Deciding on a career that is best for you may be hard. With CF’s college preview night, guidance was given to those who needed it.
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, CF hosted its annual College Preview Night at the Ocala Campus. This event will also take place on Thursday, March 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus and on March 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Citrus Campus.
The main goal of this event was to inform students, future and current, on everything they needed to know about college. This included financial aid, different connect programs provided by the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida, tuition costs, programs offered, dual enrollment, and student life. Along with that, getting to know the faculty was a staple.
“Connecting with people is an important part of this,” said Saul Reyes, Vice President of Student Affairs. “That’s the value of tonight, meeting the best sales people and making a connection to see themselves.”
This was a huge plus for the preview night. Being able to meet peers that you will interact with in the future is beneficial. Kickstarting yourself and networking with others helps get future students off their feet.
For those who were still undecided on their career, CF addressed with their informative staff and students. With 44 different booths, including 15 program choices, students had a wide variety of interests to learn about. This diversity and an exceptional faculty led to a high attendance turnout.
Expecting 300 attendees, CF was pleasantly surprised when 475 people arrived. Waiving the $30 application fee, a chance to win a $300 scholarship, exceptional advertising, and advice, including workshops, was key to their success.
“The support from everyone at this college is overwhelming, said Dr. Robinson, Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment. “I’m very thankful for all the departments and staff for helping out today.”
All the booths involved were informative in their own way. Some of the standouts from the night include Radiography, Forensics, and Suicide Prevention.
Radiography is a program new to CF. CF is very excited to have this extensive program in their school and believe they can attract students nationwide because of it. However, with this much recognition, availability is limited and not everyone who is interested will be accepted in.
The Forensics club, while it seems obvious what it pertains to, is a debate club and not crime based. Students are encouraged to join as it improves public speaking, the ability to think on your feet, and several other aspects in life.
“It helps with almost anything,” said Assistant Professor of Communications, Jennifer Mazur. “It touches everything I would say.”
Suicide prevention is important to have on a college campus. Tom Walsh, project director of the campus suicide prevention project, used the night to inform students that CF has many opportunities, activities, and events to overall improve their happiness and ultimately deter one from committing suicide.
“I think the atmosphere here is really great,” said Walsh.
With CF doing an exceptional job this year, one can only imagine what will happen in years to come.

Story by Zach Grinstead

Photos by Zach Grinstead