Every student nearing the end of high school starts the uneasy search for the next step — the right choice of a university. As I started this search, I remember wanting the perfect blend —merging the benefits of a large public university with a private school feel. I sought smaller class sizes, more professor-student interaction and a warm environment. I wanted my college experience to be special. I wanted to leave with a useful degree, lessons learned and wonderful memories. Little did I realize that not only would the University of North Florida fulfill all these expectations and more, but it would also serve as the catalyst for my career.

After I came to UNF, my fascination with things in motion became a clear career objective. Ever since I can remember, moving people and things has fascinated me. The Coggin College of Business’s Transportation and Logistics Flagship program was the perfect match I was seeking.

As I continued my studies, I discovered UNF provided wonderful ways to put my training to use while offering incredible professional experiences. I served as vice president and now president of the 100-member Transportation and Logistics Society, spent a year in Student Government, represented the Coggin College of Business as a student ambassador and served as president of the Delta Sigma Pi business professional fraternity.

The internships I’ve completed while at UNF have been indispensable. I’ve interned at Rexel, one of the nation’s largest electrical and datacom distributors where I was exposed to the warehousing side of logistics and operations management.  More recently, I began interning at the Jacksonville office of Crowley Maritime Corporation working in Caribbean logistics. I’m part of a team that is responsible for the distribution of cargo containers from the moment they dock in San Juan until they reach their final destination in Puerto Rico or other Caribbean islands.

Since I plan a career in logistics, I also took it upon myself to plan my own study abroad experience in Argentina. I arranged to live with a non-English speaking Argentinean family and took classes in Spanish at the University of Buenos Aires for four months. I wanted to immerse myself in a Spanish-speaking culture so I could learn the language. I use Spanish every day at Crowley.

I’m also grateful for the Alumni Association Scholarship and for the honor of being selected by the Jacksonville Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals to represent the chapter at its global conferences. I’m also proud to have represented UNF at two national competitions. These have been huge transformational learning opportunities for me as they have given me incredible exposure professionally. I am so grateful for the phenomenal past few years. I wouldn’t change a thing. 

As for the future, I've accepted a position with CSX Intermodal after graduation. It will be a perfect starting place for my career. I also plan to obtain an advanced degree in logistics and supply chain management.

Thanks, UNF, for giving me wonderful opportunities and instilling an undying passion for the world of things in motion.