What's Next: Student Advisory Council
The Knights of Distinction began in the Fall of 2017 as part of UCF’s What’s Next: Integrative Learning for Professional and Civic Preparation and UCF’s Quality Enhancement Plan. This initiative aimed to help students make connections between the work they do in their courses and the experiences they gain through co-curricular and professional activities, and between their experiences within the confines of the university and the challenges that they will face in their careers and communities when they leave. The initiative has three main components—plan, connect, and reflect—which help students prepare for what’s next.
The goal of the Student Advisory Council: As we continue to build on this foundation, we are eager to incorporate student voices in the Knights of Distinction program.
The Knights of Distinction Student Advisory Council currently comprises 14 undergraduate Knights of Distinction students from 10 different majors spanning 7 unique colleges at UCF.
Kurt Adler
Major:
Finance
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2020
- What motivated you to choose your major?
Coming into college, I never decided on a major and never really knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my college career and life. My high school was known for their Magnet Program in Engineering, which I was a part of for all four years. However, I never really loved and enjoyed what I was doing, so when I was nearing high school graduation I was scared because I did not know what I was going to do for the rest of my life. Luckily, the last semester of senior year I was taking an AP Macroeconomics class where my amazing teacher taught not only about the normal curriculum but also taught our class about the stock market. Ever since his teachings on the stock market and how it worked and how someone can make a career out of it, I fell in love with it. Freshman year in college, I changed my major to Finance and have stuck with it ever since.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
If I could give myself one piece of advice back then, I would tell myself to really find what it is that I love to do. No one wants to waste time learning or working on something that he or she doesn’t like to do. It may be hard initially trying to figure out what you want the rest of your work life to revolve around, but once you do, it is the greatest feeling. Finding that something will give you so much more motivation to work towards your goals and will really give you satisfaction and pride in what you do.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
The most meaningful milestone to me is definitely Citizenship! I say this because of the amazing and numerous relationships that I have gained and strengthened through different activities. From volunteering to playing sports, I have met people who I know I will be friends with for life and whom I’m so happy have in life.
- How would you explain Knights of Distinction to someone who knows nothing about the program? In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Knight of Distinction?
I would explain Knights of Distinction as students who really go above and beyond to not only stand out but also to really connect their in class experiences with the outside world. To me, it feels so encouraging to be around and work with students with the same mindset as me, and this program really excels at providing an opportunity for that.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
What really interests me the most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council is having the ability to really make an impact on the program and give feedback on the program. I get to be in a leadership role where I get to help create changes that will benefit future Knights of Distinction students.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do you think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
The value of adding my voice to UCF is priceless. I get to truly make an impact on students joining this amazing program and really help others who want to further their career development. To those hesitant about expressing their voices, this is a perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and truly make a positive impact for students, which is the best feeling ever.
Preethashree Anbukkarasu
Major:
Biomedical Sciences and Psychology
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2021
- What motivated you to choose your major?
I am double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology. I chose these two majors because I am very interested in each field individually and in the intersection between these two areas. As an aspiring physician looking into psychiatry, I value the connections between psychosocial factors and mental health in human biological processes.
- What is your biggest motivation? What are you most excited or passionate about?
Service towards people, whether it be on an individual level or on a much broader scale, is what motivates me in every action I take. As a first generation American from India, I am blessed to have the opportunities and privileges that my family did not have in India. Recognizing this, I wish to pay it forward to society by utilizing my time in ways that serve a bigger purpose than myself. I am very passionate about global health work, especially for underprivileged countries. I dedicate a lot of time to the UCF non-profit organization, International Medical Outreach, in which we work on setting up clinics and educational workshops for a rural community in Haiti.
- Describe some of the soft skills you have developed from participating in high-impact experiences (i.e., research/ internships/ assistantships/study abroad/etc.).
In the summer of 2019, I interned at Stanford Healthcare in the Quality Improvement Department. This internship helped me to grow in my teamwork abilities because my projects involved working with coworkers within my department, employees across multifarious departments, and with several tiers of leadership. My teamwork skills went hand in hand with developing my communication skills. In the fast-paced setting of a hospital, I quickly learned the necessity for prompt and concise communication. In fact, my role for one of my projects included coordinating with the leaders of the 150+ departments at Stanford Hospital. During my internship, I worked on several ongoing projects simultaneously. This helped me to develop a more sophisticated work-ethic—I learned how to prioritize my work according to not only the hard deadlines but also based on the availability of leadership to account for time to receive feedback. This internship experience was invaluable because it has helped me to gain more insight into working in a healthcare setting which will aid me as I continue in my pursuit to become a physician.
- How would you explain Knights of Distinction to someone who knows nothing about the program? In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Knight of Distinction?
Proactiveness. This is one word that I believe encapsulates the purpose of Knights of Distinction. This program guides each student to be more proactive in paving a future for themselves. It does this by setting suggested benchmarks for different types of involvement, such as leadership and citizenship, and for different levels of involvement, such as within the UCF community or in the real world. These are steps that each student can use to guide themselves to being more successful in their careers. To be a Knight of Distinction signifies that you are more than ready to be an engaged member of society.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
I am excited to service on the Advisory Council because it is an opportunity for students to make a perhaps small yet significant impact on improving our university. Additionally, as a pre-medical student, I spend a lot of time surrounded with similar students. So, I really enjoy the Advisory Council because it provides an opportunity to work with a diverse group of my peers and gain a more holistic perspective of UCF through the process.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do you think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
Each and every person on the council is diverse in every sense of the word. We come from different areas of study, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and have a variety of involvements with the communities stemming from UCF and expanding outwards. One of the biggest things I have learned throughout my time at UCF is to always advocate for your ideas and opinions. Share about your experiences. No opinion is too small or unimportant because every person contributes unique perspectives that will enlighten another person. Advocating for your beliefs is especially important when it regards the university because it allows you to proactively contribute to improving the UCF culture that you are a part of yourself. You have the ability to make impactful changes in the community that you are a part of.
Alejandro Estrada
Major:
BFA- Studio Art
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2020
- What is your biggest motivation? What are you most excited or passionate about?
Accessibility, education, and equality are the topics that drive me through my degree and personal work. Talking of these factors engages me with my art and how I interact with this body of work excites and motivates me to create work.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
Really get to know the people around you! Both in your major and outside of it everyone has an interesting, unique experience and getting to know them will be great for your career and education. It is also just as important to have a social circle and take time for yourself.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
My education, career outlook, and excitement for my post-grad career would not be where it is at today without my High-Impact Learning experiences. From my more complex group assignments, participating in UCF Celebrates the Arts, my internship at the Orlando Museum of Art, and creating my own body of work in my independent study classes. These experiences have taught me valuable skills, provided me with a large pool of experiences to reference, and most importantly reiterated the value in myself and degree.
- Choose one of the Milestones you’ve excelled at and describe some of the skills you developed from engaging in specific experiences.
In the High-Impact Learning Milestone I’ve learned various skills. I’ve curated and installed work at both The Orlando Museum of Art’s Student Gallery and with UCF Celebrates the Arts in the Dr. Phillips Center. To just name a small pool of skills: studio maintenance, education practice, how to critically engage with artwork at a critical and professional level, curation, installation, and education programming from a combination of my internships and upper level courses.
- Describe some of the soft skills you have developed from participating in high-impact experiences (i.e., research/ internships/ assistantships/ study abroad/etc.).
In the action of learning skills through my high-impact experiences that directly coordinate with my major, I by proxy learn skills such as teamwork, punctuality, customer interaction, interpersonal communication, leadership, adaptability, planning, and development. These transferable skills are well-suited in any environment.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
Finding ways of engaging all students towards post-graduate success and marketability.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do you think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
Voicing your opinion, giving your feedback, talking about your experiences and how to better them is the first step towards change. Resolutions cannot happen without that important first step. Utilizing our voice to give constructive feedback can create positive change.
Illyssa Jaraplasan
Major:
Biomedical Sciences/Leadership Studies Minor
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Fall 2020
- What motivated you to choose your major?
I originally came into UCF with a chemistry major but when I attended scholar’s day I met the Biomedical Sciences advisor, Ana Maria, who just so happened to be the Pre-Dental Student Association’s advisor. Meeting her opened my eyes to all the different majors at UCF. After doing more research I found that biomedical Sciences is a challenging major that can prepare me for my future.
- What is your biggest motivation? What are you most excited or passionate about?
My biggest motivation is being inspired by each opportunity I partake in and learning. I get excited when I hear people’s stories and see what other people can accomplish. From volunteering events to classroom and professional events, I try to indulge in every second and absorb the lessons I can learn.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
Be bold! College is a different world with a learning curve, and it is easy to feel alone or lost—it will happen. But don’t let it deter you! Even if you are shy like I was, try reaching out to a classmate or organization to get help or to get more involved. You’ll soon find people who have the same goals as you. The best thing I did during my first year was getting involved. It helped me meet friends and find study groups.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
Planning and Self-Assessment is the most meaningful milestone for me. I believe to be a great leader, student, peer, and friend you need to discover who you are, where you want to go, and how you are going to get there. Through this milestone I have discovered the numerous resources at UCF and beyond UCF. Realizing my goals and setting a plan of action has kept me motivated and organized as I navigate my college career.
- Choose one of the Milestones you’ve excelled at and describe some of the skills you developed from engaging in specific experiences.
Citizenship is a milestone that I have excelled in. Through volunteering and getting involved in Knight-Thon, Pre-Dental Student Association, and the Bowling Club, I have been able to build great support in different aspects of my life. I have also been able to attend many seminars where I have learned about resources and tips to succeed at UCF and beyond. My time so far engaging in the Citizenship milestone has taught me how to build community, communicate effectively, be resourceful, to set goals, and work as a team to achieve a common goal. Most importantly I have been able to cultivate a passion for giving back through volunteering.
- The expectations of our Student Advisory Council members align with the values of the UCF Creed, “Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions.” Can you talk about your future career plans and describe how you will continue to demonstrate the values of the UCF Creed as you enter into your career and life after college? How do these values align with your own values and expectations for yourself?
UCF has given me a wonderful community that provided me with so many opportunities. I have been able to cultivate my passion for dentistry and serving through the Pre-Dental Student Association and LEAD Scholars alongside wonderful individuals by devoting my time to volunteering in the Orlando area. I have seen how community can come together to make a difference in the lives of many. As a future dentist, I hope to build an environment of compassion for those who are underrepresented and lack access to care. Going beyond dentistry, I believe that integrity is a value that should be upheld in all aspects of life. We are so fortunate to shape our futures and impact others in a positive way and integrity is a great attribute to have when doing so.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
Knights of Distinction has allowed me to recognize the accomplishments I have achieved since attending UCF. By organizing all my extracurriculars, I have prepared myself for the dental school application cycle next summer. As I achieve the Milestones, I become a more well-rounded individual. By engaging with the program I have been exposed to many opportunities to learn more and network which will benefit me greatly through the end of my UCF journey.
Mariana Kellis
Major:
History
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2021
- What has been your biggest success and how did you accomplish it?
My biggest success has been winning the J. Calvitt Clarke III award for best undergraduate paper for the 2019 Florida Conference of Historians. My paper will also be published in the FCH Annals. I am most proud of this achievement because I had put a lot of work into my research paper, and it was not only my first extensive research paper, but also my first conference presentation. I was a second-year student at the time of writing my paper, and I felt a bit inferior to the other students at the conference, as most of them were upper level students and had more experience with writing about history. My professor at the time, Dr. Gannon, was very helpful in reading my rough drafts and giving advice on what could be fixed about my paper. I am very happy that my hard work paid off!
- What is your biggest motivation? What are you most excited or passionate about?
My biggest motivation has been living a life that I can be proud of when I am older. My ultimate career goal is to become a professor of Russian history, and I am doing everything I can during my undergraduate years to ensure that I can get into a great graduate school, and eventually make my dream a reality. I am most interested in Imperial Russian history and will be writing an Honors in the Major thesis that is focused on this era. Becoming a historian will require me to become fluent in new languages to me, such as Russian, French, and German. I am currently studying Russian and French and am really enjoying it!
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
The Knights of Distinction Milestone that is most meaningful to me is “High-Impact Learning.” Some of the activities involved in this milestone include internships and research. I have completed two internships so far during my college experience; the first as an archival intern with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, and the second as an editorial intern with the Florida Historical Quarterly. These internships have given me a lot of insight on historical research and what job opportunities there are for someone in my field. I believe that these internships have helped me to become a better researcher and writer. I have also done research through an Independent Study course this semester and will be starting an Honors in the Major undergraduate thesis in the spring. All of these activities have taken a lot of effort and time, but I feel very accomplished for having done them!
- Choose one of the Milestones you’ve excelled at and describe some of the skills you developed from engaging in specific experiences.
I have completed two internships thus far towards the High-Impact Learning Milestone; the first being at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation as an archival intern, and the second being at the Florida Historical Quarterly as an editorial intern. One of the biggest skills I have learned from interning was how to manage my time. I had a heavy course load during both internships, and managing my time was essential to stay on track with my classes. My research skills were also improved through both of my internships. At my first internship, I assisted in research for future exhibits that would be displayed at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. I was required to filter out unnecessary information to make summaries of particular places that were concise, but also informative. In my second internship, I had to do a lot of fact checking when copy-editing submitted manuscripts for publication. I also feel that my time as an editorial intern really helped me to know the quality of work that was expected of papers submitted for publication, which is important to me as a future historian that hopes to publish papers.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
What interests me most about being a part of the What’s Next Advisory Council is helping to make the Knights of Distinction program better for current and future students. Many of the council members are creative in their ideas for future events, reaching out to new students, etc. I am glad to have been a part of this collaborative experience.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
Participating in the Knights of Distinction program has helped me to reflect on the skills I have learned from my accomplishments, and how best to apply them in other situations. The program has also motivated to become more involved in my community and organizations that are not directly related to my field of interest. I have met plenty of new people since beginning this program as a result of the new activities I have become involved with and am much more sociable than I was before.
Clara Kirkland
Major:
Sociology
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2020
- What motivated you to choose your major?
Interestingly enough, when I came to UCF as a transfer student in 2017, I was still undecided on my course of study. I graduated from Valencia College with my general A.A. and had hoped to have discovered my “passion” by that time, however, this was not the not the case for me. In all honesty, I chose Sociology with the mindset of “Well, I still don’t know what I want to do for a career, but I do find the study of Sociology to be quite interesting and I know I can use and apply what I learn in this major to virtually any job I choose.” Lucky for me, I ended up loving my major and decided to also pursue a minor in Psychology to help me dive a little bit deeper into the mind of the individual versus Sociology’s study of the ideas and views of society as a whole.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
If I could go back in time and give myself advice for my first year of college, I would say to not be afraid to put myself out there. One of the most beneficial things a college student can do is gain experience in a variety of activities, whether this is through clubs, leadership opportunities, internships and externships, jobs, networking, etc. It is so important for you to allow yourself to participate in an assortment of opportunities in order to discover what you love and enjoy and what you may not love so much. I personally feel that college is the perfect time for students to find out more about themselves and what truly sparks their interests.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
Although I find an enormous amount of meaning in every milestone, Knights in the World is probably the most meaningful milestone for me because it focuses on real-world experiences that students have beyond UCF. This could be your employment, your service projects, the organizations you are involved in off campus, etc. I feel that Knights in the World is one of the easiest opportunities for students to visualize how they can apply what they learn in the classroom to their normal/every day routine. These experiences can help students to gain/strengthen skills that will help them in their future careers.
- How would you explain Knights of Distinction to someone who knows nothing about the program? In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Knight of Distinction?
I feel that the best way to describe Knights of Distinction to someone who may be unfamiliar with the program, is to think of it as a way of connecting the dots between your experiences in and outside of the classroom. Knights of Distinction aims to help students identify the correlation between what they are learning in their studies/college career and their involvement in other activities either on or off campus that could be beneficial to them beyond graduation. In my opinion, being a Knight of Distinction means to be a student who goes the extra mile in any way possible whether this is through academic achievement, campus involvement, or off-campus experience. As a Knight of Distinction, I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself, as well as strengthen my skills in order to become more valuable to potential employers, as well as to really set myself apart from other individuals.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do you think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
I will admit, I was hesitant and nervous to join the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council. I tend to struggle with doubt in my skills and abilities and I most definitely second guessed myself many times when debating on whether or not I felt I would be a good fit for the council. However, I realized that I am not alone. There are plenty of students just like me who may not have it all “figured out” and may struggle with navigating their way through their college career. Therefore, I decided that by adding my voice to the university, I could bring value by example, and show students that it’s good to do things that may be out of your comfort zone and that it can lead to very useful and helpful opportunities. My advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice is DON’T BE. You are capable of more than you think. Do not let fear hold you back from expressing ideas that could be extremely helpful and influential for other students as well as yourself.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
Participating in Knights of Distinction has helped me prepare for life after UCF in more ways than I can explain. By committing to this program, I have been forced to step outside of my comfort zone and become more involved on campus and in my community. This alone has allowed me to build my confidence and self-esteem which will help me immensely in my life/career after UCF. I have also become a more versatile student by participating in a variety of activities and events that I most likely would have completely dismissed in the past. Versatility is a key factor that many employers look for in potential employees.
Nelly Liranzo
Major:
Management
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Fall 2019
- What motivated you to choose your major?
When I was a sophomore at Valencia College I had my first management internship as an Operations Intern with Speedway LLC. During this internship experience, I developed a passion for management and the job title of District Manager. I got to supervised twelve stores in the regions of Kissimmee and Orlando, and I also helped improve their scores when it comes to cleanliness and productivity. However, what I enjoyed the most was to coach and develop my team and reach the operational goals of the district and stores. Once I transferred to UCF in Fall 2017, I was confident that I wanted to pursue a career in the management field through the College of Business Administration.
- What is your biggest motivation? What are you most excited or passionate about?
My biggest motivation is definitely my parents. I am a first-generation college student since none of my family members graduated from college before. However, they’ve always worked hard to support my brothers and me in every way. My parents motivate me to not only work hard, but also to be persistent and consistent in order to reach my goals and be successful. On the other hand, I feel passionate about helping others in any possible way. I have 100+ community service hours and I have an urge to serve my community and mentor/inspire others to achieve their goals just like my parents have done with me all along. As a result of my college experiences, today I can say that I confidently understand my purpose: to create a positive impact in society by empowering and helping others achieve their goals and develop their weaknesses into strengths.
- Describe some of the soft skills you have developed from participating in high-impact experiences (i.e., research/internships/assistantships/study abroad/ etc.)
Some of the soft skills that I’ve developed from participating in high-impact experiences have been leadership, teamwork, effective communication, adaptability, and time management. Leadership and teamwork are a great example of the soft skills that I developed during my three internship experiences as a District Manager Intern for companies in different industries. I got to develop my team as a leader, work with them in operational team projects, and recognize and appreciate diversity within the team. Effective communication was also a significant skill that I got to learn for both verbal and non-verbal communication by being a good active listener and understanding the body language of the people that surrounded me. Time management was key for each of my internship experiences for the fact that I had to report my project’s findings by or before the assigned deadline to my direct leader and present those projects at the end of the internship to the executives of the company. On the other hand, I got to develop adaptability skills when I studied abroad in Hong Kong last Fall 2018—I learned that I am very adaptable to change and uncertainty. I also developed cultural awareness by becoming familiar with their culture and customs in order to establish international relations.
- How would you explain Knights of Distinction to someone who knows nothing about the program? In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Knight of Distinction?
In my opinion, the best way to describe Knights of Distinction to someone who knows nothing about the program is to think about it as if it was a bridge. What I mean by this is that this program helps bridge the gap between what students learn inside and outside the classroom so that they can apply what they’ve learned to new contexts and experiences such as study abroad, internships, job shadowing, etc. I would also explain that this program encourages undergraduate students to plan, connect, and reflect in the pursuit of their goals. I think that being a Knight of Distinction means to be a student that goes above and beyond to be differentiated from the rest. A student that is constantly looking for improvement and obtaining the necessary skills in order to be successful after graduation, either at a new job or at graduate school.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
What interests me the most about being part of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to have the opportunity of helping students be more involved on campus, utilize the university’s resources, help serve a as a mentor for them, and also to contribute in the implementation of new initiatives that can benefit students through my feedback and insights. In my opinion, this is a way for me to give back to the university and at the same time help other students overcome their challenges and help them be successful in any way.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do you think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
I am a first-generation college student and I also transferred to UCF from a community college. I think that by adding my voice to the university through the What’s Next Student Advisory Council, I can help students that are going through the same challenges and career path that I went through. I can also help by collaborating with the Knights of Distinction Program on ideas to improve workshops and at the same time increase member count of the program. On the other hand, my advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice and providing feedback is that every opinion matters. There is no right or wrong answer. Everyone has been through different experiences and backgrounds in their lives. Your feedback as a student cannot only have input on the university initiatives but can also help improve the college experience of many other students like yourself.
Lauren Morell
Major:
Health Sciences and Pre-Clinical
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Fall 2020
- What motivated you to choose your major?
I chose Health Sciences and Pre-Clinical as my major mainly to go on to dental school. I chose this major over the more common majors, like Chemistry or Biology, because it involved a bigger variety of medical classes such as Pharmacology and Pathophysiology.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
If I could go back in time to give myself advice before coming to college it would be to use the help that is provided to you. There are so many advisors and counselors there that are specifically there to help you, and you should take advantage of that. You are bound to go through college with questions anyway—instead of stressing about it at home, go out and ask people who know what they are talking about rather than struggling through it by yourself.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
The Milestone that is most meaningful to me would be “Knights in the World” because it inspires students to go out and get experiences that reach beyond college and the classroom. This pushes students out of their comfort zones and helps them to gain life skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
- Choose one of the Milestones you’ve excelled at and describe some of the skills you developed from engaging in specific experiences.
One of the milestones that I’ve learned so much from and gained some engaging experiences from was Leadership. As a leader in my job, I’ve learned a lot of skills about time management and decision making. Being a leader has helped me to grow as a person and to gain skills that I may not have learned otherwise.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
I think it is so important to incorporate students’ voices and opinions into the university. Teachers and administration cannot put themselves into a student’s place to see what is wrong or what can be fixed in a situation. If you are a student that is hesitant about sharing your opinion, you should share it anyway. Opinions cannot be right or wrong and it will only be beneficial in the long run. Jumping out of your comfort zone just might help the university become a better place for everyone.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
My participation in Knights of Distinction has helped me prepare for my life after college by teaching me so many valuable lessons and skills that I will continue to use throughout my career and life. College can be such a scary place sometimes, but Knights of Distinction really has helped me get out of my comfort zone and put myself out there to learn and grow as a person.
Ashley Reyes
Major:
Psychology
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2021
- What has been your biggest success and how did you accomplish it?
My most notable accomplishment at UCF so far has been nomination for the 2021 Order of Pegasus. Dr. Martha Hubertz, who also recommended me for McNair Scholars, asked if I wanted to be referred by her. While initially a little hesitant to participate, I warmed up to the idea when I saw the glowing summary she gave of my work. College and community mean a lot to me. The fact that a professor acknowledges that so strongly makes me remember why I started in the first place.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
Higher education isn’t as daunting as some people say! Just give yourself a chance to adjust and even take on a few new challenges. It will help you grow not only as a scholar and employee, but also as a well-rounded person.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
High-Impact Learning has been my favorite pre-professional tool since Valencia College. I highly recommend research or service learning for pupils who are very serious about their GPA. Volunteering combined with coursework structured around practical subject matter is twice as impactful on one’s resume! The modern job market requires multifaceted experience. Knights of Distinction promotes exemplary student success both before and after graduation.
- Describe some of the soft skills you have developed from participating in high-impact experiences (i.e., research/internships/assistantships/study abroad/etc.).
Before college, I was an introvert with little interest in learning or networking. Joining a volunteer leadership class in 2016 changed my attitude, goals, and outlook on life. In addition to opening myself up to more opportunities, I received direct job connections from mentors, did research with professionals in my field, won multiple scholarships, and even got to study abroad in Spain over the spring break before graduation! Skills I perfected include guest courtesy, proactive improvisation, and teamwork.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
The council brings together diverse scholars who are passionate about the various communities they serve; this is integral to student body representation and overall scholarly resource improvement. We want to help students like us have a positive, rewarding experience at the university and take that legacy with them when their studies are complete.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
I’ve met like minded intellectuals who share a passion for extraordinary scholarship; we have discussed merits of the program as well as where KoD can improve. I admire the uniqueness and work ethic of all individuals present. I hope to become more like these young leaders by following my peers’ examples in the workplace, at school, at church, and everywhere I have the privilege of going.
Joseph Rivera
Major:
Electrical Engineering
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2020
- What motivated you to choose your major?
I have always been passionate about DIY projects and technology, so I was drawn to electrical engineering from the start. I wanted to be hands-on in my work, and through my coursework I found that robotics gave me that opportunity. I was looking for a field with room to develop new skills and explore other disciplines as well. Working alongside a team of electrical engineers who do everything from mechanical parts testing to crafting artificial intelligence algorithms has taught me that engineers are constantly adopting new skills to build smarter and better products.
- Describe a challenge you’ve encountered and explain how you overcame it.
I hated coding when I was a freshman. I struggled through the introductory coursework and thought that it wasn’t for me. When I started to see the utility of coding at my internship, I worked hard to teach myself Matlab and Python. A year later, I’m still learning. But the skills that I have built have helped shape my career path far more than any single course that I’ve taken.
- Choose one of the Milestones you’ve excelled at and describe some of the skills you developed from engaging in specific experiences.
In High-Impact Learning, I’ve worked on undergraduate research, presented independent research, participated in a career-shaping internship, and learned practical skills in hands-on undergraduate and graduate coursework. The most beneficial skill that I’ve learned from these experiences is how to build something independently and take risks. No matter what major you are, you can dive into new or unfamiliar territory. Taking the risk of not knowing where your research or project will end up is a part of innovating and creating something new. I think that is something that everyone should experience.
- Describe some of the soft skills you have developed from participating in high-impact experiences (i.e., research / internships /assistantships/ study abroad/etc.).
As an intern, I was often thrown into technical meetings that went over my head. A skill that I had to learn early on was to ask questions in the moment and always take notes. In my experience, people appreciate when you are taking the time to understand what they’re saying and banking a question for later often means that you’ll never ask it. I think that’s especially true when talking to management or customers.
- One of the goals of the What’s Next Student Advisory Council is to incorporate the student voice into our various initiatives. What do you think is the value of adding your voice to the university and do you have any advice for students who are hesitant about expressing their voice or providing feedback on university initiatives?
In a university as big as UCF, it’s tough to get your perspective out there. But don’t forget that it is just as hard for everyone else. Having one student step up to talk to a staff or faculty member about a problem, or a recommendation, can go a long way towards effecting change in the university.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
While tracking milestones and categorizing my accomplishments, Knights of Distinction has helped me reflect on my priorities. While I’ve done a lot of academic work, I’ve realized that I’m quick to push community and social events to the background. That’s something that I’m working on balancing better in the future.
Elizabeth Rutkovsky
Major:
Hospitality Management
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2022
- What motivated you to choose your major?
I chose Hospitality Management as my desired career field for several reasons. Business has always interested me because I have observed family members work in the business world. I am a people person—I love performance, interaction, and brightening other people’s days. What made the industry appeal to me was the way that business and customer service melt together in the hospitality industry. I began my hospitality-related education at Cornell University’s Summer College Program in 2017 where I took a 3-credit course in Hotel Operations Management. This program confirmed my love for hospitality. I love what I do, and I haven’t looked back since. My love for the hospitality field stems from the enjoyment I get from shaping positive moments in the lives of others. This passion, as well as an interest in business from an operational standpoint, makes work in the hospitality industry a perfect fit for me. I hope to use my skills I continue to learn at UCF to successfully manage a business and create positive experiences for others; in my eyes there is no greater joy than making a positive impact on someone else’s life.
- If you could go back in time and give yourself advice before you began your first year of college, what would it be?
The transition to university life can be intimidating. I wish I knew that I would find a home here at UCF. It would take time, but UCF would be a perfect fit for me and for my life. I also wish I would have branched out more from the start. There are an incredible amount of on-campus resources to help improve our college experience at UCF. Each student’s life here at UCF is what they make of it for themselves. UCF truly does stand for opportunity; take advantage of its resources while you’re here!
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
Knights in the World is the most meaningful milestone to me. The other four milestones have come naturally to me through my involvement on campus; branching out into the “real world” is more difficult and intimidating to me. For this reason, developing my comfort and confidence in getting involved off-campus is the most valuable to my university experience. In order to be a well-rounded individual and make the most of my time here at UCF, I must work to connect and get involved outside the realm of our university.
- One of the Knights of Distinction milestones is “Knights in the World,” which encourages students to get more involved in the community outside of the university. Do you have any advice for how to get more involved with the community beyond UCF? What is an experience that you’ve participated in outside of the university and what did you learn from it?
Knights in the World is all about taking chances. We must put ourselves out there, which is frightening because there is potential for rejection. We have to remember that the worst thing they can say in response is no. We have many on-campus resources and events such as Career Fairs to help us connect and meet with off-campus employers and organizations. My advice would be to have a strong resume—I recommend bringing it to Career Services, and to be confident and prepared when applying and interviewing for any job or position. Visiting employers in person makes a big difference as well when it comes to receiving jobs and internships.
One of my Knights in the World experiences took place over the summer when I worked at a country club on Long Island. As a hospitality industry job, I was able to shadow my managers and learn a lot about the industry through property upkeep, promotion, financials, guest services, event planning, and many other aspects that contribute to running this type of business. I received hands on experience and was educated regarding what it takes to manage a successful business.
- How would you explain Knights of Distinction to someone who knows nothing about the program? In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Knight of Distinction?
Knights of Distinction is a personal and professional development program that helps college students develop the skills necessary to be prepared for what’s next. Knights of Distinction helps its students to be well-rounded through milestones of Planning & Self-Assessment, Citizenship, Leadership, High-Impact Learning, and Knights in the World. We are able to utilize our educational and extra-curricular university experiences to reflect and develop ourselves toward a professional career after college. Each student creates an ePortfolio of their experiences to be able to present to employers. For me, to be a Knight of Distinction is to be dedicated to myself and my community here at UCF. Our milestone activities ensure we are active members and contributors both on and off campus during our college experience.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
I have such a passion for giving back to the UCF community that has given me so much in the time that I’ve been here. UCF provides us with the education we need to be successful, but sometimes the transition between college and our professional careers requires skills beyond pure academic knowledge. Through planning, connecting, and reflecting, QEP provides us with the synthesis that we require between education and soft skills; this analysis prepares us to be professionals and to kickstart our careers. In this council, I hope to foster further growth to advance UCF students toward a successful professional career after college.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
Everything we are a part of as UCF students is developing us as people and as professionals, whether we realize it or not. Knights of Distinction has allowed me to be cognizant of my involvement, and how this involvement is shaping my college career. Taking the time to reflect on my experiences has enhanced my personal and professional development and focus on the soft skills I have developed in my time at UCF.
Alexis Wilson
Major:
Psychology/Sociology
Anticipated Graduation Term:
Spring 2020
- What motivated you to choose your major?
Psychology has always been a passion of mine, specifically human interactions and how the mind works. However, the reason that I am double-majoring in psychology and sociology is because I have a strong passion for people and want to delve into and learn every aspect of individuals. We are all unique in our own way, so figuring out how to satisfy the needs of those around me while tailoring my skills specifically to who they are, is what I am looking to accomplish with my degrees.
- What has been your biggest success and how did you accomplish it?
My biggest accomplishment thus far at UCF has been being on the Dean’s list in psychology. In order to achieve that, I earned all A’s in my psychology courses during my semesters here. When you are studying something that you are truly passionate about, it doesn’t become a chore to do your work; you become highly motivated and have a strong drive to learn about what you love.
- Which Milestone is the most meaningful to you and why?
The Leadership Milestone is most significant to me because it allows me to showcase my strengths as an individual. Being a leader isn’t about being a dominant force over those around you, it is about being someone who is looked up to and who supports the development of communication skills that allow them to be there for their peers.
- Choose one of the Milestones you’ve excelled at and describe some of the skills you developed from engaging in specific experiences.
I feel as though I have accomplished the most within the Knights in the World milestone because I went from cashier to customer service manager at my current job and I feel as though this happened because I was determined to accomplish the goals that I wrote down for this program. I have developed multiple skills including strategic planning, leadership, conflict resolution, and adaptability, which have afforded me many opportunities to be a strong leader for the people around me.
- What interests you most about the QEP What’s Next Student Advisory Council?
I love being involved with this council because your opinion matters and your ideas are not rejected, only expanded on. Any belief that you express becomes a positive attribute of the Knights of Distinction program and you become a part of something that creates outstanding goals and accomplishments for undergraduates.
- In what ways has your participation in Knights of Distinction helped you prepare for your life/career after UCF?
This program has truly allowed me to become a better version of myself by pushing me to go further in not only my studies but also my volunteer work and career as well. I have started committing more of my time to those around me, which has significantly improved not only my daily life, but also those that are in need of aid.