By Jaimie Woodard, '02, University Marketing Communications

Where to go to college? It’s one of the most intimidating questions high school students face, and like many of his peers, John Hartman didn’t immediately know what the right answer would be for him. After finishing his junior year in high school, Hartman took a trip around the state of Florida visiting potential schools. It wasn’t until he visited the University of West Florida that he knew he had found the place he would call home for the next four years.

“I chose UWF because it just felt like the right fit for me, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” said Hartman, now a junior at UWF majoring in Economics. “I really like how close UWF is to the beach and the campus size. Even though there are more than 10,000 students at UWF, I know that I’ll see at least a couple of people I know whenever I walk around campus.”

Describing UWF as community-oriented and facilitating, Hartman has embraced his college experience and the opportunity to make new friends by becoming involved in numerous campus organizations including Sigma Chi Fraternity, UWF Honors, Phi Eta Sigma and intramural sports. He is also a member of the UWF Student Ambassador program, through which he has completed almost 200 hours of community service.

“Joining clubs, fraternities or sororities, student government or other organizations really helps to make a much more memorable college experience,” said Hartman. “Being active and getting involved helps you make friends as well as contacts for the future.”

While Hartman has made many memories through his extracurricular activities, he says his most memorable experience is yet to come. During spring 2009, he will have the opportunity to study abroad in Switzerland at one of UWF’s partner schools. As an Economics major pursuing the global specialization, Hartman is required to spend a semester abroad studying international economics on location and gaining real-world experience in his field of study.

“I’m so glad that UWF has so many partner schools around the world,” said Hartman. “I am very excited about my trip to Switzerland and am looking forward to experiencing a new country and culture.”

Focused on his future, Hartman will earn his bachelor’s degree from UWF in spring 2010. He then plans to attend graduate school to pursue either a juris doctorate or doctorate in Economics.

“Eventually, I hope to become a college professor,” said Hartman. “I would love to end up back here at UWF one day.”

UWF is Creating Great Futures – Want to learn more? Check out the top 10 reasons to attend UWF and apply online at uwf.edu/admissions.

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