Alum Receives Fire Inspector of the Year Award

Hardworking, forward-thinking, intelligent, and self-motivated are just some of the characteristics that describe Brett Dunckel, a Broward County Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) and University of Florida graduate. Although Brett has achieved a lot in his over twenty-year career in the fire service, including being named Fire Inspector of the Year by the Florida Fire Marshals

First Gator Graduate through UF Online’s Employer Partnership with Disney Aspire

Making dreams come true was just one part of Kent Stein’s job at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. As an entertainment cast member at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, Kent, 23, also had a big dream of his own outside of work – earning a bachelor’s degree.

A Gator’s Perspective: An International Student’s Experience in UF Online

As the fully-online pathway to a University of Florida degree, UF Online welcomes students from around the world to earn a nationally-ranked education right from their home. With 25 fully online degree pathways, students worldwide can join the Gator Nation without compromising quality due to their location. UF Online is proud to have Gators in

A Family of Gators: Mother and Daughters Attend the University of Florida at the Same Time

Attending the University of Florida is a family affair for the Vetter family. Marissa Vetter, 55, has been a Gator at heart since her oldest daughter, Madison, was accepted into the University of Florida for her bachelor’s in animal sciences. Marissa never imagined that a few years later, she would be attending the University of

UF Online Paves Path to a UF Bachelor’s Degree for Wage War Guitarist Seth Blake

Touring the world is a dream for many aspiring musicians. For Seth Blake, 27, this has become a reality. The Ocala, Florida, native always knew he wanted to go to college, focusing his studies in the health sciences field. His educational plans became a little more challenging when his band, Wage War, was signed to

A Gator’s Perspective: Why Choose UF Online?

It is no surprise that a growing number of undergraduate students are choosing to pursue their education online. The flexibility of completing coursework from anywhere makes an online pathway to a bachelor’s degree appealing. This is especially true for students who have busy schedules or simply rather not be tied down to an in-person schedule.

Gator Advances Her Nursing Career with a UF BSN at Age 47

It’s never too late to pursue your passion. For Betty Alcover, 47, making the transition from the financial side to the medical side of healthcare was a keen goal of hers. Starting out in insurance billing at a top hospital in Tampa, FL, Betty longed for patient care. To achieve her dreams of becoming a

What Are the Benefits of Taking University Classes Online?

Choosing a versatile online pathway for college isn’t just for working adults. This is a trend that online universities are seeing within their enrollment. While many online schools first began to offer more accessible courses for students who need flexibility, more and more first-time college students are also opting for an online pathway right after

From Fighting Fires with the Air Force to Building an Identity for U.S. Olympic Weightlifting

Going to school while serving in the Air Force can seem difficult. But as Xavier Leal, a former firefighter in the U.S. Air Force, shares his story, it becomes clear that serving in the U.S. Military has helped shape him into the successful student he is today in UF Online: one who can overcome hardships

UF Fire & Emergency Services Alum Balances His Education, Career, and Family

Anthony Moore, 40, wears many hats. Besides being a regional safety and risk manager at Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the world’s largest brewing companies, he is also a father, husband, UF Online Student Ambassador, and a graduate student. While Anthony’s schedule has always been busy, his life significantly changed after getting his UF degree in

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