by Daniella Zamora
As a first-generation student, I had no idea what to expect from college. Moving away from home to a place where I didn’t know anyone felt like the hardest decision I had ever made. Though, looking back, I am honestly so glad that I decided to take the leap and can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I knew I needed guidance and resources to navigate this new chapter, and B120 provided more than I could have imagined. When I applied to be a Morse Scholar, I expected support and mentorship, but I gained so much more. With the encouragement of my amazing advisor and the program’s staff, I have traveled the world, explored incredible opportunities, and grown in ways my freshman self never anticipated.
As part of the program, I received an organized chart of a couple healthcare-related classes and activities to complete throughout my undergraduate career. Initially, I saw them simply as boxes to check. But as I progressed, each experience opened my eyes to new perspectives. Volunteering with PHS gave me a chance to make a positive difference in my community and improve my leadership skills. My healthcare-focused coursework introduced me to many different aspects and dynamics of medicine. Traveling to Italy, made possible by Morse Scholars’ funding, allowed me to step into the shoes of a foreigner and observe Italian physicians, deepening my understanding of global healthcare.
Currently, I am participating in an internship with VITAS Healthcare through B120, eager for the lessons and experiences it will bring me, and extremely grateful to be able to sit alongside and offer support to families and patients during such challenging times.
B120 has fueled my passion for medicine and people, transforming my college experience beyond what I ever expected. I am deeply appreciative for the support, opportunities, and community this program has given me, and can’t wait to see what my next two years here at UF have in store.