(Bradenton, Fla., March 6, 2025) — Sofia Zavala and her family find pride in higher education. She started at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in 2023. Zavala is a first-generation college student studying in the business administration management and marketing pathway at SCF. Her parents emigrated from Honduras to the U.S. to provide a good life for the family.

Zavala enjoys staying active through her studies, yoga, the beach, family, friends, and work in the community and at SCF. Her part-time jobs include supporting a nonprofit organization for girls, where she attended and volunteered growing up, being a server at a Mediterranean restaurant, and assisting the SCF communications and government relations (CAGR) department with content, administrative, event and other tasks.

“I always knew I wanted to go into communications,” said Zavala. “I love talking to people about things I care about.”

Going to college is meaningful to Zavala and her family.

“My parents came from nothing and are doing so good for themselves,” Zavala said. “They are my role models. It’s an honor to make them proud.”

A high school advisor told Zavala about SCF. She experienced a firsthand look at the college through the College Reach-Out Program (CROP), a statewide program encouraging post-secondary education for students of all backgrounds.

“I started (CROP) in my senior year,” she said. “It prepared me for college and a smooth transition to SCF.”

Zavala participated in a summer bridge program, took an SCF psychology class and a Strategies for Success class, and got a head start on her college education.

“It was one of the best experiences,” Zavala said. “It helped speed up the process of where I am now.”

The SCF TRIO Student Support Services program and its director, Dr. Kristen Anderson, have guided Zavala in her SCF education and preparation for an eventual transfer to another institution. Assistance includes workshops, college tours, tutoring, financial aid, academic advising and more.

“They make sure I’m taking the correct classes to be able to transfer to the school I want,” she said. “It’s great to have that support system. They’ve helped me a lot.”

SCF faculty and students have positively impacted Zavala’s SCF experience. Matt Boldin, an SCF filmmaking major and CAGR student employee, filmed a scholarship video with Zavala and connected her to her CAGR position.

“I’m happy with my time here,” Zavala said. “I love the teachers. I’ve met a lot of great friends.”

Zavala has found it rewarding to begin her higher education journey at SCF versus a larger institution.

“I’ve gained so much not going directly to a university,” she said. “You are learning and doing the same things as at a university. You don’t have to spend as much money. Plus, you get to study from home.”

Zavala’s advice to new students is to take time to decide on majors, stay attentive in class and lean on others.

“It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do; just take it one step at a time,” Zavala said. “Make connections. Don’t be scared to ask for help.”

Zavala hopes to graduate later in 2025 with an associate in arts degree in business administration management and marketing from SCF, transfer to the University of Florida and enter the public relations field.

“It would mean a lot to me to get that degree,” she said. “In this country, there are so many opportunities. I think everybody should go to college.”

To learn more about SCF or apply for admission, visit SCF.edu.