When you’re on your way to class in the morning, it is impossible to ignore the incredible amount of students that attend our bustling and diverse university that nearly 56,000 of us have grown to call home. You may think that it must be difficult to stand out, make an impact, or even change the lives of those you share your school with, but it’s definitely doable, and the amazing people we share our campus with are definitely doing so every day.
Twenty-one year-old Adam Brock is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Advertising & Public Relations. He is heavily involved in IFC, SGA, and has been working very hard to positively influence the students of UCF for years now. Adam is the creator of the Knightlynx transportation system, and has become the first student at UCF to design a mode of late night transportation to prevent drunk driving in the UCF, Orlando area. The bus system operates through the Student Government Association and is free to all UCF students who present their student ID’s. It’s great to know that students like Adam have taken it upon themselves to work hard to become our positive influences.
What follows are a few questions that I has the opportunity to ask Adam about himself and what went into creating the Knightlynx Transportation system.
Q: What made you want to create the Knightlynx?
A: UCF needed a program that students can rely on. You go anywhere else in the state and they have a program very similar to KnightLynx. As the 2nd largest school in the country, I felt it was crucial for it to happen immediately.
Q: When did you begin planning the Knightlynx system and why?
A: KnightLynx was first thought out during Summer B 2010 when I did more research on UF’s Later Gator and FSU’s Night Nole. These are very similar programs so I tried finding similar resources they had within the Central Florida region.
Q: Did anyone ever doubt your ability to bring Knightlynx to UCF? If so, what was your response to that?
A: Absolutely. Our funding actually was almost killed in previous A&SF Committee meetings. People doubted me all of the time, but I used that as more motivation. On the day of the soft launch (Jan. 28th) I saw a quote on my calendar by Margaret Chase Smith and it said, “When people keep telling you that you can’t do a thing, you kind of like to try it.” To this day, I keep that quote engraved in my mind.
Q: Where do you see this project taking you in the future?
A: I would love to help other schools develop programs such as this. Some people might not realize the resources that are right in front of them the entire time. I would love to travel the country and show them exactly what to do when making their own late-night shuttle program.
Q: Many of the accomplishments that you have attributed to have positively benefited the well being and future of the students at UCF. Has it always been your personal goal or dream to help others?
A: Ever since high school, I have always been involved in just about anything I can get my hands on. I love staying active and not having enough time to breathe. I know it sounds weird, but that’s just the way I am. Anyone who knows me would agree.
Q: Do you agree with the members of the UCF student community who’ve referred to your work as “groundbreaking?”
A: The word “groundbreaking” is very flattering and it warms my heart to know that students see the program as being useful. In the coming months and even years, I hope to bring KnightLynx to the next level.
Q: Would you say that Knightlynx is your legacy to UCF? And if so, is it the only thing you wish to leave behind?
A: KnightLynx is a great program for the students. This isn’t my legacy. This is SGA’s legacy. Yes, I had a helping hand in it, but this was a feat that prior administrations did work with and without those trials and errors, KnightLynx would not be what it is today.
Q: Is there anyone in particular who influenced you to do such great things this early on in your life?
A: That would definitely have to be my father. He passed away when I was 14 years old from an unexpected, massive heart attack. He was my best friend and will always be it. Like Dr. Millican, he would always say to “reach for the stars” and to “never let anyone get in your way.” He always had a very positive influence on me and is the main reason why I am so active on campus.
Q: Where do you see the Knightlynx system in 5 years?
A: I would love to see 5 different routes by then. Servicing nearly 70% of the UCF population and running 3-4 nights per week.
Q: What advice would you give to the future of UCF and their “to come” ideas?
A: Go for it. You have absolutely nothing to lose. You only gain respect.
Q: Describe the Knightlynx in 3 words.
A: Link to UCF.