Graduate Student of the Year: Jamaican excels at University of Florida

JAMAICAN student Christina Wan, daughter of Leslie and David Wan, an MEd student enrolled in the University of Florida's (UF) Student Personnel in Higher Education programme, has been named Graduate Student of the Year by the Florida chapter of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA-FL).

NASPA is considered the nation's leading association for student affairs professionals. The state award recognises chapter members enrolled in Florida student affairs graduate programmes, who create and administer innovative student affairs programmes and services for Florida universities.

While pursuing her master's in the College of Education, Wan has worked for more than a year as a graduate assistant for career and leadership programmes at UF's Warrington College of Business Administration, coordinating and advising two leadership programmes. She also teaches a Warrington Welcome First Year Florida course.

"Christina volunteered for department-wide initiatives and her ability to excel in her position was second to none," says Anthony DeSantis, UF associate dean of students and the current NASPA-FL state director. "She was a valuable addition to our staff and was able to complete projects that enhanced the entire department."

dedicated Service

Her service to NASPA includes volunteering at the group's 2011 national conference and assisting the state chapter's Knowledge Community Chair for Student Leadership. Wan also serves as UF's NASPA graduate associate, where she has been instrumental in co-ordinating a careers in student affairs round table for undergraduates at UF.

Wan completed her spring semester practicum last May at UF]s Dean of Students Office. This semester, her practicum is at the Department of Housing and Residence Education.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and international studies in 2010 from Trinity University. She is a member of four honour societies and received the Trinity Distinguished Representatives' Above and Beyond Award in 2010.

- EduGator News

Awards received

1. Mortar Board

2. Sigma Iota Rho - International Studies Honour Society

3. Omicron Delta Kappa - Leadership Honour Society

4. Sigma Delta Pi - National Collegiate Hispanic Honour Society

5. Robert O. Blanchard Communications award for Excellence in Academics

6. While undergraduate at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas she received the Trinity Distinguished Representatives' Above and Beyond Award.


Parents proud

Parents David and Leslie Wan say they are very proud of Christina both for her history of academic excellence and her academic accolades. "More importantly, we are proud of the fact that she understands that with the opportunity for an education, comes the responsibility to make it count and to assist others in ways that will allow them to excel as well. Her work with students in mentorship and leadership has allowed her that ability to give back as she gains valuable experience. She has made us proud not only for her accomplishments, but for the heart that makes her the strong and supportive young woman she is. We as parents could not have asked for more."Christina, who is a former government scholar, is a graduate of Immaculate Prep and High schools and the American International School of Kingston.Of her achievement, she says, "Receiving the Graduate Student of the Year award is a product of all of the opportunities for growth and development I have been afforded. I am very grateful for the wonderful primary and secondary education I received here in Jamaica, and it prepared me well to continue to grow and challenge myself.

- Contributed