Health Sciences major, Liana Santos, is the perfect “poster student” for highlighting the value of pursuing extracurricular experiences. Working as a hospital nursing assistant and a medical assistant in a primary adult care setting, Liana became acutely aware of the social and emotional needs of seniors. Determined to do something about this, Liana established the UCF chapter of a national organization called StudentsCare. This non-profit organization helps college campuses implement a program that connects undergraduate healthcare students with isolated older adults and hospitalized children. As the first president of the UCF chapter, Liana was instrumental in securing partnerships with hospitals and assisted living facilities, coordinating volunteers to provide support and friendship to older adults in these facilities, and managing chapter operations. As a result of her work with the UCF chapter and the strong connections she built with StudentsCare leaders, she was offered a prestigious national-level internship.
Liana, who aspires to be a geriatrician, is adamant about the value of experiences outside the classroom. “Being involved with an organization improves interpersonal and communication skills and helps you build networks and leadership skills,” says Liana.
