Leading by Example: Take Stock Alum Reflects on Life at UF

This article was originally written by Tatiana Ronelus, an alumnus of the Take Stock in Children/Johnson Scholars Program of the School District of Palm Beach County. It is shared here with permission.

My name is Tatiana Ronelus, and I’m currently a first-year business marketing student at the University of Florida (UF). Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, I graduated from Forest Hill Community High School as part of the Class of 2024. I’m also a proud alum of the Take Stock and Johnson Scholars program.

I chose the University of Florida to further my academic journey because of the immense support it offers to first-generation students like myself. UF not only provides the resources to help me excel academically but also nurtures my passion for leadership and campus involvement. As a result, I was honored to receive a full-ride scholarship through the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship, along with additional support from the Promise UF program. These opportunities have equipped me with invaluable mentorship and resources, starting during the Summer B term in 2024.

My success at UF has been fueled by determination and resilience. Balancing my academic workload, leadership roles, and personal life has been challenging, but I’ve always been committed to making the most of my opportunities. Since high school, I’ve been deeply involved in my community, and UF has provided me with even more chances to grow and strive for excellence.

Currently, I am a participant in Lead UF, a three-day leadership and service summit, and I’ll be returning in 2025 as a peer leader. I’ve also had the privilege of being selected for two first-year leadership programs: the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) through UF’s Black Student Union and the Freshman Leadership Experience (FLEX) through UF Student Government. Looking ahead, I am preparing to serve as a 2025 preview staffer this summer, where I’ll be an orientation leader for over 10,000 new students across more than 25 sessions. Additionally, I’ve recently joined L.A.D.I.E.S., an organization dedicated to mentoring young women and supporting service initiatives. In the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, I will also be a mentee in the Florida Leadership Academy, UF’s premier leadership program for top sophomores, which has been shaping leaders for over two decades.

While these leadership opportunities are incredibly rewarding, none of them would be possible without my academic commitment. At UF, I’m constantly challenged by rigorous coursework, surrounded by peers who push me to aim higher. However, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about balancing your priorities, taking breaks when needed, and relying on your support system, whether you’re adjusting to college life or deep in your academic journey.

Throughout all of this, I owe much of my success to the continuous support from Take Stock in Children, which has been there for me from high school all the way to college. The program has consistently provided the guidance I need, checking in to ensure my success both in school and beyond. Without the countless advocates for first-generation students like myself, I would not have had access to so many resources and opportunities to pursue my education at this level. I’m incredibly proud to represent Take Stock and continue to be an example for other students. I’m excited to see what I will accomplish at the University of Florida and beyond—Go GATORS!