Alina Oberglock cares about improving lives. When she was younger, she liked helping her peers and wanted to become a teacher. She plans to graduate with an Associate in Arts in Psychology from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in Venice in December 2025. She then intends to transfer to a university, earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and possibly pursue a profession in family therapy or teaching/counseling.

“My dream career would be anything that entails working with people and supporting them,” said Oberglock.”

Oberglock grew up in Germany. After graduating from high school in July 2022, she and her family emigrated to the U.S. She started classes at SCF Venice in January 2023. SCF stood out to her due to its recognition in the community and its proximity to her home and family.

“After moving to America, I had to get used to a new language, culture and school system, which is why I chose to go to a community college,” Oberglock said. “The main reason why I chose SCF was because I had heard about its great reputation and was recommended to go there.”

SCF provides academic, extracurricular and social opportunities for students. Oberglock enjoys SCF Venice’s smaller size and close connection to students, faculty, staff and advisors.  

“I feel like we all get to know each other better,” she said. “It creates a more tightly knit community for us.”

Working hard to achieve academic excellence is rewarding to Oberglock. She received the Darlene Wedler-Johnson Award for an Outstanding Student in English at the 2025 SCF Honors Convocation and the Outstanding Student in Political Science award at the 2024 SCF Honors Convocation. In addition to her classroom studies, she uses various educational support services and resources.

“There has not been one semester that the Tutoring and Academic Success Center (TASC) has not seen me stop by,” Oberglock said. “It is free, and they (staff) are all so kind and patient. The library is an amazing and quiet place to study, ask questions, print essays for classes and read books for classes and fun. The Student Life office is also a place to go if you have questions or do not know where to go.”

Staying active in student clubs and activities has helped Oberglock make friends, broaden her interests and support her fellow students. She served in the Student Government Association (SGA) for two years. She participates in the History and Political Science Club (HPSC), the Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD) National English Honor Society, the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate Club and the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and works as a tutor.

Oberglock appreciates everyone who has supported her college journey and personal growth. She is thankful for her family, friends and many people at SCF.

“Before I came to SCF, I was extremely shy and would not talk to anyone if they did not talk to me first,” she said. “Professor Edmond Lasalle was the first professor who really built my confidence. He was like a mentor to me and made me believe more in my abilities and English skills. Professor Michael Rogers introduced me to SGA and inspired me to join HPSC. Through him and the amazing people I met, I got out of my shell and started enjoying my time here at SCF.”

Her club involvement includes valuable experiences beyond the classroom. As part of SGA, she visited the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee to advocate for SCF Parrish funding. As part of SKD, she won a photography contest and attended a conference in Pittsburgh.

Outside of school, Oberglock likes visiting Walt Disney World and other spots with her family and friends. She hopes to see places like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Niagara Falls in New York and other places in the U.S. and around the world.

As she continues her education and career path, she carries with her a special connection to SCF and the opportunities it provides for students to explore, discover and thrive.

“I am grateful for all those who have made my time at SCF such a pivotal moment in my life,” Oberglock said. “College can be the base of an amazing social life and the start of something new. It may lead you to find a new path that is perfect for you, something that you never knew existed or was possible.”

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Photo caption: SCF President Tommy Gregory, J.D., presents an award to SCF student Alina Oberglock at the 2025 SCF Honors Convocation.