Hi Everyone! My name is Courtney Thomas and I’m currently a fourth-year student at the University of Florida double-majoring in International Studies and Political Science with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. I was born in Wisconsin but was raised in Southwest Florida. From entering the classroom for the first time for my African Experience class to joining new clubs and organizations, to meeting friends and going to football games, August 2014 saw the beginning of a new chapter in life that I will never forget. 

 

       Flash forward three-and-a-half years later and I am coming to the end of a crucial chapter in my life. As I begin to enter the workforce next year, I hope to find the opportunity to utilize my acquired knowledge from my time here at UF both inside the classroom and outside. As an individual with varying interests, I could see myself doing anything from law to a governmental position to even organizing events and communication. What I admire about the International Studies major is the freedom it gave me to choose classes that I found interesting, while at the same time giving me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and languages, which is crucial in today’s globalized world. 

 

       I think one of the most inspiring quotes and one I try to live my life by is, "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” “What sets your soul on fire” specifically moves me because I believe everyone is searching for something deep down that they feel so passionate about that they feel complete. For me, solo traveling, FIFA (Hala Madrid!), and community service are just some of the few ways my soul feels on fire. From spending my time solo traveling in Sweden and Denmark for my last spring break to being involved in an amazing community service organization like Rotary International, these past three years have shaped who I am as a person and where I hope to go entering this new chapter of my life.

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