Rousemary Estrada
Outside the Classroom
GatorNights is the leading late-night program in Gainesville, offering students a dynamic array of free entertainment every week throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The program features everything from blockbuster movies and live bands to comedians, improv shows, arts and crafts, interactive games, food, cultural events, DJs, video games, and much more. As a member of the GatorNights Planning Committee, I had the privilege of collaborating with a fantastic team of event coordinators, marketing specialists, photographers, permit managers, and staff to create unforgettable experiences for the entire student body. We worked closely with outside vendors and local catering companies to coordinate food delivery and entertainment, all while fostering student engagement and promoting community spirit. It was truly rewarding to be part of a team that was dedicated to providing our peers with memorable, fun-filled nights.
The Hispanic Student Association (HSA) is the go-to organization for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic students at UF who are eager to learn about Hispanic-Latinx culture and connect with the broader community in Gainesville. Through HSA, I had the opportunity to work alongside fellow students to organize a diverse range of cultural, social, and educational events that celebrate the rich traditions of the Hispanic-Latinx community. These events span from showcasing music, literature, and dance to facilitating discussions on key issues impacting Hispanic and Latinx people both in the U.S. and globally. As a diverse organization, HSA offers equally diverse programming, allowing me to grow professionally, personally, and culturally, ultimately shaping me into a more well-rounded and conscientious leader. Additionally, HSA boasts over twenty affiliated organizations, each with its unique mission, enriching the opportunities for students to engage and contribute to campus life.
As a Student Engagement Ambassador (SEA), I’ve had the privilege of helping students navigate their way to meaningful involvement on UF’s campus while supporting the mission of Student Engagement. Through our work, we provide a range of services and opportunities that help students connect with the campus community, manage events for signature programs and campus traditions, and promote experiential learning and involvement. I’ve had the opportunity to coach and mentor students, guiding them through campus resources, presenting to groups and classes on various topics, and assisting student organizations in promoting membership opportunities. It’s been incredibly rewarding to play a role in helping students find their place and thrive at UF. My involvement with Student Engagement helped me grow as a leader and provided me with the tools to make a meaningful impact on students.
I was actively involved with the David and Wanda Brown Center for Leadership & Service (BCLS) at the University of Florida as part of the Path to Purpose Community Program, a year-long advanced service experience focused on cultivating the next generation of community problem solvers. Through this program, I had the opportunity to design and execute a community improvement project aimed at raising awareness about food insecurity in East Gainesville. Working closely with community partners, I helped develop a proposal for the project, which was then presented to staff and faculty at the BCLS's yearly symposium. This experience allowed me to contribute to addressing a critical issue in the local community, while also developing leadership skills and gaining hands-on experience in service learning and project management.
Campus Life Events
