When University of Florida representative Elizabeth Saguil heard there was an opening to talk to high school students about her school, she jumped at the chance. On Sept. 11, she spoke to over 100 students at Hagerty about the opportunities and programs that UF provides.
“I want to get kids excited about being able to shape their futures because there are so many open doors right now,” Saguil said. “I really, really love meeting with students.”
Taking place in the media center, the UF visit was announced back in August by college and career counselor Andrea Fuhrer. As Fuhrer worked to get the word out about the school’s brand new College and Career center, booking college visits was one of her top priorities.
“I’m trying to cater to my audience, and I know I have a lot of eager students that would love to be a Gator,” Fuhrer said. “I hope that they start to push themselves to the best version of themselves…and start to think about their four year plan, their 10 year plan, even their one year plan.”
During the 45-minute long information session, Saguil highlighted UF’s dedication to research from the freshman level, their low student-faculty ratio and expertise in the rapidly-growing industry of artificial intelligence. To Saguil, UF’s low financial cost—one that enables 79% of students to graduate debt-free—was essential, as the university hopes to place students on “firm financial ground instead of a hole.”
“I am all about opportunities…I have two boys, and I put them both to college myself. I want students to be able to see that it’s within their wheelhouse, to be able to get [to college],” Saguil said.
Senior Claire Cosio attended the presentation, leaving with an even greater desire to attend the university.
“UF is a great school, one of the best public universities in Florida,” Cosio said. “I knew people that went there, or still go there, [so] I was interested in coming.”
Outside of academics, Saguil emphasized UF’s commitment to building community, a point she knew could make or break students’ college decisions. With over 1000 student organizations, Saguil assured students that they would find their place, whether it be in the Falling Gators skydiving club or culinary club Baking4Wellness.
“My office overlooks an area that’s called the Plaza,” Saguil said. “The students hang out there. They set up hammocks, they eat lunch, they study, they lounge around…the community is great, I love it.”
After presenting a brief slideshow, Saguil opened the floor for students to ask questions, which took another 30 minutes. As students asked their questions rapid-fire, Cosio noted that UF’s admission process does not factor in students’ majors, a fact contrary to the public perception of college admissions.
“I learned that UF first admits you as a freshman, and then you pick your major,” Cosio said. “[Visits like these] definitely help me learn about colleges that I might not be able to get to on a regular tour.”
In the future, Fuhrer hopes to continue hosting college visits and generating student interest. Upcoming tour dates can be found on the College and Career website, and students looking for extra guidance with college applications can visit Fuhrer’s office every Tuesday after school until Oct. 15.
“Yes, [students] have to miss a little bit of class time for the visit,” Fuhrer said. “But hopefully it’s valuable time missed…that students can be more attuned to the reality [and excitement] of what college life is like…[with] a better idea of what’s expected of them within the application process.”
