Why FSC

Ideal location, small class sizes, guaranteed internships, the list goes on and on! But who better to tell you why they chose FSC than current students themselves. Meet seven Mocs and learn why they chose FSC for their college home.

Jimmy Houle ‘24 quickly realized that FSC’s spirit lives in the student body, faculty, and staff. Claire Winters ’23 couldn’t pass up Florida Southern’s direct entry nursing program and for being able to begin clinical hours during her sophomore year. Ezra Cooper ’24 loves the variety of opportunities available and knew that choosing FSC means he would have an outstanding balance between academics and extracurriculars. Read more about why Jimmy, Claire, Ezra, and other Mocs chose Florida Southern College.

Anna Abell ‘24

Hometown: Ramstein, Germany
Major: Applied Mathematics and Statistics: Data Analytics with a minor in Military Science 

Why FSC?: When choosing the place I would attend college, I found that Florida Southern was not only the best fit when it comes to the size of the campus, I also felt that here I could grow as an individual. FSC not only had an excellent ROTC program but also had many more great areas of academics, involvement, and opportunities, plus the campus was beautiful!

What’s on your FSC bucket list?: I would definitely like to win a raffle at any event, kayak on Lake Hollingsworth, go on a Discovery Florida trip, win an intramural, and lastly, swimming in the Water Dome senior year!

I knew FSC was home when…. “The moment I stepped on campus, FSC felt like home. My family lives overseas in Germany, and it was hard to be far away from them. However, FSC welcomed me with open arms. Home to me is a place not only where you feel comfortable but also have a family, and FSC truly had that with their professors, students, and so many others."

What are you looking forward to the most?: The one thing I’m looking forward to more than graduating is Senior Splash! Being able to go in the Water Dome, without worrying about the fine, is awesome!

Claire Winters ‘23

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida
Major: Nursing

Why did you choose FSC?: Being from Lakeland, I grew up going to Florida Southern. Whether it was for swim lessons, to perform at dance recitals, or to just walk around the grounds, I was already familiar the beautiful campus. When I was on my college search, I started diving in more. I knew that I wanted a school that focused on community and involvement. I was able to find just that. The teachers, faculty, and students at are always there for you and want you to succeed. I was very involved in high school and have been able to continue my involvement in school at FSC.

The second reason solely falls to academics. I am a nursing major, and FSC has a direct nursing program, meaning students start nursing classes the fall of freshmen year and start clinical experience the fall of sophomore year. The nursing program is a very strong one, with rigorous academic classes with skilled and encouraging professors, a high NCLEX pass rate, and different hands-on opportunities from working in the lab to attending clinicals all around Central Florida.

What are you looking forward to the most?: I am super excited for this upcoming semester with my nursing classes. I am really interested in specializing in pediatrics, and this semester I am going to John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for part of my clinicals. This hospital is one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country, so I am very excited for this opportunity to learn and use the skills I have acquired in class in real life.

What is on your FSC bucket list?: I really hope that one day I can go explore Europe. One of Florida Southern’s guarantees is that students will be offered an experience through Junior Journey. Students can go on a trip, get class credits, and experience other parts of the world with other classmates and students from other schools. I would love to go to Europe to explore more of the world outside Florida!

I knew FSC was home when… “I attended Scholars Weekend. It really closed the deal for me! I was able to meet other admitted students, future professors and faculty members, and current students. I really got to see what it was like to be a Moc for the weekend. The community aspect of FSC is what really drew me in! Everyone was super friendly and welcoming, and people genuinely wanted to get to know you. It’s fun now as a current FSC student to be able to share with incoming students what I love about FSC and how it has become my home away from home." 

Ezra Cooper ‘24

Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Spanish 
 

Why FSC? : Initially I was looking for schools in Florida, but what stood out to me about FSC was the amount of opportunities they gave their students. From the variety of clubs, to campus jobs, FSC is always keeping their student’s active outside of the classroom. This really pushed me to go to the school since my other choices mainly focused solely on academics, and to me having a great balance between academics and extracurriculars is what really makes the college experience memorable.

What’s on your FSC bucket list?: My FSC bucket list so far is to be Mocsie at least once, swim in the Water Dome (DURING SENIOR SPLASH) and seeing the dome’s jets reach the top of the Roux Library at 100%. I’d also like to go to the top of Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and look at the stars at night.

I knew fsc was home when… “I first got on campus I knew no one in Lakeland, but everyone was very approachable and helpful to me. Even when I only knew someone for a couple of hours, they would invite me to go hangout, or get some food, as if I was a long-time friend or even family."

What are you looking forward to the most?: I'm looking forward to swimming in the Water Dome, seeing the jets reach the top of the Roux Library at 100%, and getting Chick-fil-a during Senior Splash!

Colton Dawson ‘24

Hometown: Beverly Hills, Florida
Major: Business Administration with a minor in Integrated Marketing Communications

Why FSC?: I chose FSC for a variety of reasons! Mainly the small campus size, top rated business program, and post-graduate career opportunities!

What’s on your FSC bucket list?: My FSC bucket list is definitely a work in progress! Despite being on the smaller side, FSC offers so much to do, see, and remember. Before graduation, I want to wade in the Water Dome, learn how to kayak on Lake Hollingsworth, and maybe peek inside those underground tunnels everybody whispers about…

I knew FSC was home when… “I stayed overnight for Scholars Weekend. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, accepted students were able to be introduced to campus life in the most hands-on way possible: a sleepover in a current student’s dorm! After learning, exploring, and engaging in great conversations with my Scholars Weekend host, I knew that not only did I have a new friend, but four whole years of experiences to look forward to here at my home away from home.”

What am I looking forward to the most?: I’m looking forward to meeting new people! FSC’s learning objectives and methods really put you as a student in new situations, environments, and mindsets that you otherwise you never consider. This has led me to meet those who I know are lifelong friends, become employed in positions I otherwise would’ve never known about, and has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to the continuation of this trend, which will allow me to open even more doors to a successful future!

Rose Laconto ‘23

Hometown: Oxford, Massachusetts
Major: Marine Biology

Why FSC?: FSC had the marine program I was looking for, with incredible laboratory facilities and faculty that really want to help me succeed. There are numerous ways to stay busy and become involved. I have made so many amazing connections by being involved in Greek life, academic organizations, working on campus in the wellness center, and taking advantage of campus sponsored opportunities, such as a surfing trip to Ormond Beach!  The location is perfect and the opportunities are there. FSC also offered the best financial support for my education!

What is on your FSC bucket list?: Junior Journey: every student gets the opportunity for a junior journey, and I’m planning to attend a trip to the Bimini islands for shark research.

Faculty research: many professors in the biology department are correctly research, and I really want to get involved in a project.

Attend IHSA regionals with FSC equestrian team: I’m on the FSC equestrian team, a division II club sport involved in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, in which I compete. I’m hoping to make it to regionals with my team in the spring!

I knew FSC was home when.... “I attended scholars weekend my senior year of high school. I met my first friends at FSC, who later became my roommates! I had the opportunity to attend a college class of my interest, and got to get the ‘real feel’ of being a student on campus.”

What I’m looking forward to most?: Going into the field of marine biology and possibly going grad school for marine science. I hope to eventually work in marine mammal rescue/rehabilitation of marine conservation!

Ruby Silver ‘24

Hometown: Spring Hill, Florida
Major: Psychology and Communications: Advertising and Public Relations 

Why FSC?: When I was looking at colleges, I looked at a range of different ones throughout the country that sized anywhere from 14,000 students to just 300 students. I knew I wanted a smaller college that would allow me to have a one-on-one connection with professors, get involved on campus, and know the students within my department and other organizations. My love for FSC was solidified by my campus tour. Everyone I interacted with was so kind and outgoing. I could really see myself at home here. Florida Southern is small enough that you get to know a lot of people on a personal level while still being big enough that you'll meet someone new every day! On top of that, FSC offers plentiful opportunities to grow, learn, and lead both academically and extracurricular. 

What’s on your FSC bucket list? There are so many things! One of the main things I'm super excited to do is go to a basketball game! Basketball is one of our big sports here so fans go all out for games. 

I Knew FSC Was Home When… “it was just a few weeks into my first semester. A couple of friends and I were eating in Wynee's Bistro during what we would call "family dinner" then we would go play games, hang out, or attend a campus event. Making those bonds and having such a strong support system at school made me know I made the right choice and I was at my home away from home.” 

What are you looking forward to most? The thing I'm most looking forward to is definitely my Junior Journey or Senior Splash! I've always wanted to travel abroad so I'm eager to see where my Junior Journey takes me. Also, Senior Splash in the Water dome is such a great way to end your time here at FSC with food, fun, and festivities before graduation. It's definitely something I look forward to taking part in!

Jimmy Houle ‘24

Hometown: Templeton, Massachusetts
Major: Elementary Education

Why FSC?: Florida Southern College has a lot to offer, but the big thing that made me move 1500 miles from home was the campus community. Even through my admissions experience, I was amazed at how personal everything was. My admissions counselor even sent me a handwritten card when I deposited and answered all of my questions timely and in a personal manner. When I arrived at Florida Southern College, I quickly realized that this community exists in the student body, faculty, staff, and in every organization on campus! Not only do I call FSC home, I have a supportive family to go along with it!

I am an elementary education major and have been exposed to valuable hands-on experiences in actual schools. Additionally, all of my professors have ties within all of the schools and always share their experiences and ideas within everything. I truly feel at home in all of my classes, because they usually have less than 20 students in them. Professors will not only know your name, but they will soon learn about your life and be supportive in all aspects of your life. The sunshine and 80-degree weather isn’t bad either.

What am I looking forward to the most?: This semester is particularly exciting for me because I can really devote a lot of my passion for FSC into all of the organizations and clubs that I joined! I will continue to give tours, participate in the Student Government Association, be an active member in Kappa Delta Pi, a professional fraternity for education students, and continue my role as a Resident Advisor. Academically, I am really excited for my Field Study course where I will be in an elementary classroom for an entire day each week!

What is on your FSC Bucket List?: Over my short life I have been granted so many opportunities to experience such rich things that have influenced my life, but specifically to FSC, I can’t wait to swim in the Water Dome for Senior Splash!

I knew FSC was home when... “I instantly found spontaneous friends that have been supportive and funny. I can’t walk from one class to another without waving at someone or stopping to say hey! The feeling of community and support that I have found at FSC makes it feel like home.”

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