BOWIE STEPHENS
1. What does FLP personally mean to you & why did you choose to become a Director of FLP?
During my freshmen year in college, I found it beneficial to join the first class of FLP. With so many programs, organizations and resources at UF, it helped me gain a better understanding of what the University has to offer. Also, during my participation in the first class of FLP, I formed bonds with those in my class and went through the first year together exploring and finding out what I like to do and how I fit in the whole grand scheme of things. It was a great opportunity to be around community leaders and to gain experience with programming and event planning. One commonality we shared was our passion for Asian culture and that is what brought us together. I wanted to expand and continue the FLP mission to serve our community with a hub of leaders and information to support the new freshmen who may be lost or needing that extra push to become more involved.
2. What advice would you give to a freshman coming into UF?
I tried to do everything my freshmen year. There were so many different things to do and to join but my best advice it to take it slow and really focus on one or two things. There’s only so much time you have in college, and to try everything would take more than your 4 years here. Yes, it was exciting and fun but the point of FLP is to show you what organizations there are to be a part of so that you can develop as a leader and choose what you enjoy. The great part about FLP is that it’s like a one stop shop for asking advice from those who have been there before you and to really expand and build on what there is to offer. Don’t be shy, just go out and meet as many people as you can, but don’t forget about the main reason why you are here, and that’s for your education!
3. FLP Then–Can you give us a brief description on what FLP was like during your directorship?
My first year of FLP – it was just Dennis and Scott, the AASU President and Treasurer at that time. Meetings were held in a random place, and there was no structure. But that blossomed into something more because our FLP class (less than 10 people) would hang out and have our own gatherings, road trips and going out. Potlucks become a daily thing, hanging out in the dorms or off campus apartments became a normal routine. We ate, slept, breathed FLP and it was fun. My year of directorship was following that, and my co-director and I were also on the board for AASU. It was a great partnership because we were able to create the first AASU Week which is run by FLP, and to bring more awareness in the spring time as well as hold a banquet for AASU and pull everything together, with the purpose of unity in mind for programming. There was extra funding in our budget which allowed us to communicate through FLP that we could use it in this manner. We also had our first ECAASU trip as FLP, and our first mentorship program. It was really a trial year for us but everything worked out great and really set the foundation of what FLP can be.
4. The future of FLP–What is your vision of what FLP is to become in the future?
For me, the future is now. FLP is doing great, and I am really proud of what it has become. Every year it’s getting bigger and better and the quality of the program is fantastic. It’s very organized and I haven’t heard a single bad thing about it. What’s great about it is that it’s all voluntary and that’s what makes it so great, because people want to be involved and it’s a good feeling to be around active leaders who share the same goals as you. I hope that in a few years, the alumnae association for AASU will be more established and that it will be like AASU outside of college. It would be a great mentorship program for those who need guidance for a profession if they are exploring or serious about it.
5. What are you currently pursuing?
I am currently part of the Marketing division at Seminole Hollywood Casino as a Casino Host.
VANESSA KWONG
1. What does FLP personally mean to you & why did you choose to become a Director of FLP?
FLP has always meant more than just an organization to me, it was a means to connect and mentor the incoming class of youngings. It was about giving back to a time where we all once were, perhaps lost and looking for guidance or just a buddy to connect with. I chose to become director because I wanted to be part of my freshmen class first year experience and connect them to the resources that we had available at UF. FLP has not only given me some of my closest friends today and most fantastic memories but also for the best experience in any organization I’ve ever been involved with. Plus, freshies are awesome!
2. What advice would you give to a freshman coming into UF?
Do everything! Take every opportunity and run with it. Don’t ever settle for anything more than you were looking for and until you are truly satisified. Connect connect connect with those around you and believe me, your time in college will literally zoom right by!
3. FLP Then–Can you give us a brief description on what FLP was like during your directorship?
My FLP class II consisted of less than 20 students with no funding or much support but we were definitely able to make the best of what we were dealt with. It was also the creation of the mentor/mentee program between my co-director and I as well as the continuation of the ECAASU trips. Also, it was the first year AASU week was created due to the lack of programming in Spring which was received with much enthusiasm and continued annually into today.
4. The future of FLP–What is your vision of what FLP is to become in the future?
FLP can truly only get bigger and better from hereon forth. We grew from a class of 10 to 20 to 30 and now over 100! I see FLP being a niche for incoming freshmen and a foundation for whatever endeavors/obstacle they will face. These FLP alumni will then give back in the future initiating the changes needed on the UF campus for not just Asian-Americans but for everyone involved.
5. What are you currently pursuing?
I am currently a Federal Consultant with Accenture in Washington DC. My contact is puikwong@gmail.com, feel free to shoot me an email, I’d be more than happy to answer any questions or just to chat!