Hello peeps,

Unlike the other directors, I’m actually in my third year here at the University, majoring in Exercise Physiology, Pre-Med. I have dabbled in many things here at UF, from being a part of UF’s bowling team to being AASU’s Secretary. I enjoy eating, shooting some hoops, listening to sounds, and grocery shopping. During my freshman year, like many other freshmen, I was excited about a lot of things but I simply didn’t know where to start. FLP became the start for me. I learned everything from how different organizations and leaders emerged in the past to planning an event with over 200 attendants. I can surely say that without FLP, I wouldn’t have the knowledge or the experience to even be able to be in charge of this program. It’s given me so many opportunities not only within the AASU community but also outside of it. I’ve met so many people that I would have never met and really took advantage of what the college has to offer because of this program. But, above everything, the thing about FLP that really made me stay and made me appreciate the program so much was the feeling of home and comfort I got that I never even knew I was missing.

This is my goal for you all–to help you become all that you can be and more, to fully obtain everything you can your first year here at UF and realize what you want and like. I am looking for this class to be better than FLP has ever seen and spread that FLP loving even more <3. Thanks for taking the time out to check FLP’s website and being interested in our program and what we can do for you. We hope to see you as a part of FLP’s Class VI! Please don’t hesitate to approach me and ask me any questions about anything, whether it be school, FLP, or even ways to get more bang for your buck at Chipotle. You never know, I might even treat you to lunch!

Monica Tirtarahardja
Director

Whaddup guys!

I’m a Floridian, born and raised in the sunshine city, St. Petersburg, or more affectionately known as da Burg. Therefore, I’m all about that beach and old people. I went through IB and got that diploma which probably is the reason why I am, now and forever, a Florida Gator! Specifically, I’m a 2nd year Food Science and Human Nutrition major on a Pre-Med track with a minor in Spanish. Don’t worry; it’s not as bad as it sounds. Yet. When I’m not on my nerd grind I like doing normal college kid things like running 5Ks, playing the piano, “working” at my job at Hollister and video gaming. I dare you to try me at MarioKart.

Anyways, I came to UF with this idea that I was gonna stay cool with all my friends from high school and live in this idyllic wonderland. It didn’t happen. Everyone gravitated towards something different, and I had no idea where to start. I joined FLP shortly after my freshman year, and it’s opened so many doors for me. If it weren’t for FLP, I wouldn’t know a lot of the people I’ve grown to know as my friends and Gator Nation family. It’s way more than just a program to put on your resume. It’s your opportunity to grow as a person, a leader, a Gator.

And just so you know, I’m here for you guys! If you guys need any advice about ANYTHING (school, work, partying, relationships) I’ll try my best to help you out. I really dig cheesy quotes and stuff that sounds cool. My goal for FLP Class VI is to get all of you involved in our community and make the most out of your freshman year. Believe me, freshman year will flash right before your eyes, and you don’t want to waste any time. They say college is the best time of your life, so LEHGO.

Jonathan Tanawan
Assistant Director

By the way…don’t call me Jonathan…nobody does that.

Hello beautiful people!

I was born and raised as a Texan, so I’m super legit with my “yes m’ams/sirs” and bbq. I’m currently majoring in Business Administration. In my free time, you can find me playing tennis, FISHING <3, and spending quality time with my loved ones. Having attended 3 high schools (the last being spent as a senior in FL), I didn't have many friends to call "my UF group"-- I wasn't even sure if I wanted to get involved on campus. FLP has changed my life forever more; it's allowed me to create what you will soon have, fishies,"a FLP family" consisting of supportive, caring, and motivated mentors and friends. The program has allowed me to help plan major events within AASU, network amongst the UF campus and even travel to last year's ECAASU conference in Massachusetts! My main goal for this upcoming year is to provide you freshmen all the opportunities I experienced and even missed so that your first year will become as rewarding and accomplished as mine. Watching y'all blossom within this academic year will be my pride and joy and I can't wait to show you all the FLP <3IN'

Kayla Tran
Assistant Director

My name is Harry Potter and I need your help in the battle against the dark Lord.

Well not exactly. I will actually be the one helping you against… the difficulties of college life. I am an international student from Taiwan, where I grew up. However, between 2000 and 2006 I have also lived in Dominica, Belize, and Miami before returning to Asia for highschool. My first days at the UF were quite overwhelming and I could not imagine how I would find the right group of people to hang with, but I did. I went to AASA and discovered AASU and the many fantastic suborganizations under it, as well as the Freshmen Leadership Program. I found myself quite happy amongst all these knowledgeable and respectable people, and I felt comfortable and relieved that I was surrounded by freshmen who were in the same boat as me. In that moment, college did not seem so scary anymore.

Class of 2015, this is your freshmen year. Remember to always, always, ALWAYS be open-minded and do NOT spend a single day being inactive inside your dorm or apartment. I believe that each and everyone of you will become a significant addition to Class VI of FLP.

Meet with me often for lunch/snack/dinner! I enjoy eating!

Love,
William Yang (Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Major)
Assistant Director