by Alani Beauchamp

When I started my academic journey at the University of Florida, I was eager to engage in research. As a psychology student with a passion for understanding human behavior in a legal context, I knew research was a critical part of my academic and professional journey. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I wasn't able to join a lab as many of them required a minimum of 9 hours a week and I had to dedicate that time to working. During my second year at UF, I spent a lot of time researching paid summer research experiences for undergraduates. I eventually came across the NSF REU website which provided a variety of summer research opportunities that I could apply for, even with no prior research experience. I applied to a few and was fortunately accepted into the 10-week Behavioral Sciences REU program at West Virginia University, and it turned out to be pivotal experience in my professional and academic development.

I was accepted to work under Dr. Ray Joslyn at the university. During my time there I worked on a research project that investigated individual differences during analog forensic interviews. I was excited to work on this project as it was a perfect blend of my interests in psychology and law. At the end of the summer, I was able to prepare a poster and present at WVU's Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. This hands-on work allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of designing experiments, creating research materials, gathering and analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting results.

Beyond working in the lab, I was also able to engage in other experiences that fostered academic and professional growth. Throughout each week we spent time participating in a physical computing workshop where we learned to program a microcontroller to detect behavior using a C++ based language. Even though I had no experience in coding, I actually really enjoyed it, and I learned a lot. Additionally, we took part in a professional development class, where we were not only taught more about the research process, but we gained a deeper understanding of graduate school through lectures on application materials and various guest speakers. I even got to speak to a few alumni and current professors from UF!

Outside of the educational and professional benefits, the program provided other benefits as well. We were given free on-campus housing at the university as well as covered travel to and from the institution. Additionally, we received a generous stipend that included support for our meals throughout the summer. The program also hosted biweekly excursions and team-building activities. We were able to go ziplining, kayaking, rock climbing, and much more. I grew close with my peers in the summer cohort and had such a fun and unforgettable experience.

Reflecting on my REU experience, I realize how much it influenced my academic goals. This opportunity truly solidified my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, focusing on topics in psychology and law. It also prepared me for the challenges and rewards of doing research full-time. It revealed the dedication and critical thinking that research demands but also the satisfaction of meeting goals and seeing results. After participating in this program, I feel confident taking the next steps in my academic journey.

I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance from my mentors and peers that I met at WVU. To other students who are thinking about research or are possibly interested in graduate school, I can't stress enough the value of pursuing an opportunity like this one, even if they're outside your comfort zone. Every experience is a stepping stone and you never know how an opportunity, especially one you didn't expect, might shape your future.

by Chancellor Wilson

This past summer, I found myself halfway across the world in Cape Town, South Africa, through iXperience—a study abroad program that promised professional growth and adventure, and delivered on both. The program combined a technical bootcamp with an experiential internship, where I not only learned the ropes of management consulting but also worked hands-on with a company making a real difference. Oh, and in between, I learned how to surf. (Let’s just say I’m better at problem-solving than wave-riding.)

My internship was with Viridian, a professional services company dedicated to helping African entrepreneurs connect with funding opportunities. My role was as challenging as it was rewarding. I helped automate their process of collecting and classifying data—essentially cutting through the clutter to make it faster and more reliable. On top of that, I designed the user interface for their funding database, ensuring it was as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. The goal? To help Viridian integrate this new feature seamlessly into their product suite, making life a whole lot easier for the entrepreneurs they support. It was thrilling to know the work I was doing could directly empower people to chase their dreams and build something amazing.

Cape Town itself was the perfect backdrop for this experience. Where else can you spend your mornings working with a global team (shoutout to the brilliant students from Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, and beyond), your afternoons surfing or hiking up iconic Table Mountain, and your evenings sharing laughs over some of the best food you’ve ever tasted? The city’s blend of vibrant entrepreneurial energy and jaw-dropping natural beauty made it impossible not to feel inspired.

The people I met were just as incredible as the experiences. I worked alongside students and professionals from all over the world, including ex-McKinsey and Deloitte consultants, and even got a peek into other industries through data science and investment banking students taught by people from places like Meta, Google, and Goldman Sachs. Between the global perspectives, the deep dives into South African culture and history, and the spontaneous “team bonding” hikes, I learned more about collaboration, communication, and adaptability than any textbook could ever teach.

Of course, it wasn’t all work. There were elephants to play with, vineyards to explore, and sharks to (accidentally) surf among. While my friends threw themselves out of airplanes skydiving, I stayed firmly on the ground, snapping pictures and cheering them on. Every day brought a new adventure, and every experience made me fall in love with the city just a little more.

Looking back, this summer was a game-changer. My time in Cape Town taught me how to approach problems from new perspectives, how to trust in my own creativity and intuition, and how to embrace the unknown with open arms (and maybe a wetsuit). It reshaped how I see myself professionally and personally, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

So, here’s my advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad: do it. Dive in headfirst (or feet-first if you’re surfing like me). Say yes to the challenges, the adventures, and the unexpected moments that remind you why you’re here. I came home with a broader network, a sharper skill set, and memories that will last a lifetime—and that, to me, is the definition of a summer well spent.

by Daniella Zamora

The encounters I experienced during my shadowing in Italy have forever shaped my perspective on healthcare and life itself. I observed five different specialties: neurology and stroke unit, plastic surgery, OBGYN, gastroenterology, and emergency medicine. In total I shadowed for 80 hours that were divided between two hospitals in Bologna. I came into this program knowing I was going to learn many new things, but I can truly say that I have come out of the other side of this shadowing program not only knowing plenty more than I did before, but also an entirely different person. I was curious about other specialties coming into it, as I had only shadowed two before, and I immediately discovered a newfound interest in neurology after my time observing in the stroke unit. There were multiple cases that stuck with me and deeply impacted me and my perspective of the healthcare practice. They opened my eyes to the reality of being a healthcare provider and the challenges one may face when treating patients as well as the challenges patients face themselves when suffering from certain conditions. Observing the way healthcare providers and patients interacted in these hospitals helped broaden my perspective on how different cultures can be, both socially and professionally through the different etiquette and dialogue used. In retrospect, through this experience, I gained invaluable insights about the medical field, my love for medicine was solidified as a pre-med student, and my cultural understanding was deepened. It is because of this that this program and Bologna will forever hold a special place in my heart as being the city where I grew exponentially in both personally and professionally.

by Bianca Cirigliano

During my second year at the University of Florida, I began looking into different opportunities and internships that aligned with my interests. I stumbled across the Bob Graham Center for Public Service and the various opportunities they offer. As a Pre-Law student, I knew this was going to be a great fit for me as I was looking into expanding my horizons. I went ahead and applied for their 2024 Tallahassee Internship Program with very low expectations of being accepted given I was just a sophomore with no previous internship experience. However, after interviewing with the Center, I heard back and was offered a spot as an intern. At this point, I was not aware of how eye-opening and life changing this experience would be.

I served as a Spring 2024 intern at the UF Government and Community Relations Office in Tallahassee. In this position, I was responsible for attending committee meetings, legislative sessions on both the House of Representative and the Senate sides, as well as monitoring and attending budget meetings. I drafted weekly reports to inform University of Florida officials on topics that might affect or benefit our campus, as well as our state as a whole. Moreover, I was responsible for the planning and logistics of Gator Day, which is an event that highlights UF's academic excellence, research advancements, and national impact for the Florida Legislature, other statewide audiences, and the general public. Some of my responsibilities included delivering and sending out invitations, as well as contacting elected officials in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate, along with other professionals, such as the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the State University System of Florida. Additionally, I was responsible for coordinating the layout of events, communicating with vendors and tablers, distributing tasks to other interns and volunteering, preparing name badges, as well as working with Florida Blue Key, the Athletic Association, Student Government and more. The entire event fell on the hands of my office, as well as the UF Government and Community Relations Office in Gainesville and the Washington D.C. Office. I worked closely with multiple professionals, such as Christopher Emmanuel, Mark Kaplan, and Karen Thomas.

While working in this position, I realized I wanted to get more involved in the Florida Legislature as I had never considered politics as a career path. At the same time as I was interning for the UF Government and Community Relations Office, I served as a part-time intern for Florida Representative Ryan Chamberlin, who represents District 24 (Marion County). In this position, I was able to experience the Florida Legislature first hand and develop a better understanding of politics. I was responsible for attending committee meetings, monitoring appropriation and budgets while meeting with the Senate sponsors of my Representative’s bills, as well as interacting with constituents via phone or email, and by taking meetings at the office. These tasks and responsibilities allowed me to develop professional and intrapersonal skills required in the field of government relations and politics.

As a first-generation student who is seeking a dual degree in Criminology and Psychology, with a specialization in Behavior Analysis, I never thought the field of politics would have much to offer me. However, serving as a 2024 Tallahassee Legislative Intern not only helped me further develop my professional skills and learn about the Florida Legislature, but it allowed me to open up to new opportunities, make valuable connections, and consider different career paths for my future. My greatest takeaway from this experience is that you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take. I have learned to be much more open, understanding, flexible, and look at life from an enhanced perspective.

by Priyanka Harrypersad

Shadowing in Croatia was a transformative experience, helping me fully understand how comprehensive the healthcare system is in another country. This is my first time shadowing any physician in a hospital and it opened my eyes to the reality of working there. When observing five specialties-pathology, urology, ENT, oncology & surgery-each had different approaches to bedside manner, treatment plans and problem solving skills in each field. My goal for shadowing was learning more about specialties that are lesser known and getting to know how each department runs. For example, urology deals with a large volume of prostate cancer and most biopsies are sent to pathology for a second opinion.

All in all, my time in Croatia broadened my horizons in intercultural development. It reinforced the commitment I want to have with providing care to patients and helping immigrants in need as this is my goal for working in healthcare. Lastly, it highlighted how working in healthcare is going to be lifelong learning in either medical advancements or cultural competencies.

by Aspen Swart

As a pre-medical student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I sought out a variety of classes and experiences that would give me a holistic perspective on the world of medicine. I am very grateful to have found this in the Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholars Program. This program introduced me to courses that shaped the trajectory of my educational experience, including Introduction to Health Disparities, which contributed to my decision to pursue a minor in Health Disparities in Society. Beyond120’s emphasis on experiential learning also encouraged me to grow outside of the classroom through experiences like research, internships, and volunteering in both clinical settings and with local organizations that address social determinants of health. Near the end of my undergraduate education at UF, I was so fulfilled by my experience in the program that I worked with other Pre-Health Scholars to found Pre-Health Peer Chats, a program offering insight on the pre-medical journey to younger students. As much as the Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholars Program has impacted me, it has given me opportunities to serve others and leave a positive impact on UF and the Gainesville community. My involvement in the program has been a highlight of my time in college, and everything I have learned from it will continue to stay with me through my future education and career.

by Emory Ranes

As an incoming first-year on a pre-medical track, I knew the importance of academics and traditional learning. However, I did not realize that involvement and experiences outside of classes are just as, if not more, significant as classes. Becoming a Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholar and Morse Scholar significantly broadened my horizons with easily accessible opportunities that provided pivotal experience both in and outside the classroom. I joined the Pre-Health Scholars Service Groups and served the community of Gainesville throughout my time at UF; I made life-long friends in the process and gained invaluable leadership experience. I undertook an experiential learning internship with VITAS Healthcare as a Hospice Volunteer, which exposed me to a field of medicine that had never crossed my radar before. The experience was so enjoyable that I stayed on as a volunteer long past the end date of the internship. Those were two impeccable 2-3 year-long experiences that greatly changed my perspective on medicine and enhanced my strength as a medical school applicant. Furthermore, I took IHS1100 my freshman year and IHS3102 my senior year: the former guided my decisions as a student to prepare for medical school, and the latter compiled my experiences, preparing me for the application process. As a Morse Scholar, there is a scholarship fund that can be used towards extracurriculars such as going abroad to Spain to shadow doctors. However, I utilized my funds to help with the MCAT preparation costs, which considerably lessened the burden of the MCAT itself. Lastly, I had access to the best advisors and mentors at UF throughout my entire undergraduate experience as a Morse Scholar. Their guidance gave me wonderful insights but also the freedom to choose my path. Ultimately, the Beyond120 family gave me the best academic and extra-curricular opportunities as an undergraduate student at UF.

by Kylie Coolican

Gaining work experience through internships while in college may seem daunting at first. Often times companies will want varying levels of previous experience or want you to work 15-20 hours a week, which may be difficult to balance with schoolwork. I have had the awesome opportunity to hold 3 internship positions in college so far, two remote during the school year and one in person during the summer. The summer internship experience is one that is quite popular with college students, but I feel like not a lot of students know about remote internship experiences during the school year. Having a remote internship is great for college students because it allows them to be able to intern while still taking classes. Oftentimes, remote internships during the school year are more flexible in hours and your work schedule because the internships understand that you still have to take classes and get schoolwork done. You can also find paid remote internships which could help you with school-related expenses.

Finding the right remote internship can be tricky, but I would like to share some helpful tips that allowed me to get my internships. The first tip is to search on various job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Google Jobs, as well as others. My second tip is to apply to any and all internships that look like they could fit your skill set. I applied to at least 80 positions between the two remote positions, and I interviewed for only around 4 positions and got the two offers. In addition, read the job descriptions and see how many hours they want you to work or if the position is full-time or part-time. This will allow you to know which positions you would be able to work completely, as you don’t want to accept a position that requires more hours than you are able to handle with school. I would also recommend keeping track of where you apply to. My next tip would be to make sure you are clear on whether it is a paid opportunity or not. There are many remote internships that are paid, but there are two things to keep in mind when it comes to how they might pay you. My first remote internship was paid hourly every two weeks, while the other internship paid me a stipend that was disbursed roughly every two weeks. For internships that pay a stipend, they might not give the stipend until the internship program is completed, or it is paid out in various installments so be sure to keep an eye out for when you get paid. When it comes to the interview phase of getting an internship, my three biggest tips are to mention how open you are to learning and gaining new skills, to be upfront with your class schedule as well as how many hours you could realistically contribute to the position, and make sure you do research on the organization so that you can answer questions honestly and accurately.

Internships are great for gaining work experience, as well as allowing you to further know what you want to do when you graduate, and potentially an internship could lead to a full-time position. You could also do an internship for credit which could help you gain the credits necessary for obtaining your degree. CLAS students can earn up to 3 credits per semester through IDS4940, which you can learn more about on the Beyond120 website! Overall, having my internship experiences allowed me to narrow down my future career options as well as helped to gain professional skills. Happy internship hunting!

by Amelia Spicola, 4th year Microbiology Major

College is often touted as the time of your life when you'll gain independence, explore new horizons, and make lifelong memories. For me, that promise became a reality when I embarked on a 4-week journey studying abroad in Pontevedra, Spain where I spent over 80 hours shadowing physicians in a local hospital. This immersive experience, organized by the University of Florida's "UF in Pontevedra" program, not only enriched my understanding of Spanish culture but also deepened my passion for medicine.

The foundation of my transformative experience lay in cultural competency and immersion. Spain, with its rich history and diverse traditions, was the perfect setting for this. This included traditional Spanish cuisine like tapas, watching local festivities, and learning about the nuances of Spanish customs and traditions. One of the most eye-opening experiences was the "siesta" culture. In Spain, the afternoon break is not merely a nap but a cherished part of daily life, symbolizing the importance of relaxation and work-life balance. This cultural insight taught me the value of slowing down and savoring life's moments, a lesson that has stayed with me beyond my time abroad. One of my primary goals was to improve my Spanish proficiency, and the trip provided the perfect environment to achieve this. My daily interactions in Spanish, both inside and outside the classroom, pushed me to become a more confident and fluent speaker. By the end of the four weeks, I was having meaningful conversations with locals and confidently conversing in a new language.

Another exciting aspect of the program was the opportunity to travel to four different countries during our time in Europe. Beyond Spain, I explored Portugal, Switzerland, and Italy. Traveling broadened my horizons and exposed me to diverse cultures, languages, and histories. It was exhilarating to witness firsthand the cultural collage that is Europe, and these adventures ignited a lifelong love for travel and exploration.

Studying abroad is not just about places; it's about people too. The "Beyond120 Excursion" introduced me to a diverse group of fellow students from various backgrounds and majors. Together, we shared the joys and challenges of adapting to a new culture and a new language for many of us! I went with 11 other students I had never met prior to the trip. The friendships I forged during those four weeks were truly special. We supported each other through the culture shocks, and the bonds we formed remain strong even after returning to the United States. These connections opened my eyes to the importance of diversity, fostering global friendships that I cherish to this day.

As a pre-med student, the shadowing component of the program was a significant draw. I had the privilege of shadowing healthcare professionals at local hospitals, gaining invaluable insights into Spain's healthcare system. I spent over 80 hours shadowing physicians and I was able to observe several specialties up close, including anesthesia, OBGYN, emergency medicine, intensive care, urology, and more. The experience was truly life changing and cemented my love for medicine, showing me that all my hard work was worth it and encouraging me to pursue my medical dreams with a new vigor. This experience deepened my passion for medicine and expanded my understanding of healthcare practices beyond my home country.

Taking part in the program was undoubtedly the best college decision I ever made. It was a journey that transcended traditional learning, offering me cultural competence, language development, a profound appreciation for diverse cultures, and a global perspective on medicine. This adventure not only enriched my academic and personal growth but also left me with a treasure trove of memories and friendships that I will carry with me throughout my life. My time in Spain was a transformative experience that reinforced the idea that stepping beyond your comfort zone can lead to the most rewarding and unforgettable adventures.

by Annika Thiim

Before beginning my second year at UF, I sought out opportunities to get involved in the Gainesville community through a service-based organization. While I had found several organizations offering occasional community service events, I was hoping to find an organization that I could commit to for the coming three years. I was looking for an organization that I could grow within, as an aspiring physician hoping to become more aware of community issues and also as a leader. I am grateful to have joined the Pre-Health Scholars (PHS) program, because it has been exactly what I was searching for.

During my first semester being in PHS, I was in a service group with four students whom I had never met before; it was special to experience our shared passion for finding ways to help the community despite being newly acquainted. At our first meeting, my group bounced around several different ideas for our monthly projects: writing letters to hospice patients, baking desserts for dining hall staff, conducting campus cleanups, and playing with kids at the local daycare center. I appreciated the independence to choose our own focus for community service. My favorite service project from Fall 2022 was visiting the kids at Baby Gator Daycare during Thanksgiving time, where we sat down with the kids to color turkeys on Thanksgiving-themed coloring sheets. Although this was a simple activity, seeing the joy in their eyes while getting to be creative and make new friends was heart-warming; I ended up returning to Baby Gator a few different times because this was such a special experience.

The following semester, my group took a different and more laborious approach to our service projects: we used two of our monthly meetings to construct outdoor sheds at the Helping Hands Medical Clinic that are now used to house medications, medical supplies, and other necessary materials. The construction of these sheds required teamwork as we all took on different roles to maneuver the walls and roof together while screwing them together with a power drill. I enjoyed this collaborative effort and found it very satisfying to see a tangible representation of our hard work.

All in all, the freedom granted by PHS to choose service projects that aligned with my passions has been invaluable. Moreover, the program's inclusivity impressed me, fostering a belief that no limit exists on the amount of good we can do for our community. As an aspiring physician, I've always found fulfillment in helping others with health-related issues. However, PHS has reminded me that this sense of fulfillment extends beyond medicine; it's found in providing service for non-health-related issues as well. Any act of service, no matter how simple, can create profound connections and joy.