At UF, we believe that experiential learning is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. In fact, you may even hear us say “Degree + Credentials + Experiences” will help you maximize your time at UF. As part of our ongoing efforts to showcase the diverse and impactful opportunities available to our students, we regularly reach out to those who have participated in various programs, seeking to highlight their experiences and how these opportunities have shaped their academic and professional journeys. Today, I’m excited to share the story of a student, Juan Osorio (2nd Year | Political Science), who took part in one of UF’s undergraduate opportunities, the Active Learning Program (ALP) and how it led to an incredible experience with the Education Equalizers Foundation (EEF).
Here’s a snippet from Juan:
“The Active Learning Program at UF is an internship-research program that connects undergraduate students with key community members involved in their own projects. These projects range in size, scope, and field of study. They include community-based programs like Reading Pals, an early literacy initiative, or research projects such as the Impact of Habitat Fragmentation on Mosquito Composition and Functional Traits study. By becoming involved in the Active Learning Program, or ALP, and the project of their choice, undergraduate students gain valuable experience that can be used to bolster their resumes or potentially even lead to future professional development opportunities.
In the spring semester of 2024, I participated in the ALP and became involved with a Gainesville-based nonprofit named the Education Equalizers Foundation. The Education Equalizers Foundation, or EEF, works with middle through high school students to demystify the college admissions process and provide scholars with the tools they need to graduate. EEF accomplishes this by engaging students with SAT/ACT preparation, FAFSA clinics, college tours, and our Summer College PASS program. I am minoring in Educational Studies, so EEF’s message and work stood out to me from ALP’s list of partnered projects. My experience during my internship helped me create connections with the Gainesville community and led to me joining EEF’s permanent staff as Program Coordinator. Without the ALP or EEF, I would never have understood the benefits of experiential learning and probably would have had a harder time securing other opportunities I have participated in since then, including interviews for clubs on campus and internships outside of it. I would highly recommend taking the Active Learning Program class to any undergraduate student, no matter their year or major. There are meaningful opportunities for everyone, and I hope more students will take advantage of them.”
Juan’s journey from intern to Program Coordinator is a powerful example of how experiential learning can open doors to unexpected and rewarding career paths. It highlights the importance of seizing opportunities like those offered through the Active Learning Program.
If you have a similar story of how experiential learning has impacted your academic or professional life, I’d love to hear from you! Sharing your experience could inspire others to explore the incredible opportunities available at UF. Please reach out to me in the Career Connections Center, Edwina Hurst, at edwinarj24@ufl.edu to submit your story. Let’s continue to showcase the transformative power of experiential learning.
