Argos talk about their support networks at the University of West Florida.

Chandler Cook
Friends and family have always been a crucial part of my support network. Having individuals who can relate to your situations and spread guidance and wisdom is critical to making informed decisions.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? Reach out of your comfort zone. Most of the individuals around you are new as well. Take the extra step to introduce yourself before or after class and start building relationships with your peers.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Joining the Tutoring and Learning Resources (TLR) department has allowed me to connect with others on campus. Being a primarily online student, working for TLR has allowed me to interact with students and help them build the skills needed to succeed. Not only is this rewarding for them, but it has also helped me connect with students who may one day be my peers.
Chandler's Quick Links:

Heidi Hinson
In my support network, I have faculty and staff from the Criminal Justice Department and Recreation and Wellness and Student Engagment, new friends, student organizations - Alpha Gamma Delta, Homecoming, Relay for Life, Volleyball Club, Intramural Sports and my coworkers at the Rec (gym).
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? My biggest piece of advise would be, if it scares you, it will be good for you. Take the leap and trust that the connections will follow from putting yourself out there.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? I joined a sorority, got an on campus job, and volunteered with homecoming all in my first year and I would say that they all set me up for success.
Heidi's Quick Links:

Jayden Lewis
My support network includes many of the faculty of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), friends I gained over the course of my time at UWF, and also my good brothers of my fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha who are family to me.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? I would definitely say get involved in student organizations, clubs, etc. as it is a great way to get to know people. Also, I advise going out to student engagement events and school events to get out and meet all kinds of people and even make some new lifelong friends.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Something that I did was join my fraternity and join SGA. The two coincide because as I was joining my fraternity I also wanted to get more involved on campus and get out of my comfort zone. As I was always a person who usually took the back seat I feel these two were big pushes in my life to grow!
Jayden's Quick Links:

Katie Garratt
My support network includes my friends, family, professors, and colleagues.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? The best thing to do to build your support network is to get out there and try new things. Whether it is joining a new club, an on-campus work experience, or just hanging out in a popular spot on campus (I recommend the Argo Galley) meeting new people and forming new connections will be easier with the more you do!
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Some of the most meaningful connections I have made on campus have come from attending my professor's office hours. Forming a connection early on with my professors has allowed me to have great working relationships with them and has provided me with a great community whenever I need help academically, mentally, or emotionally.
Katie's Quick Links:
- Argo Galley, Building 22 on the Campus Map
- On-campus Jobs

Keerthana Talluri
My support network includes New Friends, Old Friends, Work Colleagues.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? Be open, transparent and honest. It's not just you, everyone is trying to figure out, and are confused. So take time, make good friends and you'll have fun.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Joining student Clubs based on my interests, community.
Keerthana's Quick Links:

Luis Hernandez
My highly-esteemed psychology professors as well as my cohort members, and my dear Office of Campus Culture and Access coworkers.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? Frankly, you must step outside of your comfort zone. Indeed, I do realize that such is easier said than done, but that is where the real personal growth and development happens. Not to mention, by putting yourself out there, not only will you experience new and exciting things, but you may also make meaningful connections with others (e.g., faculty, staff, or other students) along the way who may very well become part of your support network at UWF.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Again, stepping out of one's own comfort zone and taking full advantage of all the academic, professional, and social/volunteer opportunities that UWF continuously offers will go a long way in providing students, such as myself, with numerous chances to form meaningful connections with others in the community. Beyond that, I've found that by prioritizing efficient self-care routine(s) and pursuing interests of mine outside my academic/employment roles, I have also been able to meet some genuine, like-minded individuals who I dearly enjoy spending time with.
Luis's Quick Links:

Marinella
My support network includes Faculty, new friends and classmates, work colleagues and student organizations.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? Open yourself up to people and try. You never know who might turn out to be the reason you will get that dream job of yours.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? I’m more of an introvert, but as an international student, my way of making connections was joining events. I’m happy that Global Quarter gave me the opportunity to meet so many people from around the world and made me feel like home. Even being 5,000 miles away from it.
Marinella's Quick Links:

Modeste Nare
My support network include my family especially my dad who has been there in every aspect of the way. I also have faculty and staff members whose support cannot go unmentioned. I have also made a lot of friends through student organizations like the SAE fraternity. I also made a lot of friends through my classes and by participating in soccer intramural games.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? I would advise anyone who aims to build a solid network, to learn to get out of their comfort zone and be more outgoing. This tactic has helped me improve my English and made lifelong friends.
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Joining a fraternity has definitely helped me expand my network quantitatively and qualitatively. I found some people who share the same interests or common hobbies.
Modeste's Quick Links:

Nnanda Allick
I consider the faculty and staff to be within my support network. This especially applies to my boss in Peer Ed. She is incredibly supportive and encourages us to put out our best work and believe in ourselves.
What advice do you have for a new student who is trying to build a support network at UWF? I would tell any new student who is trying to build a support network to JOIN CLUBS!!! I've met so many wonderful people by just showing up to different student organization's meetings and attending the different events on campus. The people are very welcoming and It's the perfect way to put yourself out there!
What is something you've done that has helped you form meaningful connections on campus? Other than joining many clubs and attending most of the events, something that really helped me form meaningful connections was introducing myself to people in the most random places (like the library elevator or the Commons hallway). You never know who you'll meet!
Nnanda's Quick Links:
- University Commons, Building 22 on the Campus Map
- Student Organizations
- Argo Pulse
- Peer Educators