Studying Geology at UF Online
Lei’s first-hand encounters with rock and geological formations drove their passion for geology. “I started getting interested in geology when we lived in Hawaii because it’s so volcanically active over there,” Lei explained. “When you’re walking through Volcanoes National Park, especially at night, it looks like Mordor from Lord of the Rings to me. The lava doesn’t create a source of light, it’s just glowing.” This motivated Lei to apply for UF Online’s geology program, where they had the opportunity to explore different geological disciplines. “I think soil analysis is really cool.”
At UF Online, Lei discovered a supportive community of geology Gators who explore the field in interactive and engaging ways. “Everybody’s been great at UF Online. Dr. Matthew Smith (UF Geology Master Lecturer) has been fantastic with everything. He’s helping me right now with putting together an honors thesis for geology,” they said. “The geology program also has a free in-person program every spring called ‘Can You Dig It?’ The whole department comes together and they share different tables of information, fossils, and digs. It really ranges. I could bring my little kids and they have fun and they learn things and I learn things. It’s a great event.”
Lei offered advice to UF Online students who are also double-majoring or taking care of kids while studying. “Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. Take your time, take breaks, and put yourself first. If you need a break, maybe take the semester off. You can do that,” they recommended. “The fact that we now live in a society where we could do this from home, raise our kids, and have our business while going to school makes it all worth it. I can’t count the number of times I studied with my kids in my lap.”
Looking toward the future
While studying geology at UF via UF Online, Lei discovered a newfound passion for psychology and decided to double-major with the dream of helping LGBTQIA+ children. “For me, psychology is about helping kids,” Lei said. “I’m LGBTQ, nonbinary, and my pronouns are they/them. I have to help these kids because I was one of them. It’s about giving them the support they need.” After Lei completes their geology degree next spring, they will focus on finishing their psychology degree at UF Online before combining their passions throughout their future career.
With graduation in sight for their B.A. in Geology, Lei looks forward to attending the ceremony with their family and wearing the lavender sash dedicated to LGBTQ+ Gators at the Lavender Graduation Ceremony organized by UF’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. “It’s about inclusivity,” they said. “UF has always been an inclusive place for me. I’m really excited to graduate next spring and have my kids see me do that. That’ll be a dream come true. I’m a first-generation college student, so being the first one in my family to go to college is special. And what better place to do it than UF?”
The University of Florida is proud to have Lei as part of the Gator Nation after years of hard work and dedication. UF Online thanks Lei for their service and wishes them success and happiness in all their future endeavors.
