Hi my name is Jackson and I am a sophomore majoring in finance at UF. I am passionate about finding different ways to find happiness as well as sports, the outdoors, and math. I have been a UF fan my whole life and I know the ins and outs of Gainesville. I am excited to show potential new students what life is like as a Gator!

Hometown

Gainesville Florida

Major(s)

Finance

Minor(s)

Wealth Management, entrepreneurship

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Heavener Leadership Challenge, Finance Professional Development

Describe your college experience

I went to a smaller private school for high school, and the transition to UF could not have been better. I had what many would call the "traditional" college experience to start. I lived in a dorm and joined a fraternity, meeting many new people and gaining many new experiences. We won a national championship in basketball in my first year here! I enjoyed every bit of it. That being said, I am a big believer that everyone has their own experience and path that is best for them. Having lived in Gainesville prior to UF, I know a lot about the area and the University, and I want to share this knowledge with newcomers so they can find what is best for them and make many new connections in the process.

Tip for future students

If you are 50​/​50 on something, just do it. Especially in the awkward first couple of weeks where you don't know anyone, it is important to try new things. Things will become comfortable later once you settle in. I wasn't 100% set on rushing, but I ended up doing it and I now love the fraternity that I'm in. You can always drop something later if you find out it isn't for you, and this is no big deal. You can find your passions easier if you try more things. Make sure to be balanced.

Favorite class

On the Common Good- It was a quest class and we learned all about achieving happiness and finding the common good. It was especially relevant in my first semester when there were so many new things in my life. Happiness is not always obvious. We had a passionate professor that helped me connect the class to my own life.

Career goals

I am not 100% set on anything. In finance, I could see myself doing anything from venture capital to wealth management to real estate. Ultimately though, I want to start my own business. I don't know what yet, but I want to work for myself, and live somewhere in the Southeast.

Ideal way to spend a free night

This depends on if I feel like a chill night or not. If I want a chill night, I would probably eat dinner with my friends at the house and then catch a movie or just bool. If I wanted to get active, I would ideally eat some dinner and get some drinks at the Swamp with a game on, and then push midtown my friends. You can't go wrong with either option.

High school or secondary school

Oak Hall School. Gainesville, FL