Current Members

Overview

Learn more about each of our Santa Fe College ambassador rosters below.

Caitlin Wiley

Hometown
Jacksonville, Florida

Major
Exercise and Sport Science

Why Santa Fe College
I am planning for a career in physical therapy. I wanted to begin my college path with a strong foundation. Santa Fe College offered opportunities that would give me the foundation that I needed to positively shape my academic future. For instance, they have small class sizes, the learning commons, and many other services to assist students. I recognized that by utilizing the resources at Santa Fe College, I would develop the necessary skills I needed to transfer to the University of Florida. Santa Fe College aids students with guided independence to succeed in their education endeavors.

Interesting Fact About You
I teach dance classes at a local dance studio and you can also find me working at Santa Fe College's Visitor Information Desk!

Hobbies
I have enjoyed dancing for fifteen years. My focus has been on Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern.

Five Year Goals
Within five years, I plan to have obtained my A.A. in exercise science and B.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. Additionally, I should have started my first year in the University of Florida's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Once I complete my education, I intend to help athletes and children with their physical therapy needs.

Advice for freshmen
To succeed at Santa Fe College, I have three suggestions. One, make sure to go to office hours. Office hours allow professors to remember a student's name and it demonstrates one's work ethic. Also, this is one way students can build connections within the school. Two, if you plan on transferring to a University, keep track of one's degree audit. When deciding on classes, the degree audit gives students the opportunity to view their transfer requirements. Three, make use of the library! The library offers free tutoring, study rooms, Coffee 101, rent-out phone chargers, and many other services that can make one's college life easier.

Joy Murungi

Hometown
Bradford, Florida

Major
Organizational Management

Why Santa Fe College
I was introduced to Santa Fe College by my mother and the Upward Bound Trio Program. In addition, I was also a part of the College Achievement Program offered by Santa Fe College to promote academic excellence in high school seniors. Being a part of this program gave me the ability to obtain a scholarship that paid for my entire Associate in Arts degree in Business Administration. I chose SF because of the genuine community of people who want to empower each other to achieve their life goals.

Interesting Fact About You
I am a Marvel fan!

Hobbies
I enjoy nature trails, beaches, and parks. I also like doing abstract paintings.

Five Year Goals
In five years, I will have earned my Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management here at Santa Fe College. After earning my Bachelor's, I will continue my education by pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration or a Leadership degree in my chosen university.

Advice for freshmen
Networking is valuable for your future career. Meet new people and expand your professional connections. Be a part of leadership opportunities to enrich your future in a positive way!

Sabrina Bardi

Hometown
Maracaibo, Venezuela 

Major
Industrial Engineering

Why Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College is a small school that is full of opportunities. At SF, every single student matters and has a voice. There are many student support services that remind us we are not alone and that SF is our family! Everyone in our community truly wants us to succeed and provides a welcoming space where you can just be yourself. Here, you can make meaningful connections while preparing yourself in the best way for your career goals. Thanks to Santa Fe College, I have grown in every aspect of my life.

Five Year Goals
My goal is to graduate with an A.A. from Santa Fe and transfer to the University of Florida to pursue my Computer Engineering major and Engineering Innovation minor. I plan to get involved as much as I can during my time at UF. I will possibly do a semester abroad in Italy and secure internships wherever I can. After graduating I would love to move to a big city like New York and work for a big tech company.

Advice for freshmen
Become comfortable with being uncomfortable! Push yourself out of your comfort zone - don't be afraid to reach out and make connections. Work hard, get involved, and take advantage of all the amazing resources that SF has to offer. Surround yourself with people you admire and want to be more like, those who bring out your best self.

Leon Li

Hometown
Tainan, Taiwan

Major
Exercise & Sports Science

Why Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College is an amazing place that provides you with endless opportunities. Here, people truly care about your success and there are countless resources available to help you succeed. I also really enjoy the small class sizes that allow more engagement and interaction during class. At Santa Fe, you'll get a real sense of the community, and you will meet amazing people from all types of cultures and backgrounds!

Interesting Fact About You
I was an exchange student for 4 years in 3 different countries, including the US, Spain, and the UK!

Hobbies
Soccer, soccer, and more soccer! Oh and I also like traveling

Five Year Goals
After the completion of my A.A. degree, I would like to transfer to UF for a bachelor's in Applied Kinesiology and Physiology. This will allow me to apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) school with the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist.

Advice for freshmen
I would say get involved as much as possible. At first, when I decided to study at a 'community' college instead of a big 4-year university, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to enjoy the 'university' life as much. But, in fact, there are so many different opportunities and resources within the campus available to you. As Dumbledore once said, "Help will always be given at Hogwarts for those who ask for it." The same goes for students at Santa Fe! So, enjoy your time here, make the most of it, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Breny Maurtua

Hometown
Lima, Perú

Major
Biological Sciences

Why Santa Fe College
From an international student's perspective, Santa Fe College was everything I wanted and more. For me, it was very important to find a college that not only excelled academically, but that also cared and supported international students. From day one, SF made me feel welcomed and cared for. The support I have received here from faculty and professors has been incredible. Santa Fe College is a phenomenal college that supports students and wants to see them succeed. I also love how well SF prepares students for the future- be it transferring to another university once you complete an A.A., or providing opportunities to develop your skills that will serve you in the work field.

Interesting Fact About You
I'm an absolute bookworm. I read around 70+ books a year and historical fiction is my favorite book genre.

Hobbies
Coffee shop hunting, spending time at the beach, cookie baking dates with friends, and reading good books.

Five Year Goals
Once I graduate with my A.A. degree from Santa Fe College, I would like to continue my education and pursue a microbiology degree at the University of Florida so I can eventually become an ND doctor. My dream is to someday specialize in women's healthcare and be able to have my own private practice...and maybe own a little cozy coffee shop, too!

Advice for freshmen
Dear freshman, get involved. I know you'll hear many people say this, but it is super important for you to start networking and making new friends as soon as you start college. Try out different clubs and organizations, start study groups, do volunteer work, and apply to different SF programs like the Honors program. SF offers so many resources to help you succeed and make your academic experience amazing. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Success coaches are literal academic angels that can help you figure out the correct way to study, organize your study schedule and help you find that healthy balance as a new college student.

Christa Wetjen

Hometown
St. Augustine, Florida

Major
Health Science

Why Santa Fe College
Most Santa Fe students transfer to the University of Florida which sparked an interest in me to come to this college. Santa Fe has offered me many different opportunities and resources. Universities can be overwhelming with over 100 students in classrooms, while Santa Fe has smaller class sizes ranging from 20-30 students in each class. Having that one-on-one experience with my teachers is important to me to help further my education. Santa Fe is a guiding step into pursuing my dreams of attending the University of Florida.

Interesting Fact About You
I learned how to surf when I was nine years old and have been surfing ever since.

Hobbies
I enjoy paddle boarding and surfing. I also enjoy exploring the parks and nature trails around Gainesville.

Five Year Goals
After graduating from Santa Fe with my A.A., my plan is to transfer to the University of Florida to get a bachelor's in Health Science. With this degree, I can apply to Physician Assistant school to become a PA.

Advice for freshmen
Take on every opportunity you can whether it be in clubs, volunteer work, or the programs offered here at Santa Fe. It is never too late to get involved. Use the tutors on campus, they are more helpful than you think. Overall, have fun at Santa Fe and make new connections with your fellow classmates!

Lucas Valdes

Hometown
Miami, Fl

Major
Construction Management

Why Santa Fe College
When I visited Gainesville during my senior year, I knew I was where I needed to be. As I toured the campus of Santa Fe College, I knew I had to look no further. I am glad I chose Santa Fe as the institution to help propel me toward my higher education goals of attending UF. This institution has provided me with countless resources and personalized attention necessary to succeed and has forged me; the confidence that I am headed on the right career path.

Interesting Fact About You
A little over two years ago, I learned how to DJ. Since then, I have been fascinated by it and now I am contracted to play at big venues in Miami and Gainesville.

Hobbies
I love going Fishing and Hunting

Five Year Goals
My goals for the next 5 years are to graduate from Santa Fe College with an A.A. Degree, transfer to UF's M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management to pursue a bachelor's degree, study abroad a semester and participate in any internship opportunities to gain firsthand experience in the construction field. My ultimate goal is to own and operate a construction company.

Advice for freshmen
My advice to incoming first-year students is to work hard, stay focused and DO NOT let anyone determine what you are capable of accomplishing. We each go at our own pace; it is not a race. You are where you should be in your college career at that specific moment in time. Trust the process and enjoy the journey!"

Greco Pinzon

Hometown
Anzoategui, Venezuela

Major
Civil Engineering

Why Santa Fe College
I chose Santa Fe because it opens the door to new experiences and knowledge. It has also allowed me to better understand myself while being surrounded by new people, cultures, and experiences. Santa Fe is incredibly supportive of everyone and welcomes all with open arms.

When I visited campus for the first time on a tour, it was a very welcoming environment that made me and my parents feel extremely comfortable and at ease, so I knew this was a great college and likely where I would attend.

Interesting Fact About You
I play basketball and represent my state and country in different categories.

Hobbies
I know how to play 4 different instruments and was part of the Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela

Five Year Goals
After graduating from Santa Fe College my plan is to transfer to UF and get my major in Civil Engineering. I will apply to different companies such as Tesla, Nasa and AECOM while I am studying to get internships and gain experience in the field before getting my degree.

Advice for freshmen
If you want excellence in college you need to put the work in, be patient and do not procrastinate. Use all the resources and opportunities that are available for free on campus and make connections and relations with other students for the future.

Alfredo Feng

Hometown
Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Major
Biomedical Engineering

Why Santa Fe College
I chose Santa Fe College because it offers endless opportunities and experiences. Everyone is supportive and will help you grow on a personal level. As an international student, I was extremely nervous about starting college abroad, but I was caught off guard by how nice and kind everyone was. Throughout my stay at Santa Fe, I got a chance to meet people from all over the world, was offered unique opportunities, had a caring community that always wishes me the best, and provided the help needed to succeed in every aspect of my life.

Interesting Fact About You
I can speak three languages: Spanish, English and Chinese.

Hobbies
Swimming, badminton, working out, reading books and cooking.

Five Year Goals
After graduating with my A.A. degree from Santa Fe, I plan to transfer to the University of Florida to pursue my bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering. After graduating, apply to Medical School, and eventually become a doctor and specialize in Dermatology or ENT.

Advice for freshmen
Be organized, meet new people, and make connections. Work hard and focus on your goals and always be consistent, but also learn and enjoy as much as you can from the steps you take to achieve them.

Fernando Diaz

Hometown
Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela

Major
Industrial Engineering

Why Santa Fe College
Santa fe gave me the opportunity to pursue my studies abroad , and since I started. It has been great, I've always felt like I have received the help I needed to succeed academically. At Santa fe there's also a great community, This institution and the people have always encouraged me to achieve my academic and professional goals. That's why Santa Fe is the right choice.

Interesting Fact About You
I know a lot about Italian football history, I've been a big fan since young.

Hobbies
I like to spend my free time doing exercise, watching a movie or reading a book.

Five Year Goals
I would like to grow as much as I can as professional, and learn more about the things I'm passionate about.

Advice for freshmen
My advise for freshman students is to try to be ready, schedule ahead and you will do well, and especially at the beginning of your career, using the resources Santa Fe offers such as the learning commons will help you to be ready for school challenges.

Karley Goodman

Hometown
Portland, Michigan

Major
Organizational Management

Why Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College offers all the resources I need to succeed. There are countless opportunities to get involved and build leadership skills. I especially appreciate the small class sizes; my professors know who I am and are truly invested in me as a student and a person.

Interesting Fact About You
I participated in the Disney College Program my freshman year of college! I worked as an attraction operator at Rise of the Resistance at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Hobbies
Reading, yoga, and ice cream tasting (my goal is to eat ice cream in all 50 states)! I also love traveling and hope to work abroad during my career.

Five Year Goals
Upon completing my B.A.S. in Organizational Management, I plan on attending graduate school to pursue a master's in industrial/Organizational Management. I want my career to be centered around developing ways for people to build positive work environments and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Advice for freshmen
It is completely ok to not have everything figured out. Be open to new experiences throughout your college experience. By getting involved on campus, you will learn more about yourself and what you are passionate about. These experiences may cause you to change your mind about the trajectory of your life, and that it awesome! Trust that you have what it takes and rely on new friends, professors, and mentors to help you succeed.