Remembering 9/11

Today, I would like to use the post as an opportunity to reflect on an event that changed our nation forever. It is hard to believe that it has been 12 years since 9/11, but no matter how much time passes it is steadfastly important to continuously remember the brave men and women who lost their lives that day.

Remembering events such as this one really puts everything in perspective. Thousands of lives were changed forever that day. People packed suitcases that they never got to open. People left their homes for work and never returned home. Today reminds us of just how fragile life is, and that each day isn't promised.

Take some time to think about the ones who lost their lives in this tragedy, from the people who were working in the building to the firefighters who attempted to rescue innocent victims. The amazing thing about that day is the way our nation rallied around a hellish tragedy and came together as one. The way our nation reacted to the events reminds us of just how great it is to be an American.

Second Lunch on the Lawn with Bon

Today I will be hosting my second Lunch on the Lawn during my administration! Make sure to stop by today for some free food and information about the different Agencies inside Student Government to learn more about getting involved. Here is a brief overview of the diverse agencies inside the Executive Branch of SG, all of which aim to accomplish a different, important goal.

ACCENT Speaker's Bureau is the largest student-run speaker's bureau in the nation, and has provided the University of Florida with many big name speakers in its 30-year existence, including past Presidents, Prime Ministers and business and sports legends. Action SG serves students by providing transparency and accountability to our Student Government. Its main goal is to publicize all events and services that Student Government puts on. If you are interested in the election process, then the Elections agency is the spot for you. They are the people that run the largest one of the largest student-run elections in the country.

External Affairs is an agency that is responsible for representing student opinion and views on key legislative government priorities on the local, state, and federal level. They are a representative voice for the student body when it comes to different political views and standpoints on many important topics. Freshman Leadership Council is one of my personal favorite agencies on campus, as it provides an amazing opportunity for freshman to get involved in and learn about Student Government, while also getting a chance to get involved in the Gainesville community early on in their collegiate careers.

Gator Innovators is one of the newest agencies on campus, geared towards students who have interest in entrepreneurial startups in the Gainesville communities. It is one of the most innovative agencies we have, and proves that SG is always striving to push the limits and better the community around us. Gators Going Green is responsible for advocating sustainability issues and ensuring that the University of Florida stays ahead of the curve with the nationwide push to "go green".

STAAR is an agency that has been educating students for over 10 years about racism all over the Gainesville community and striving to ensure equality for all student and residents in the area. Last but not least, Student Government Productions (SGP) provides a wide and diverse array of popular entertainment to students for free or at a reduced cost.

As you can see, there are a plethora of different agencies to get involved in in Student Government, so stop by Lunch on the Lawn today to learn more details about each and how to apply!

Saturday in the South: Gators vs. Canes

This weekend our Florida Gators head 324 miles south to face the Miami Hurricanes, an underrated rivalry game that occurs only once every five years. In honor of tomorrow's game, I wanted to provide some history of what used to be the biggest rivalry in the state. The sun is supposed to be blazing when they kickoff at noon on Saturday down in Miami in front of an expected sellout crowd.

The Gators are favored by three points going into the contest, which is not surprising considering the two teams’ very even history. In 54 total meetings, the Gators have gone 26-28 against the Canes.

From 1938 until 1987 the Gators and the Hurricanes met every year, and many considered the game the biggest rivalry in the state of Florida. After SEC requirements changed in 1987 requiring that each SEC team play 8 conference games per year, the rivalry between Florida and Miami was forced to come to a halt.

Saturday marks the sixth time the teams have met in the last 25 years. The last time they played was in The Swamp in 2008, and the Gators routed the Canes in a 26 to 3 victory. Hopefully Saturday will yield similar results, as a heavy showing of orange and blue is expected in Sun Life Stadium. Make sure to tune in to ESPN Saturday at noon for what should be a great matchup! GO GATORS!

Business Spotlight: MessageMe

Today I would like to share an app with you that represents the ever-changing and advancing world of social media and technology.

MessageMe is an app that launched in March of 2013 with an easy-to-use interface that further revolutionized messaging and group chatting.

Message me offers a way to personalize every message and picture you send with the doodle feature, where the user can draw directly on to a picture and then send out the finished product to their friends, all at the touch of a button.

The app also allows group chats that can easily keep an entire group of people connected. It has functions that allow for sending pictures, sending pinpoints on maps and sharing YouTube videos.

My personal favorite function of MessageMe is the Facebook and Twitter integration it has built in, which allows for anything through the app to be conveniently posted on these social media sites in merely seconds. The app also saves a great amount of hassle and effort by automatically integrating every contact in your phone with people who already have MessageMe.

In my opinion, this app is a must-download, simply based on how efficient and user-friendly it is. In today's busy world, the simpler and faster technology is, the easier our lives become. As college students, we often find ourselves simply running out of time in the day. Why not jump at the chance to simplify and expedite the way we connect with others? The app can be found at the Apple App Store. Give it a try, Gators!

UF Alumni Association

I hope everyone enjoyed the first of many Gator victories this football season.  The University of Florida's Alumni Association is one of the largest alumni networks in the country.  This weekend, I had the pleasure of briefing the Board of Directors on the projects I am working on.

I shared an update on the progress of the Blue Light mobile application that I have been working on.  This app will improve safety on campus by providing students with a Blue Light phone on the screen of their smart phone.  I also shared my legislative goals with the board - to keep higher education affordable and predictable for current and future students.  Finally, I discussed ways that the Alumni Association can expand student memberships and engage the student body with the work that the Alumni Association is doing.

Don't forget that the Alumni Association has student memberships as well as alumni memberships.  Student memberships are inexpensive and provide many benefits, including: a UF Alumni tailgate chair, a koozie, a wide variety of Gator Savers discounts at various locations all over Gainesville and a BEAT T-shirt for each home game.  For more information, go check out the UFAA website at www.ufalumni.ufl.edu. 

Community Leaders Dinner at the Governor's

Last night I, along with other University of Florida student leaders, had the honor of attending Governor Rick Scott's Community Leaders Dinner that was held at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee. I am incredibly proud to represent the Gator Nation and was truly honored to be able to attend such an exquisite event and be surrounded by other notables from all over the state. Seeing how dedicated and hardworking the leaders and members of our state government are keeps my staff and I motivated and striving to be the absolute best we can be while representing such an amazing university. Go Gators!

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Welcome Back Video

The fall semester is finally upon us. As we get back into the full swing of things, I wanted to share my welcome back video with the entire student body.

Speaking from personal experience, I understand that the beginning of the semester can be a very busy, stressful, yet also fun time. There is a plethora of opportunities available for students to get involved with during this time of year, so don't wait to get involved! I firmly believe that with 900 student organizations there is something out there for everyone, including freshman who are just starting class for the first time. The sooner you find your niche here at UF, the better your overall experience will be.

Some of the organizations and resources I outlined in my video include Greek organizations, the Alumni Association, the Career Resource Center, and Student Government. These are a few great examples of involvement opportunities that can truly enhance your college experience.

Again, I encourage everyone to work hard, get involved in something your passionate about, and have fun while doing it. I hope everyone is having a great start to their semester and is exicted about what the near future has in store! Oh...and don't forget to stay classy, Gators.