Find Your Counselor
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Andrea Flores
Program Director, Recruitment | andrea.flores@fsu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: All the green space! Coming from a big city, I loved being able to study or sip coffee under the massive oak trees.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: How warm and welcoming campus is. From the first day I stepped onto FSU's campus, I felt at home. Whether it was just a simple wave as I crossed paths with another student, new friends inviting me into a study group in the library, or how helpful and courteous faculty and staff were, I knew I had found somewhere special!
My advice for future Seminoles: Live on campus if you can! It will help you meet people, get connected across campus, and help ease the transition into college.
Courtney Wood
Program Director, First-Year & Scholarships | c.wood@fsu.edu
Hometown: Valdosta, GA
Degrees: Valdosta State University, B.A. (History)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Tallahassee is a haven for foodies, there are so many different options to choose from when it comes to food. I love exploring different places to eat and hang out!
What I enjoy the most about FSU: The communal spirit for Florida State is infectious, everyone here from the administration and staff to the students genuinely love it here. From sports to student organizations to campus traditions, there is spirit in everything we do. Every day is a great day when you're at FSU!
My advice for future Seminoles: Don't be afraid to try something new! Florida State has so many options to help you broaden your horizons, take advantage of attending a campus rich with opportunities! You never know when you'll discover a new passion or hobby.
Kyrstin Switanek
Assistant Director, Recruitment | kswitanek@fsu.edu
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Degrees: Jacksonville University, B.F.A (Theatre); M.B.A (Management)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: I love that it has the best of both the city vibes, but also all the nature. Between all the niche restaurants, dog parks, and the springs I can always find something fun to do.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: The community and how prideful of a place it is!
My advice for future Seminoles: Do not think you have to have your entire life planned out by freshman year. Take the time to discover you, your passions and interests, and try something new!
Carolina Salinas
Admissions Counselor | csalinas@fsu.edu
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Social Science Education)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Coming from a fast paced town, everything is calmer and cozier. In addition, all the beautiful greenery. Tallahassee has so many beautiful parks that allow you to immerse yourself with nature. And finally, being able to experience seasonal changes is something that I did not experience in South Florida.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: What I enjoy the most about FSU is how much FSU cares about students. There is always something for everyone to participate in or join. Not only that, FSU wants their students to succeed in every aspect of their college careers. They offer plenty of resources and help for students to use to make sure they are getting the best of their college experience.
My advice for future Seminoles: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, it may feel uncomfortable but you never know when a great opportunity might present itself.
Catherine Arthur
Assistant Director | cearthur@fsu.edu
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Tallahassee is one of those rare places that instantly feels like home no matter how far you have travelled or how long you've been here. Every person you meet is welcoming and kind and wants to show you the often-unnoticed beauty in every aspect of this city.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: I love the culture of this university and how contagious everyone's love for Florida State is. Whether it is through academics, athletics, or research, there is something every single person has an unwavering passion for, and they would love to help you in gaining that same passion. Personally, I love going to FSU football games to really see everyone showcase their passion for Florida State loudly and proudly!
My advice for future Seminoles: Get involved with something you never thought you would enjoy. There are hundreds of student organizations that cover a vast variety of interests that maybe you haven't even considered, and getting involved with an unfamiliar one may lead you to a group of new friends and experiences you will never forget!
Hannah Godfrey
Assistant Director | hgodfrey@fsu.edu
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: I love how unique the city of Tallahassee is, blending historic landmarks, modern architecture, and lush green spaces. With the capitol, extensive parks and trails, and vibrant art scenes, every street in Tallahassee promises a distinct experience.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: FSU felt like home from the moment I stepped onto campus. Our emphasis on traditions and community makes our school one of a kind. The school spirit within the community extends beyond sports and into our research, student organizations, and academics. For me, few things were more special than waking up on campus for the first home football game. Experiencing the War Chant echoing through campus and witnessing locals, students, faculty, and alumni alike show their support for FSU is something I wish everyone could experience.
My advice for future Seminoles: Take advantage of everything our campus has to offer and fully immerse yourself into the experience. Outside of student organizations, there are always events happening on/around campus that provide students with an opportunity to meet new people, engage in fun activities, and even learn new skills. Take every opportunity to explore yourself and allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. These years provide a once in a lifetime opportunity, enjoy them!
Alfredo Alvarez
Admissions Counselor | aaalvarez@fsu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S (Political Science)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: The food! Considering how small of a city this is relative to population size. We have some phenomenal food, whether these are sit-down restaurants, food trucks, or a small hole-in-the-wall place. This city and its surrounding areas have it all.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: How accessible our campus is, you can walk from one corner of campus to the other in under 30 minutes. It's incredible how this university can have so many things in such a compact area!
My advice for future Seminoles: Enjoy the time that you have on campus, these will be some of the best experiences you have. Make sure to cherish them and live in the moment. Get involved, and step out of your comfort zone, you're only a college student once!
Vannah Clayton
Program Manager Scholarships | hclayton@fsu.edu
Hometown: Perry, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology and Child Development), MPA (Leadership and Strategic Management)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Tallahassee has a ton of beautiful local parks! The trees, blooming flowers, small ponds, chirping birds, and green space always offer a great deal of peace and relaxation for me.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: FSU gives everyone the ability to grow. There is no judgment or imperfections, just improvements that can contribute to one's personal growth.
My advice for future Seminoles: You will be discovering and experiencing many new things about the world around you and yourself. It is an exciting time and a new adventure. Enter this experience with an open mind; if you come into this new experience with hopefulness and a positive attitude, your experience will be a lot more rewarding.
Barley Hilpert
Admissions Counselor | bhilpert@fsu.edu
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Campus is in the heart of the state capital, allowing students to enjoy a college town experience on and off campus. I love that we are surrounded by a multitude of amazing dining options, award-winning parks, hidden springs, historical events and miles of trails for biking or walking. Allowing students to enjoy the nature our region has to offer while still having the benefits of living in a thriving town.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: From the moment I toured Florida State University in my junior year of high school my mind was made up, the college tours were over. The big brick buildings and canopies of oak tree shaded paths it felt like an educational oasis. Being on a campus that feels like a community was important for me in making my college decision, I made the right choice with FSU!
My advice for future Seminoles: Get involved!!! There are so many events, organizations, and opportunities to get engaged on campus. The memories and relationships you can make at Florida State University truly last a lifetime. You always think there's more time until you are walking across that stage at Graduation. Go to a baseball game with your friends, take a yoga class at the Leach, study on Landis one day, join a club... these are all parts of being a Nole.
Grace Scott
Admissions Counselor | gescott@fsu.edu
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (English Education) M.S. (Curriculum and Instruction)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Tallahassee is a place that feels like home, even if you no longer live there. It has beautiful trees and historic buildings that make it feel cozy and charming. If you are a Florida native, it allows you to escape the typical Florida landscape for a little while. My ultimate favorite part is getting to experience all four seasons - fall in Tallahassee is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
What I enjoy the most about FSU: Can I say everything? The community here at FSU is unlike any other. When you become a part of the FSU family, you never leave. The people here have a warmth that I have never experienced before, one that allows you to thrive both socially and academically. Though it is a big school, it has a tight-knit feel.
My advice for future Seminoles: Spend as much time on campus as possible! Some of my best memories happened on Landis Green, around Westcott Fountain, or within the four walls of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Also, drive down as many canopy roads as you can - they are something special!
Jordan Diaz
Admissions Counselor | jdiaz15@fsu.edu
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.A. (Editing, Writing, and Media)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: We have over 10 different museums with incredible topics ranging from history to art to cars--which are all three things I love! Apart from the educational parts of town, we also have so many activities for people to do on their days off, including movie theaters, rock climbing parks, roller rinks, local theater performances, and so much more!
What I enjoy the most about FSU: I enjoy the sense of home that I get from FSU. Even attending as a student, I never felt like I didn't belong here, and it was never difficult to meet people and feel comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone to try new things.
My advice for future Seminoles: Take advantage of every opportunity and benefit that you are given just for being a student here! We may have a few popular sports teams, but above all we are a school whose top priority will always be you and your wellbeing, so we are filled to the brim with endless opportunities and benefits made just for you!
Kaitlyn Varady
Admissions Counselor | kvarady@fsu.edu
Hometown: Lake Placid, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. Criminology
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: No matter your hobbies, there's always something to do! Between the restaurants, the farmers market every Saturday, or state parks and other recreational areas, there's always new memories to be made!
What I enjoy the most about FSU: FSU is more than a university, we're a family! Whether you're a current student or Alumni, there is a strong sense of community that comes with being a Nole!
My advice for future Seminoles: Be patient with yourself! Life can be hard and scary, but don't forget to live in the moment!