During my senior year of high school, I decided to apply for FSU’s Business Living-Learning Community (LLC). Little did I know just how impactful this decision would become. Like many of my peers in the LLC, I decided to apply because it was located in Azalea Hall. I wanted to be in what’s considered the best dorm on campus, and being in the LLC would guarantee that.
At first, I hated the idea of an LLC. Before even committing to FSU, I received a postcard in the mail encouraging me to apply. It seemed like an interesting idea, but not something I’d be interested in. This all changed after I submitted my housing contract, and I decided to apply the day before the application was due.
Weeks later, I learned that I’d been accepted, and this secured my housing in Azalea Hall.
Fall Semester
The Business LLC thrived due to the professor who led it, Mark Ziegler, who shaped the LLC into an actual community. Throughout the entire year, he held office hours in Azalea Hall out of convenience for the LLC students. It often turned into many of us in the LLC just sitting in there talking with Professor Ziegler, often complaining about our classes.
Our main bonding time was our Monday night colloquiums, where each week, we had the chance to listen to a new speaker discuss their career path in the business world. There was a wide range of speakers, but nearly all of them were FSU faculty or alumni. Professor Ziegler put together an excellent schedule; the speakers covered all of the different majors within the College of Business.
After only a few weeks into the semester, the College of Business hosted its Business Career Expo. Professor Ziegler encouraged everyone in the LLC to attend, despite being only first-year students. I decided to go, to put myself out there. I spoke with only a few recruiters, but I found an internship in my hometown, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that was for my major. I applied for the internship, and to my surprise, I was offered an interview.
In full transparency, I didn’t want to go, nor did I want the position. I was sick and had a busy schedule that day. Professor Ziegler once again encouraged me to go, so I did. A couple of weeks later, I landed the internship, all thanks to him. The scenario taught me to put myself out there, especially in instances when I don’t want to.
Near the end of the semester, the opportunity to become an Engage 100 Instructor for the College of Business for Fall 2025 arose. I decided to apply because, why not?, and was first offered the position of a teaching assistant. Almost immediately into the Spring semester, a spot had opened up, and I can now proudly say that I’ve nearly finished my first semester as an Engage 100 Instructor.
Spring Semester
The LLC was very different in the spring; I think most of us had a better handle on FSU and ourselves. We continued having our weekly colloquium, along with an additional business course. Half of us took Financial Accounting together, and the other half took Business Communications, which meant that we all had two classes exclusively with the LLC.
For all but one of my classes, I had other students in the LLC with me. I remember that in my Risk Management & Insurance class, a group of about 10 of us would sit together. Having other LLC students in my classes made them more enjoyable and easier to study for. I was constantly able to ask questions on anything I didn’t understand, and we often studied together. This was different from the Fall semester, but something I greatly appreciated.
My most memorable highlight in the Business LLC has to be when the speaker for the colloquium was Coach Mike Norvell. He was an excellent speaker, emphasizing the importance of networking and how little actions can become big impacts. Coach Norvell welcomed us all in the lobby and then proceeded to greet each one of us with a handshake as we walked into the room.
There were many highlights throughout my experience in the Business LLC, too many to include. My biggest takeaway was the impact of Professor Ziegler; he truly made the LLC so special. It felt like a community, especially in the Spring semester. My FSU journey would be drastically different, and for the LLC, I’m forever grateful.
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