Excursion to New York

by Caroline Kware

As a freshman, I added a Beyond120 course: Professional Pathways to my first semester schedule on a whim at orientation. It was an incredibly helpful class as a freshman who had no idea where to start when it came to the professional world. Professor Braun clearly cared about giving his students the best material to prepare them for a professional life. It made applying for internships and opportunities easy and I know I will carry on what I learned throughout my schooling and my career.

When I saw the Beyond120 excursion to New York application, I was excited to apply and even more excited when I got the acceptance. I did not know what to expect but it was definitely one of the most valuable parts of my freshman year. I met a group of older, more experienced students who had great insights into different experiences inside and outside of UF. I met the great UF faculty that made this trip possible and wanted us to get the most out of the trip and all the company visits. And I met great alumni who seemed to want all Gators to succeed. They were open and friendly and they offered great advice. It was amazing to talk to students who were in the same spot I was in a few years ago and see how far they had come.

We visited many companies (Gannett, TransPerfect, Whatif Media, and more), with some career paths I had never heard of or considered. All of the companies were welcoming and gave us great information on what they do, and they graciously answered all of our questions. Since getting back, I’ve already started to adjust my resume as well as looking into applying to a few opportunities I learned about. As a freshman, I can already tell that the Beyond120 program will change the trajectory in a positive way for my next three years at UF and beyond.

CLAS Scholars Program Research Opportunity

by Judah Lebofsky

As a university student, I believe that some of the most fulfilling experiences and opportunities are those that are unexpected. When I began my journey at the University of Florida in the fall of 2019, I had an open mind and was eager to learn and grow. Little did I know that my involvement with the Beyond120 and CLAS Scholars Programs would give me an amazing opportunity to pursue research and present my findings at the American Society of Criminology 2022 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Beyond120 research team helped me secure this opportunity and made it possible for me to participate in the CLAS Scholars Program. This program gave me access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities I would never have had otherwise. It allowed me to explore my academic interests and connect with other like-minded individuals who share my passion for research.

During my time in the CLAS Scholars Program, I was able to work on my research project titled "Generation 9/11: Fear of Terrorism Among Individuals Without Memories of the September 11th Attacks." Through this project, I explored how individuals born after the September 11th attacks fear the threat of terrorism to themselves and their families. This research was incredibly fulfilling and allowed me to explore a topic that I am passionate about.

The process of conducting research and presenting my findings at the American Society of Criminology 2022 Annual Meeting was a life-changing experience. It challenged me to think critically, work collaboratively with my mentors, and communicate my ideas effectively. The feedback I received from fellow scholars and academics was invaluable and has helped me refine my research skills.

This experience has also opened doors for me in terms of my academic and professional pursuits. It has made me excited about pursuing research at a graduate level and has prepared me for the challenges that come with academic research. The mentorship and guidance I received through the CLAS Scholars Program have given me the confidence to pursue my academic goals and aspirations.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity that Beyond120 has given me, and I encourage all students to keep an open mind and take advantage of unexpected opportunities that come their way. You never know where they might lead you! I believe that the key to success in college is to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, no matter how unexpected it may be. Whether it's a research project, an internship, or a volunteer opportunity, each experience has the potential to open doors and provide valuable insights and skills.

The Beyond120 and CLAS Scholars Programs have shown me that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to explore new ideas and opportunities. I have learned that the journey to success is not always linear and that unexpected opportunities can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences of one's life. I am excited to continue my academic and research journey, knowing that there are endless possibilities waiting to be explored.

Exploring Experiential Learning Opportunities

Venturing into the unknown can be a daunting task, but if there’s anything I have learned during my time at UF, it’s that you don’t have to do it alone. My name is Carley, and I came to UF as a transfer student in 2021. I always knew I wanted to partake in global engagement while in university and I knew, even as a transfer, that UF would help me make it happen. With the advisement of the Beyond120 program I was able to study abroad in the summer of 2022 through the UF in Cape Town: Writing for Change program in Cape Town, South Africa, and also in the fall semester of 2022 through a Beyond120 Exchange program at the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, UK. I’d consider the benefits of these programs on my academic and professional development to be infinite and I knew I couldn’t be the only one.

I asked several Beyond120 Scholarship Award recipients to share their experiences with engaging in experiential learning opportunities. If you’re a student eager to find unique ways to make the most of your academic career, perhaps these testimonials will grant further insight into a few programs that are offered and help you find what experiential learning opportunity may be best for you.

Whether you’re interested in getting involved in research, searching for an internship, or have your sights set on studying abroad, the Beyond120 program is an invaluable resource for CLAS students to ensure these opportunities are accessible and achievable. Check out some of the incredible experiences UF students have been able to take part in over the past year!
- Carley Anderson

Research

“My name is Rishika Podarala, and I am currently a sophomore studying Microbiology and Cell Sciences pursuing a minor in Health Disparities in Society and am a recent Beyond120 scholarship recipient. The Beyond120 Scholarship program supports students like me to explore various interests beyond the scope of the classroom. For me, research has been an integral part of my academic career as it allows me to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to solve real world problems. This award allowed me to continue gaining experience and knowledge in the lab, and dedicate time to pursuing an independent research project in studying sexual dimorphism in stress resistance of C. elegans, without the financial obstacles. My research experience has also enriched my character development by teaching me the skills of problem-solving, perseverance, communication, and time management along with technical lab skills. Having this opportunity has greatly supported my academic and professional career by allowing me to earn research credit and diversify my academic portfolio. I strongly encourage my peers to take a chance and apply! Thanks to this opportunity, I now work as a research assistant in Dr. Keith Choe’s Lab in the Department of Biology. The Beyond120 program has gone above and beyond in providing me a platform to pursue my passions which has elevated my college experience.”
– Rishika Podarala, Independent Research Project

Internships Abroad

“During the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity of studying abroad in London for 8 weeks and it is an experience that really changed my perspective on the world around me. I always imagined myself for years studying abroad because my older sister did it but to actually have the chance to travel to a new country on my own was surreal. The biggest takeaway from my trip was to never take anything for granted and actually immerse myself in the new environment. Therefore, while I was in London I traveled to other parts of the city as opposed to staying where we were housed. I even explored other countries like Wales where I had the opportunity to learn how to surf and even jump off a cliff, and as someone who does not know how to swim this was definitely an unforgettable moment. I also made friends with people my age who lived in London and to this day I consider them dear friends of mine. My biggest advice for anyone studying abroad is to make the most out of every day you have abroad but still, find time to rest and not over stimulate yourself.

Overall, I would highly recommend anyone interested in studying abroad to go through with the opportunity and look into scholarships like the Beyond120 Scholarship Award which helped fund my trip. The program I chose allowed me to not only study abroad by taking classes but also gave me the chance to have an internship in a field that fit my interest/career path. I learned firsthand what I enjoyed about my field and what I did not, which was extremely beneficial because now when I graduate I am able to look for jobs with a narrower approach that fits my wants and needs.”
- Andrea Kambou, UF in London: Beyond120 CLAS Internship

Beyond120 Exchange Programs

“My time as an exchange student in Aberdeen, Scotland at the University of Aberdeen has been one of the coolest things I've ever been able to take part of. I've been able to meet and even live with so many people from all across the world and from all different backgrounds. This experience has helped me to better understand other cultures and how to approach them as an outsider, an aspect that will be especially beneficial in my future pursuits in becoming a physician. Having the opportunity to explore a whole new country has been a dream come true. For anyone who has ever thought about traveling or studying abroad, I would highly recommend this experience as it's one that will truly allow you to grow as a person, both professionally and personally. For me personally, the biggest learning curve was learning to become fully comfortable in traveling and doing things on my own. I'm definitely still getting used to this at times, but I think solo traveling is something that everyone should experience at one time or another!”
- Jaclyn Rakich, University of Aberdeen

“I am currently studying abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. I was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, but it had always been a dream of mine to visit Australia. I had never left the United States before, let alone travelled away from home for longer than two weeks. I decided to push my boundaries and pack a suitcase for an entire year of studying abroad. While my time in Australia has yet to end, I have had some of the best experiences of my life here.

Studying geosciences, I never imagined that my first month would be spent conducting climate change research on a remote island in the Great Barrier Reef. Other courses included weeklong trips to study geology in different regions of New South Wales. The trips allowed me to experience hiking through the Australian bush with frequent run-ins with wild kangaroos and huntsman spiders. Entering a new setting and knowing no one can be difficult; however, challenging myself has resulted in many new valuable relationships and expanded my view of the world.”
- Sidney Washburn, University of New South Wales

UF Sponsored Study Abroad Programs

“Shadowing physicians in Vigo, Spain was an unforgettable experience! I have always loved the language and wanted to travel but was not sure I would get the chance until this opportunity was presented to me. Studying abroad in Spain allowed me to better understand a healthcare system different than what I am used to and be exposed to the importance of patient care and passion for medicine! It definitely helped solidify that the medical field is what I want to be a part of. I also had the amazing opportunity to be submerged into the culture and explore! If you have the chance DO IT! Thank you Beyond120 :-)”
- Taeja Garrick, UF in Vigo: Clinical Shadowing

“Hello! My name is Kylie and I am a Political Science and International Studies major. During my Spring semester 2022, I participated in the UF in Iceland: Renewable Energy and Sustainability study abroad program. Travelling to Iceland was an incredible experience and one I will never forget! The week-long program focused on the innovative methods of providing renewable energy in Iceland through harnessing the resources of its diverse landscapes. Over 90% of electricity in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is generated by geothermal energy! Throughout the program, we did site visits to a geothermal power plant, government/public institutions, businesses, and universities to learn from various stakeholders involved in promoting sustainable systems in Iceland. We also learned about Iceland’s history and culture by visiting museums and community centers in Reykjavik and interacting with locals at one of Iceland’s many heated pools. We visited the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, hiked snowy mountains and volcanoes, ate “geothermal-baked” bread, visited a greenhouse and pony farm, saw waterfalls, watched geysers erupt, and marveled at the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park. Throughout the trip, we were surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and gained a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s unique culture emphasizing reverence for the environment. This inspired me to continue pursuing Sustainability Studies at UF as my minor so that I can eventually integrate some of what I learned about while abroad into sustainable policies at home.”
- Kylie Hay-Roe, UF in Iceland

“Beyond120 helped me fund my study abroad experience in Rome, Italy. It was the greatest summer of my life, and I grew so much as both a student and an individual. Being immersed in Italian culture was invaluable in furthering my knowledge of the language, and of Rome's classical history. The experience as a whole changed the way I've approached career choices and has helped me figure out what I'm most passionate about. :)”
- Nicole Alberto, UF in Rome

“Even before stepping foot on UF campus, I knew that I wanted to participate in a study abroad experience. During my second semester of college, I applied to UF in Prague and through the help of the Beyond120 Scholarship Award I was able to study abroad in Prague. I was doing a study abroad for the reasons most other college students were, to explore a new country and to have some fun during the summer, nothing more. I was not expecting to have my entire life changed through one experience. Not only was I able to learn about the history and culture of the Czech Republic but I learned so much about myself. I grew as a person who was able to take risks and do things that I would have never done before in my life. You are on your own, in a new place. With no family and friends around, while it is scary, you realize that you have become the best version of yourself. Some of the most memorable experiences that I have had in my life have come from studying abroad. Before studying abroad I liked to travel and do touristy things, but since being immersed in the language and culture of the Czech Republic I have found a deeper passion to meddle with locals and try things that are off the beaten path.

Studying abroad has opened my eyes to the numerous potential that I have at the University of Florida. Without the exposure to the diverse history and culture of Europe, I would have never thought about pursuing research in other countries and actively going to archives in those regions to find primary sources for a history honors thesis. Additionally, studying abroad has changed my path career to focus more on international corporation and comparative law. By being exposed to new ideas and people, studying abroad has opened many potential doors for me.

Studying abroad was the scariest thing I have ever done in my entire life, you are half way across the world from your family, you do not know the language, and you begin to wonder if you even made the right decision. All of these worries went through my head, but at the end of the day I had never been so happy that I took that chance. I have made the best memories that I could tell my children and grandchildren someday and I want to be a beacon of inspiration for them, to take those chances. Sometimes those risks will not pay off, but they make for a great lesson and an even better story.

For anyone that wants to study abroad, my one piece of advice is do it. Do it. While it may seem scary and foreign, it is a once in a life opportunity to be in a foreign country totally immersed with locals, cuisine, and history that will make your whole entire perspective on yourself and the world change. I was expecting to do just one study abroad at time at the University of Florida, but I got bitten by the travel bug and now I am in Seoul, South Korea studying abroad again. While there are days that are hard, I have never regretted studying abroad. I know in my heart that I would regret it if I did not study abroad because I would not have met some of my best friends, tried amazing cuisines, seen stunning architecture, and found my own destiny in life.”
- Kathryn Orozco, UF in Prague

Networking in Washington, D.C.

by Edwidge Labbe

During my second year at the University of Florida, I got seriously involved with the Beyond120 Program through the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. My first introduction to the program was in a video call with the Associate Director, Brittany Grubbs-Hodges. I told Britany how incomplete my college experience felt – that graduation was steadily approaching, and I had nothing to show for it in regard to the career I wanted to pursue. That specific summer, I had my heart set on securing an internship in Washington, D.C. because I always knew I wanted to be involved in the public sector in some capacity. From there, Brittany put me in contact with the Associate Director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, Marianne Vernetson, who connected me with internship opportunities, as well as individuals working in the DMV area.

Prior to the conclusion of our call, Brittany mentioned the Washington, D.C. excursion that the Beyond120 Program was hosting in May. As someone who was still getting adjusted to life on campus, I was completely unaware of the avenues and opportunities that were made available to social science majors at UF and how we can leverage our education into tangible job outputs. Thankfully, I got to participate in the Washington, D.C. Excursion in May of 2022 where a group of 19 undergraduate students & I had the opportunity to visit places like the United States Capitol, the World Bank Group, and the headquarters of Gannett (to name a few). The excursion lasted for about five days and every single day yielded a different experience whether that be learning how to draft the perfect resume, examining the progression of the U.S. History through the paintings on the Rotunda, or understanding the University’s role in federal relations. Many of the sites and cities we visited had a lot of intentionality behind them – more often than not, we visited Gator Alumni who had recently graduated or were well seasoned professionals that were more than willing to offer their expertise in how they broke into their industries and the pathways they took to get there.

I think my greatest takeaway from the Washington D.C. excursion was to be willing to deviate from “the plan.” In my beginning stages of undergrad, I was very set on just graduating and pursuing the next thing – not really allowing myself to explore my interests or passions firsts. However, after listening to the stories of the alumni on that excursion and hearing how they finally found their footing when they were willing to choose the option that scared them the most, that’s when I began to deviate from my own “plan.”

Fast forward to the end of that excursion, I was able to secure an internship in D.C. where I worked as a legislative intern in the United States House of Representatives. To this day, I am very grateful for having been a participant on the Washington D.C. excursion because many of the Gator Alumni I connected with on that trip ended up being my mentors as I worked on Capitol Hill. It was relieving to enter a new city knowing that I was going to have a network of Gators from the Swamp who were willing to support me throughout my summer in D.C.