Amy Maitner

“When I first came to UCF, I had a hard time finding my way. I moved here from a military base in Germany, and being away from friends and family was extremely overwhelming. LEAD Scholars became my home away from home. In a school of 60,000, LEAD Scholars was able to create an intimate and personalized experience that I will forever be grateful for. My involvement with LEAD grew to acquiring the position of Peer Mentor and attending three LEAD-specific Alternative Break Program trips, and with it my confidence flourished. LEAD Scholars gave me the tools I needed to become an independent leader and follow my passions. I am a women’s and gender studies minor, and LEAD Scholars further helped me focus on this passion through the Inspire Women’s Leadership Program. Inspire created a community of empowerment for young college women, and we would meet throughout the semester to talk about a range of topics—anything from current trends and their effect on women, to Emma Watson’s UN Speech. LEAD Scholars has helped me hone my leadership skills as a whole and connect further with the UCF community. I can thank LEAD for helping me become a member of the President’s Leadership Council, and I know that I am prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.”