KARA MIA VILLANUEVA

1. What does FLP personally mean to you & why did you choose to become a Director of FLP?
For me, the Freshman Leadership Program gave me a new area and direction to explore in my college career. When I first entered UF, I definitely did not come in with a wealth of knowledge about the campus or a great supporting network of people. I did have a few friends come up with me from high school, but for the most part, I had left everyone I truly cared about back in my hometown. FLP essentially gave me that “home away from home” feeling and gave me my new niche – and that’s how I spent my freshman year. The choice to become a director was easy. I wanted to give the new upcoming freshman class the same experience I got when I first came to UF. College is a unique stage in one’s lifetime and I wanted to at least touch some part of a freshman’s life in a positive manner.

2. What advice would you give to a freshman coming into UF?
Relax. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. The time you spend in college will be brief but it will be filled with memories to reflect on for the rest of your life. For those who are a bit apprehensive about making new friends, getting involved, or doing well in school- relax. Life always works out in some sort of way. College is about defining yourself and who you want to be. Good luck to the rest of your college career here at UF and enjoy!! Go Gators!

3. FLP Then–Can you give us a brief description on what FLP was like during your directorship?
When I was a director, FLP was still in a developing stage. There were some challenges faced with being part of a young team of leaders but somehow, my directors and I pulled together and made the year the best that we could. At one point, we needed to recruit approximately 100 mentors for 100 mentees – something that seemed impossible since there was never that amount of FLP mentees in one year. Even though there were many, many, many late nights spent on planning the events, M&m week, and matching mentors and mentees, my year as a director was completely rewarding. To this day, I still see my FLP freshmen putting themselves out in the community to be a leader.

4. The future of FLP–What is your vision of what FLP is to become in the future?
Honestly, I’m not sure I can predict the future of FLP. Every year ceases to amaze me and every year, it seems that the program gets better and better. I hope things continue to progress in FLP and that every year there are some traditions that are kept while some new innovative ideas are being made. My one vision is to see FLP still established and going strong whenever I visit UF after I graduate.

5. What are you currently pursuing?
Kara Mia is currently a third year Liberal Arts and Sciences student. She is also the Interval Vice President of the Asian American Student Union.

SABRINA CHAN-PONG

1. What does FLP personally mean to you & why did you choose to become a Director of FLP?
To explain what FLP means to me is near impossible to put into words. I wouldn’t be where I am today without FLP. FLP provides freshmen with a family, guidance, opportunities, fun, memories, and so much more. This intimate and supportive setting is one of a kind especially on such a huge college campus. I chose to become director to make a difference in a freshman’s life just as the FLP Class IV directors had done for me.

2. What advice would you give to a freshman coming into UF?
Tips for a Freshman:
Meet people and network! Don’t be scared to talk to older members or officers! Take advantage of your opportunities. Yes there are a million, but explore them to find what you’re passionate about. Want to put on AASA someday? Or become president?—IT CAN HAPPEN! Don’t sit around doing nothing. ever. If you’re spending your nights on facebook and watching TV, you will regret it! There are always events going on, people to hang out with, or mentors to feed you . Get the most out of your college years. Make sure everything you do has a purpose.

3. FLP Then–Can you give us a brief description on what FLP was like during your directorship?
Besides FLP Class V being the BEST CLASS EVER, the era of FLP Class V was the start of a few new FLP elements such as the fly logo, M&M Week, and AASU Week Closing Ceremony. The main mission and focus of FLP in 2010-2011 was achieving unity within AASU. The directors really wanted our class to network with their classmates and mentors from all the sub-orgs. Our dream is that one day all the sub-org presidents will know each other and already have that connection with each other because they were once united as a FLP class.

4. The future of FLP–What is your vision of what FLP is to become in the future?
I definitely see FLP growing as the years go on, becoming stronger each year. However, I also can say that the future is unpredictable. One of the great aspects of being an FLP director is the freedom to be innovative, to make your year special and unique. I’m beyond excited to see what future directors bring to the table, but I also hope to see traditions live on. FLP will always be that home away from home and that place you can go to when you’re lost and need guidance.

5. What are you currently pursuing?
Sabrina is currently a third year majoring in Marketing. She is also the current Treasurer of the Asian American Student Union and an Event Director of the Asian Arts & Entertainment Festival | Closing Ceremony for Asian Kaleidoscope Month.

VANE VO, A.D.

1. What does FLP personally mean to you & why did you choose to become a Director of FLP?
FLP is a great stepping stone that gives freshmen the chance to experience something new. It provides them with opportunity to grow and meet new people. The reason I because a director was because I know FLP can really make a difference in a freshman’s life just as it did in mine.

2. What advice would you give to a freshman coming into UF?
Never let fear stop you from doing something because you will regret it later. Never give up because if one door closes then another door will open. Lastly, never be alone because there’s a bazillion people at UF and the journeys way more fun with friends that have your back.

3. FLP Then–Can you give us a brief description on what FLP was like during your directorship?
We had a wonderful group of kids. They were like a sponge that was ready to soak in all that we had to offer. We tried very hard to promote unity within AASU and gave them what we promised them in the FLP mission statement.

4. The future of FLP–What is your vision of what FLP is to become in the future?
I hope that FLP will continue to help Freshmans with their transition to college life. We always had this idea that one day in the future when all the presidents under AASU had their meetings. They would remember when that they all meet each other at FLP. As for me, I hope on day ill come back as an alumni and hear how FLP is changing the lives of others.

5. What are you currently pursuing?
Vane is currently a third year pursuing his degree in Accounting. He is also the Conference Chair for the Asian American Student Union.

MARIA CANONIZADO, A.D.