From college to community

If you have ever been to preview night or attended a graduation ceremony at CF, then you may have noticed a few khaki-wearing, blazer-sporting students helping wherever they can.

These individuals are actually the official hosts of CF; their professional titles are the College of Central Florida Ambassadors.

"To be selected as a CF Ambassador is one of the highest non-academic honors one can achieve at the college," said Dr. Joe Wallace, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "They provide a valuable service to the college, but in the process learn valuable networking skills that will benefit the student throughout his or her career."

On average, there are approximately 20 applicants per year, competing for about 6 available positions.

In order to become a CF Ambassador, prospective and current students must meet a few requirements to apply for the upcoming academic year. Each applicant must be recommended by a faculty and/or administration member to be considered. They must also maintain a 3.0 GPA, have two recommendation letters, go through a series of interviews, and compile and present a presentation to an audience.

"We are ambitious leaders that are passionate about academics, the college, the students and the community," said Ryan Kirby, 20, public relations major and second-year ambassador. "We always try to lead by example and demonstrate integrity and compassion."

The Peer Educator program was a former program similar to the Ambassador program. Like many other colleges, CF started its own Ambassador program, which began in the spring and summer of 2005 with duties beginning with the fall 2005 semester.

Some of the official duties of a CF Ambassador include hosting a variety of functions and receptions for the college, including Dr. Charles Dassance, the president of CF. They are also responsible for hosting VIPs during campus visits, graduation, guiding prospective students around campus, presenting at local high schools, and representing the college at various community events.

"My favorite part about being an Ambassador is working one on one with high school students that are considering CF as their next step in their academic endeavors," Kirby said. "It is always rewarding running into students around campus whom I have encouraged to choose CF."

Along with tuition scholarships and networking opportunities, the CF Ambassadors' most rewarding benefit is the opportunity to gain leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Dr. Timothy Wise, Vice President of Student Affairs, has recently had the honor of becoming the new advisor for the CF Ambassador program.

"I think the Ambassador program offers outstanding students opportunities for leadership training and the opportunity to meet and mingle with a wide variety of College community members both internal and external." Wise said, in an e-mail interview. "As the new advisor, I am excited to be a part of this important student group."

Being an Ambassador isn't just about gaining a resume boost (although it helps); it is also about being involved on campus and making incredible connections and friendships, according to Kirby.

"I think they are very helpful because they are our voice," said JaVonni Wallace, 20, criminal justice major. "They represent CF in a very professional, yet relatable way."

Having CF Ambassadors has been beneficial to the college in many ways. Allowing students to actually represent the college makes newcomers feel more comfortable, and also shows the professionalism the ambassadors portray.

Most of the past CF Ambassadors have gone on to continue their educations and careers. Most of them will say the Ambassador program gave them tremendous confidence and motivation to be better than they might have been otherwise.         

Pamela Calero, CF Coordinator of Alumni and Annual Fund and a charter member of the CF Ambassadors, was Ambassador of the Year her second year in the CF Ambassador program.

Calero said, "The Ambassador presented enormous opportunities to excel in school and professionally.  I know I would not be where I am today without the Ambassador program."