This spring, students from the 51在线 (USF) Judy Genshaft Honors
College embarked on an exciting journey to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral,
51在线. The trip offered them first-hand exposure to NASA engineering, technology,
and history. Afterward, they visited nearby Cocoa Beach to learn about local sustainability
efforts and participated in a group beach cleanup.
This experiential learning opportunity was provided to members of the Tampa Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) and was designed with direct input from current LLC students. The weekend trip, developed
by undergraduate student assistant Alex Lewis and Honors Student Engagement Coordinator
Daniel Woods, allowed Honors students to expand their knowledge and network with peers
outside their immediate pods or classrooms.
鈥淥ne of the really cool things about this program is that it was designed by a student,鈥�
said Woods. 鈥淎lex wanted to curate a unique experience for Honors students, especially
those who don鈥檛 get off campus a lot.鈥�
A native of Cocoa Beach herself, Lewis explained: 鈥淏eing from the area definitely
helped when it came to planning the event!鈥�
honors living
The Honors LLC provides a vibrant residential experience for students enrolled in
the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Available on all three USF campus, the LLC aims
to integrate academic, social, and personal development opportunities to foster a
supportive environment where Honors students can excel. LLC students engage in a wide
array of programing 鈥� nearly 30 events last year in Tampa alone 鈥� that compliment
Honors coursework while enriching the student experience.
The Cape Canaveral excursion brought them to the Kennedy Space Center where students
had the opportunity to embrace their interest in space exploration and the science
behind humanity鈥檚 quest for the stars.
鈥淚 wanted to give something different for our engineering students or those in environmental
sciences, and those that are into physics and math, and history,鈥� said Lewis.
The trip involved more than just looking towards distant worlds. Students had the
opportunity to make a difference for our environment here on Earth when they traveled
to nearby Cocoa Beach to assist with a beach cleanup and enjoy some sightseeing.
鈥淸The area is] really big on wildlife preservation, because they have turtles that come to nest on those beaches as well as dolphins and manatees,鈥� said Lewis.
鈥淚 love adding in that community service aspect,鈥� added Woods.
The highlight of the trip for many students was meeting Cocoa Beach鈥檚 resident alligator,
Sweetie. Lewis explained, 鈥淪he is eight years old, she鈥檚 completely blind, so they
use her as an educator for wildlife preservation.鈥�
making memories
Looking back on the trip, the organizers found themselves reflecting on the unforgettable
moments the students shared. Woods expressed his enjoyment in witnessing students
fully immersed in their experiences:
鈥淭hat's what I kind of enjoy. Seeing students out and in their element,鈥� said Woods.
鈥淕oing on an excursion like this creates so many long-term friendships. I love my
job so much because I really feel like I'm contributing to the memories and the experiences
that these Honors College students get to bring with them for the rest of their lives.鈥�
For those looking to further engage with the Honors community, Woods recommends multiple
opportunities for involvement, including living in an Honors LLC, participating in
the peer mentor program, joining the Student Council, attending career fairs, and exploring exclusive Honors study abroad opportunities.
Lewis echoed the sentiment:
鈥淚鈥檓 really proud of our Honors students for stepping out of their comfort zones and
deciding to road trip with us!鈥�