Written by Jillian Runyon, ANS Animal Biology Senior
Transferring between colleges can be daunting, and my journey has been nothing short of a transformative adventure. Starting at Penn State, I found my passion for animal science, but when life called for a change, I transferred to Santa Fe College. This transition helped me grow in confidence and refine my academic path. Yet, the thought of transferring again—to the University of Florida (UF)—felt like taking a leap into the unknown. The sheer size of UF was intimidating, and I wondered how I’d find my place in such a large university.
All my worries vanished the moment I attended the Animal Science New Student Orientation at UF. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made me feel at home right away. I was surprised by how friendly and approachable everyone was, and I quickly made great friends who shared my interests and dreams. The Animal Sciences (ANS) major played a significant role in this experience.
Despite being part of such a large institution, the ANS department felt like a tightly-knit family where every student was valued. The faculty’s dedication was evident—they genuinely wanted every student to thrive, always ready to lend their guidance and support.
Being a part of UF’s ANS community opened doors to endless opportunities. Whether participating in research or volunteering at the animal science teaching units, I discovered there was always something new to learn and explore. During my first semester at UF, I participated in research, led by graduate students under Dr. Faciola, trying to find an alternative protein source for cattle feed. I also got involved in the Dairy Science Club where I participated in an artificial insemination certification for dairy cattle through ABS Global. In the following semesters, I joined the Pre-Veterinary Club, volunteered at the UF Small Animal Hospital in the primary care and orthopedic surgery specialties, and have now been a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Animal Science Lab Course, where I have gained valuable communication skills and animal handling experience, for 2 semesters. Clubs and extracurricular activities helped me build skills, make connections, and deepen my understanding of animal science. The range of experiences not only enriched my college life but reinforced my decision to study here.
Furthermore, I am now in my senior year at UF and hoping for an acceptance letter from veterinary school in the upcoming months.
Looking back, my journey from Penn State to Santa Fe and finally to UF has been full of challenges, growth, and newfound confidence. UF’s vibrant community and supportive ANS family turned what once felt intimidating into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Read more on UF/IFAS ANS here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.
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