With over 60,000 students enrolled currently at the University of Central Florida, it is one of the largest public universities in the nation. Variables such as financial support, areas of study, and the support of loved ones make it difficult to define the "normal" college experience at UCF. However, I believe it is the culture of UCF, through its many school-funded resources and the kind and helpful demeanor of its staff and student population, that makes the University of Central Florida one of the best in the nation. For students who are enrolled in on-campus classes and are engaged in campus activities, UCF is more than just a higher education institution, it is a community of friends.

At the University of Central Florida, I am fortunate enough to be a student ambassador of sorts for prospective undergraduate students. In my position, I am frequently asked by parents and students: "Why UCF?"

I applied to several of Florida's big universities and toured all of the campuses before I made my decision. When asking for directions, information, or assistance at some of the other universities I toured, I felt like I was being a nuisance or an inconvenience wanting to know more about the school from its staff and students. The environment felt unfriendly, disengaged, and lonely. It felt as though there was a lack of respect or appreciation for the school and each other within the community at those universities, and it was largely off-putting.

By contrast, the University of Central Florida literally sparkled with its well-maintained landscaping, sidewalks, buildings, and overall infrastructure. The campus was well laid out and organized with signs, posts, and maps. Strangers smiled and waved at my father and me as we walked around the campus, and on more than one occasion we were asked if we would like help or directions. The campus was vibrant and colorful with commissioned murals and sculptures, and the environment buzzed with laughter and joy.

As I begin my junior year at the university, I have found that my initial impression of the school has held true. In fact, as a now fully-engaged member of the community, I find that UCF is more than just a degree-earning institution; put simply, UCF is my home.

The University of Central Florida took me in as a shy little freshman with no school spirit and with little desire but to earn her degree and get out with as little trouble as possible. But my university has molded me into an active and involved student striving to help others succeed to the best of my ability. I thought the university would help me by letting me earn a degree and making me a better candidate for future jobs or careers, but UCF has done so much more than that. The culture of hospitality at UCF has aided and supported me in finding new opportunities I would have never found by myself. And in turn, the camaraderie I have been shown makes me want to give others all of the same encouragement and ability to reach for the stars that I have been given.

In the UCF Creed, one of the school's main core values is the idea of community. The Creed says: "I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual."

Every member of the staff and the student body excels at upholding the other remaining tenets of integrity, scholarship, creativity, and excellence, but it is truly the neighborly and courteous demeanor that makes the University of Central Florida a step above the rest. Everyone is hand-in-hand with one another to watch us all succeed and triumph. With all of the love and gratitude in my heart, there is no one I would rather be than a UCF Knight.

Charge on!