Fall 2025 Student Ambassadors

Meet our current team of 青青草视频 Student Ambassadors!

David Ariza Pe帽a

Hometown: Valledupar, Colombia

Program of Study: Engineering

What I like about Santa Fe: Santa Fe is a great college where I can grow not only as a professional but also as a person. This place has given me some of my best friendships and relationships, and most importantly, it has helped me discover and connect with my life purpose. One of my favorite things about Santa Fe is the relationships with the professors because they truly care about you and want to see you grow and develop both as a student and as a person.

Plans for the future: In the near future, once I finish my A.A. in Engineering, I plan to enter the Organizational Management program with a focus on Project Management at either Santa Fe, the University of Florida, or the University of South Florida. After completing my bachelor鈥檚 degree, I want to pursue an MBA in International Business and Entrepreneurship. My goal is to apply all this knowledge to the companies I plan to build. I see myself living in the United States, specifically in Florida, but managing my businesses across different parts of the country and the world.

Something to know about me: Before starting my studies at Santa Fe, I played soccer in Colombia. I had the opportunity to make soccer my profession for four years after finishing high school. Although I do not play as competitively as I used to, I still love the game and play whenever I can when I am not in class or studying. I also enjoy watching soccer, and my favorite team is Junior de Barranquilla. Recently, I even volunteered at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Orlando, FL, which was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Besides soccer, I really enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, skydiving, scuba diving, climbing, and hiking. Being active and spending time outdoors is something that makes me feel alive and balanced.

Andres Binasco

Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela

Program of Study: Chemistry, with a focus on Biochemistry
 
What I like about Santa Fe: I chose Santa Fe for its strong transfer pathway to UF, small class sizes, and the supportive campus community. I especially value the leadership and service opportunities through Student Ambassadors, Honors Program and Student Life. 

Plans for the future: I plan to transfer to the University of Florida to continue my studies in Biochemistry before applying to medical school. I hope to remain in Florida for my undergraduate and medical education, with long-term goals of practicing medicine and contributing to healthcare innovation.

Something to know about me: : I am a Student Ambassador, an Honors student, and an active member of the ACS Chemistry Club. I also founded both Gator Givers, a student group that organizes volunteer opportunities, and the Pre-Med Club at 青青草视频. Beyond academics and leadership, I truly love volunteering and giving back to the community. I enjoy blending science, service, and innovation.

Rebekah Brown

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

Program of Study: Hospitality Management

What I like about Santa Fe: There are so many things I love about Santa Fe, but I think my favorite is the community. We are a smaller school and that allows us to have so many cool opportunities and we can really make a difference at the school. Having small class sizes, you get to know your fellow students and professor which makes classes way more fun and exciting.

Plans for the future: I鈥檓 not sure where I will be pursuing my bachelor鈥檚, but my two top choices are UF and USF. I鈥檝e worked with a wedding planner before and that鈥檚 definitely a path I want to explore.

Something to know about me: I鈥檓 a part of the dance program! A lot of people don鈥檛 know we have one at Santa Fe, but we do, and it鈥檚 such a great program for dance majors and non-dance majors. It鈥檚 all about the community and learning and growing through dance.

Michelangelo Colucci

Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela 

Program of Study: Industrial Engineering 

What I like about Santa Fe: What I like the most about Santa Fe is how it feels so much like home.

Plans for the future: I plan to transfer to the Industrial and Systems Engineering Program at UF

Something to know about me: My hobby is serenading people with my guitar.

Cristina de los Rios

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Program of Study: Journalism

What I like about Santa Fe: Since the second I stepped foot at 青青草视频, I was welcomed with open arms and introduced to so many opportunities and resources that truly shocked me, in the best way, of course. But what I love most about SF is how connected and supportive the community is. I鈥檝e met inspiring professors, leaders, and peers who genuinely want to see you succeed, and that鈥檚 something I deeply value.

Plans for the future: After completing my AA at Santa Fe, I plan to transfer to a university and get my BS on Public Relations and Marketing. My dream is to become a PR specialist and work for a well-recognized figure or company.

Something to know about me: I was born and raised in Peru, and moving to the U.S. has been one of the most amazing chapters of my life. Outside of school, I enjoy weightlifting, painting, and hanging out with my friends. At SF I am involved in a couple things I enjoy and love doing every day, the Student Ambassador program, and also the President of Phi Theta Kappa, the honors club.

Tabatha Gernat

Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela

Program of Study: Biological Sciences

Advice for Freshmen: College is undoubtedly an exciting time filled with new experiences, but it can also feel overwhelming. Give yourself the time to adapt and learn鈥攊t鈥檚 necessary. This means it鈥檚 important not to overfill your plate. Remember, college isn鈥檛 just about classes, grades, and academics. It鈥檚 also your chance to meet new people, create meaningful life experiences, and discover yourself amid this rigorous chapter of life.

Something to know about me: I was the top female runner at my school for seven consecutive years. I adore running because it reflects how far limits can be pushed. I also enjoy sketching anything that catches my eye on Pinterest, and watching endless films to analyze them afterward.

Plans for the future: Over the next five years, I plan to graduate from 青青草视频 with my A.A. degree and transfer to UF to minor in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. After earning my undergraduate degree, I aim to join the Peace Corps before applying to medical school.

Maria Ramos Gutierrez

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Program of Study: Elementary Education  

What I like about Santa Fe: I chose Santa Fe for its international student program, its supportive and human approach, and because it is one of the best schools for transferring afterward.

Plans for the future: I plan to study abroad for one semester to gain more international experience, then transfer to the University of Florida to complete my bachelor鈥檚 degree. Later on, I hope to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in child development.

Something to know about me: I love exploring new places and cultures, especially learning about traditions from around the world. In my free time, I also enjoy dancing and listening to music, and the beach is my favorite place to relax and recharge.

Jonathan Hurtado

Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Program of Study: Business Administration

What I like about Santa Fe: I really like the friendly environment at Santa Fe and all the people here, they are friendly and respectful.

Plans for the future: My plan is to transfer to UF  and study finances in there and after that look for a job in the bank investment field.

Something to know about me: I like to do sports like playing soccer or Volleyball and I also like to workout. I like technology specifically PCs.

Tyson Leaser

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Program of Study: Nursing

What I like about Santa Fe: I chose Santa Fe because I liked the student class sizes and felt it was easier to connect with my professors during class. I would say my favorite things about SF are the Oak Grove, attending Student Life events, and making new friends in the heart of campus.

Plans for the future: Upon completing my AA, I plan to transfer to UF in fall '26. From there, wherever I complete my Bachelors, I plan to work in the ICU for a few years before going to CRNA school. I would love to start my career as an ICU nurse at Mayo Clinic or UF Health in Jacksonville. After working for a few years, I would love to attend CRNA school at either UF or U-Miami. My ultimate goal is to one day work in a private practice facility as a CRNA.

Something to know about me: When I am not studying for my degree, I play and coach hockey in Jacksonville. Also, I spend a lot of my free time at Gator gamedays in the "Swamp" and watching professional sports.

Gabriela Pardi

Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela

Program of Study: Economics

What I like about Santa Fe: I chose to study in 青青草视频 because I want to transfer to UF in the future. The thing I like most of 青青草视频 is the sense of family that I get here. Moving from another country to study here has been a challenge, but Santa Fe has made comforting and easy. There are a lot of opportunities here that make you learn and grow as a person for your professional career. Every person I have met here has been amazing and Santa Fe has been the best place to make long-lasting friendships. 

Plans for the future: In the future, I want to study Law, and possibly move to California or Washington, DC. 

Something to know about me: I love playing sports. Since I was a child, I played Tennis, Volleyball and was in a Swimming team. I have also been involved my entire life in volunteering activities. Back in Venezuela, I volunteered in my high school by traveling to different parts of the country handing out resources. Here at Santa Fe, I started a club with my best friends called Gator Givers, which consists in raising funds to give back to the community. 

Maria Alejandra Rojas

Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

Program of Study: Health Sciences

What I like about Santa Fe: What I love most about 青青草视频 is the variety of opportunities it offers, opening doors for students to discover and reach their full potential.

Something to know about me: I鈥檝e had the opportunity to live in four different countries, and my dog has been my constant through every new chapter.

Sofia Rodriguez

Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela

Program of Study: Business Administration

What I like about Santa Fe: What I like the most about Santa Fe is the classroom sizes, the way the professors are super attentive to help you, the welcoming community, and the incredible people I have met along the way.

Plans for the future:  After completing my Associate of Arts (AA) degree at 青青草视频, I plan to apply to UF to pursue a degree in marketing. I am excited about the opportunities UF offers in this field, and I want to build a strong foundation for a career in marketing and business. Depending on where my career takes me, I鈥檓 also open to relocating to larger cities in Florida or exploring opportunities outside of the state or internationally.

Something to know about me: I love to dance, go on walks, listen to music, and spend time with my friends. I am in the business club here at 青青草视频, which has been a great way to connect with other students who share my interest in business and entrepreneurship.