Discovering My Inner Innovator: From Uncertainty to Confidence

By Callie Adams

Before coming to UF, I knew nothing about electronics, 3D modeling, programming, or business plans. All I knew was that these fields seemed cool and out of my purview. As an out-of-state student from Virginia, starting out as an exploratory major, basically undecided with a fancy title, the only people I knew were my older sister and an acquaintance from high school. I was afraid of not making any friends and didn’t think I was particularly innovative. I had always said that I was good at editing other people’s ideas but not coming up with my own. Joining the Innovation Academy changed everything.

Within the first two weeks of IA, I was hooked. The IA coursework, especially learning microcontrollers like Arduino, fascinated me. It was definitely a struggle at first, but I sat down and actually tried to understand what was being taught rather than just completing the assignments. Within a few weeks, I was helping other students with their 3D modeling and Arduino work! A month before, I would have thought that to be impossible. I actually became a TA for the first IA classes right after completing them and still am to this day!

One of my proudest moments in college was winning the People’s Choice Award in an IA pitch competition, thanks to the guidance of Amy Freeman, a lecturer for IA. This experience boosted my confidence in my abilities and adaptability, bringing me to the conclusion that I am, in fact, an innovator. IA also offered multi-day field trips to explore various businesses and careers, like AMICON in Miami and Tech City in Alachua. While I found these fields interesting, I discovered they weren’t for me, which was equally valuable. The key was taking advantage of these opportunities to figure out my path through college and life.

I decided to major in Anthropology to develop my analytical skills in identifying trends and causes within the context of societies and norms. This complemented my AI track in the Innovation Academy, where the AI Fundamentals class taught me how to create and train AI models. I fell in love with AI because of IA. Exploring more into AI led to an internship at the Florida Institute of National Security and then to EVI Holdings. At EVI, I’ll develop AI models for financial reports and run multilevel tests to evaluate potential investment opportunities, putting my skills to the test!

The Ambassador program was a game-changer. I was accepted after my first semester and fell in love with it completely. I was surrounded by people who cared about IA as much as I did and were committed to making a difference. By volunteering in the IA office, helping organize events, and speaking with IA families, I found purpose and motivation. At the end of my first semester as an ambassador, my peers and faculty awarded me the Ambassador of The Year. Through my volunteering, I developed relationships with the IA staff and administration, who have become trusted advisors and friends. This experience gave me a better understanding of IA as a whole and a deep appreciation for its supportive community.

As an IA student, I represented the program at the Cade Museum as a student judge for its pitch competition. This role gave me countless chances to network with important figures in fields like Health & Wellness, EMR, 3D modeling, and venture capital. These connections have been a launchpad for my future career and endeavors, and I expect to maintain long-lasting relationships with the faculty, admin, and students of IA long after I graduate from UF.

For students interested in IA or currently navigating their academic journey, my advice is to dive in and get involved. Whether it’s joining the IA Ambassador program or participating in projects or field trips, these experiences are invaluable. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The skills and relationships you build will be more impactful than classroom learning alone. It’s okay to feel unsure at times. Adaptability and a willingness to learn are your greatest assets. Seek feedback, stay curious, and be open to new experiences. Each step, no matter how small, is still a step toward growth and success.

Looking back, my time at UF and the Innovation Academy has been filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. The challenges I faced and the opportunities I seized have shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful for the community, mentors, and friends who supported me along the way. To all the students and young professionals out there, remember that your journey is unique. Embrace it with enthusiasm and resilience, and it will undoubtedly lead you to success. I look forward to reading your story someday.