Seth Chandler transferred to the Gator Nation as a junior, majoring in biological engineering with a concentration in agricultural production engineering. Growing up on a multi-generational farm in North Florida and earning his associate degree before coming to the University of Florida, Seth knew he had limited time to make the most of his time at UF.
Since enrolling as a student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Seth jumped into being an active member of the UF community. He joined student clubs and organizations on campus, and his involvement has become a significant part of his growth in CALS.
Chandler grew up in Lafayette County, Florida, and always planned to work in agriculture. Throughout his childhood, Seth spent his time building things. As a small child, this included playing with LEGO bricks, which evolved into his passion for engineering. He followed his childhood dream to the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Although he did not start his undergraduate career at UF at the beginning of his collegiate experience, starting at a state college helped him make the most of his time at UF. Seth considers time the only thing holding him back while at UF. However, he has been ambitious in finding different opportunities on and off campus.
Seth also brings experience working at a company called Grimmway Farms in Live Oak, Florida, to his UF classes. Grimmway Farms focuses on organic crop production, specifically with carrots. Through this work experience and his family farm, Seth observed the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and organic farming firsthand, which has impacted his professional development and understanding of course materials. Seth’s background has also influenced his professional goal to build more sustainable agricultural equipment.
“I want to be boots on the ground,” Seth said. He envisions a career in which he can connect his knowledge and skills to the application of better technologies for farmers.
When Seth landed in Gainesville, he was excited to explore more opportunities for campus involvement. The CALS Ambassador program was his starting point for student involvement in the college, and it has been a source of Seth’s best memories so far at UF.
“It really opened my eyes to the opportunities CALS can offer to people from many walks of life,” said Seth.
Through events like the ambassador retreat and providing college tours, Seth has met people he wishes he had known sooner. His current involvement includes CALS ambassadors, Collegiate Farm Bureau (CFB), UF Block and Bridle, and Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).
Seth’s journey at UF has an expedited timeline because he came as a transfer student. He encourages other transfer students to research opportunities in CALS before coming to UF. His CALS ambassador experience has taught him about the college’s degree programs, which he wishes he understood better before coming to UF. Seth also advises potential transfer students to visit their college of interest in person through events like NaviGATORing CALS. This can make the transfer process smoother by getting to know more people in the college sooner.
As a transfer student, it can feel like the clock is ticking, but Seth embraces the present with a positive outlook on student involvement. Every student may have the “What if?” thought, and Seth is no different.
“You definitely have to take a step back and look at your situation,” Seth said.
He has considered how his path would be different if he came to UF as a freshman, but he believes his past experiences have given him the maturity to acknowledge his path was right for his journey to UF. Seth hopes other transfer students will share his eager approach to embracing the culture of the Gator community.
2
