The first week of the new school year is in the books. Fifty years ago, UCF—then Florida Technological University — held its first classes on campus. A few things have changed since then. To celebrate how much we’ve grown, today’s students flashed smiles and showed off their style in a #UCFirstDay photo booth.
Elizabeth Isom
Major: Hospitality Management
Class of 2022
“I am passionate about becoming the best version of myself.”
Jena Sykes
Major: Computer science
Class of 2022
“The best advice I’ve ever received is to act like the person I want to become.”
Courtney Marshall
Major: Health sciences
Class of 2019
“I love being a Knight because I’m the only one in my family that is.”
Jeremy Singh
Major: Theatre
Class of 2022
“My dream is to be on Broadway.”
Jonathon Batista
Major: Entertainment management
Class of 2018
“This year I am looking forward to graduating and being the first of my family to do so.”
Mariana Estrade
Major: Chemistry
Class of 2022
“Three words to describe my college experience so far: tiring, exciting and fun. I’ve only be here two hours.”
Kayla McCauley and Hesston
Major: Biology
Class of 2019
“This year I’m looking forward to seeing what Dr. Whittaker does in his first year as president.”
Raven Killing
Major: Interdisciplinary studies
Class of 2019
“I can’t live without the ocean.”
Malachi Mullings
Major: Computer engineering
Class of 2022
“In four years, I want to accomplish my bachelor’s degree, have equity within stocks I already own and have multiple sources of revenue.”
UCF President Dale Whittaker
“One of the things I remember about my first day of class was walking out of the residence hall and going to my first chemistry class and being totally intimidated, but after class I met a friend.”
Nadia Pastrana
Major: Communications sciences and disorders
Class of 2018
“The last book I read was Love in the Time of Cholera.”
Derrick Whitcomb
Major: Statistics
Class of 2021
“This year I’m looking forward to another undefeated season.”
Audrey Minch
Major: Entertainment management
Class of 2018
“The last time I cried was yesterday? The day before? Last week? What can I say, I’m a crier. Everything makes me cry. Happy things, sad things, funny things. I’m an emotional person.”
Marcus Sparks
Major: Management
Class of 2018
“I wish there was less violence in the world.”
Janai McDaniel
Major: Health Sciences
Class of 2022
“Something that used to scare me but doesn’t anymore is driving.”
Abby Trout
Major: Environmental studies
Class of 2022
“My dream is to start a conservation organization.”
Dilan Bosch
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Class of 2022
“My thought process in getting dressed today was I don’t have anyone to impress.”
Photos by Nick Leyva ’15 and Carlos Romero.
