From Growth to Greatness: How the Innovation Academy Shaped My First Year at the University of Florida 

When I first heard about the University of Florida’s Innovation Academy (IA), I was drawn to the opportunities it promised. I believed it would give me an advantage in the workforce and help me grow beyond the traditional classroom. Yet, at first, I wasn’t sure whether to apply. I didn’t think I would be accepted, and part of me doubted whether I could handle such a unique program. When I got my acceptance letter, I was shocked and excited but I still wondered… was I really ready for the challenge? For weeks, I went back and forth, unsure if I had what it took to thrive in this program. In the end, I decided to go for it, and I’m so thankful I did.

My first Innovation class at the University of Florida marked the start of a year full of growth. At the same time, I took on a spring social media marketing internship with College Moxie, making both opportunities my first steppingstones in college. Managing them together so early in my journey pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me how much I could do when I dove headfirst into challenges.

What I discovered in IA was more than just classes and projects. IA has a way of bringing students together, inspiring us to push each other to do better and offer support through challenges. Surrounded by driven, like-minded peers, I always felt encouraged to keep going, even when things felt overwhelming. Some of my closest friends, most inspiring professors, and even my boyfriend, Alex, came from this program.

Not every moment was easy, though. Just two weeks into preparing for Catalyst, I suffered a concussion that completely threw me off balance. I couldn’t think clearly, I was mentally drained, and even simple tasks felt overwhelming. I didn’t feel like myself; it felt like my own brain was working against me, testing me in a way I had never experienced before. I was forced to pause and recover when all I wanted was to keep pushing forward. During that time, my friends in IA and especially my Catalyst team supported me every step of the way. They encouraged me to take care of myself, go at my own pace, and taught me the importance of giving myself grace during difficult times. That experience reminded me that everything happens for a reason and taught me that setbacks can become turning points if you let them, and even negatives can be transformed into positives. 

Together, Alex and I worked side by side on the Catalyst Competition, making that success even more meaningful. With the guidance of mentors like Dr. Pollard, our team received not only the Bright Idea Award but also won the Catalyst Competition as a whole, bringing home $1,250 in prize money. Those wins became a turning point for me, proving that every challenge I’d faced was worth it. They showed me I could push past doubt, embrace hard work, and truly succeed in ways that revealed how far I had come and how much I could achieve.

Looking back, joining IA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me opportunities, yes, but more importantly, it gave me people and experiences that shaped who I am today. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to trust myself, and showed me that growth often comes through challenges. If you’re thinking about joining IA or navigating your own college journey, I’d encourage you to embrace every obstacle, trust the process, believe that what’s meant for you will find you, and to be kind to yourself along the way. I’m so grateful for the friendships, mentorship, and confidence I’ve built, and I’d love to connect with others— whether you’re curious about IA, looking for guidance, or simply hoping to make a new friend. Please feel free to reach out; I’m always happy to help and meet new people.