From Small Town to Gator Nation: Embracing Challenges and Finding Home at UF’s Animal Sciences Department

Savannah Waters Headshot

Written by Savannah Waters, ANS Animal Biology Senior

As a small-town girl, transferring from a small community college to the University of Florida terrified me. I knew in high school that I wanted to be a veterinarian and attend the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, but as my dream became a reality, I was becoming more nervous about how I would survive on such a large campus.  

When I applied to the University of Florida, I scheduled an appointment with Savannah Linzmaier, who became my go-to person for questions about classes and how to get involved. After talking with Mrs. Linzmaier and taking Introduction to Animal Sciences with Mrs. Imler, all of the worries I had dissolved. Not only did the Animal Sciences department (ANS) faculty and staff make me feel welcome, but they made it feel like a home away from home. As I took more classes on campus, I branched out and became more involved, which is something I wouldn’t have done without the support I received from my peers and the department.

Savannah giving a presentation to other students at a conference table
Savannah giving a presentation on student success at ANS New Student Orientation in Fall 2024

As a transfer student, I felt I had missed out on opportunities offered to 4-year UF students, but that was far from correct.

With encouragement, I became an Animal Sciences Ambassador, and I can say without a doubt that I love being able to help and encourage students like me who transferred to UF. During my time so far, I have received many opportunities and have been more involved than I ever was in community college.

girl posing in front of glass building
Savannah on the Summer Industry Tour in 2024

 

Another big hurdle I faced as a transfer student was the commute. I live about an hour away from campus, and during my first semester, Introduction to Animal Sciences was at 7:25 AM. I had no idea I could ride the bus for free, and even when I found out, I still felt too intimidated to ride it. I used to walk 30 minutes to some of my classes before I would ride the bus, and sometimes I still do. When I get asked by new transfer students why I decided not to live on campus, or why I don’t take the bus–my answer is always the same: I love challenging myself to wake up earlier because I feel I achieve more in the day. Plus, walking or riding a bike between classes allows me to clear my mind and get some fresh air before the next class.  

Girl next to black cow
Savannah in her Intro to Animal Sciences Lab in spring 2024

I share my story about the worries I had prior to attending UF with the new transfer students I meet because I want them to know that UF is daunting, but we’ve made it this far, which means we’re not afraid of a challenge. I find the things that challenge us the most in life are the ones worth fighting for. The Animal Sciences department is like its own small town with people willing to help you achieve your goals and succeed in everything you apply yourself to. I could not have asked for a better experience so far and I am excited to share it with all the new transfer students I meet.

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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Savannah Linzmaier
Posted: January 21, 2025


Category: UF/IFAS
Tags: Animal Sciences, Animal Sciences Undergraduate, ANS Ambassadors


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