You have probably seen Nicole Messina around campus because she is involved in so many different activities! She is multi-talented and really cares for her school and the people around her.
What year are you (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior)?
Senior, graduating this December with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Art History
Why did you decide to go to USFSP?
I truly love the inclusive and diverse atmosphere of our campus, as well as the small class sizes and our beautiful waterfront. Coming in the fall of 2012 as a psychology major, I was really impressed with our intelligent and well-known faculty who are truly dedicated to helping their students succeed.
What’s your major?
I am a psychology major with a minor in art history. My specialty/main area of interest is in contemporary art (art from 1960’s to today).
What’s your favorite thing about our campus?
Small class sizes where you really get to know your professor and fellow students by engaging in meaningful discussion, group collaboration, etc.
What’s your favorite thing to do on campus?
My favorite things to do on campus are going to the third floor of the library to study and get work done, as well as going to the grind to meet up and talk with my friends before classes start.
Why’d you decide to become an Orientation Leader?
I wanted to be an agent of change on campus and show the incoming freshmen that they made the best decision ever by committing themselves to USFSP. Showing them how much I love our campus and all there is to do made my students love USFSP even more. One of the best feelings in the world is seeing my orientation students become acclimated to college life while making new friends and connections along the way.
Are there any other ways you are involved?
Yes! I have been a peer mentor for the TRiO Student Support Services program for over two years. Now the office has transitioned from TRiO SSS to the brand new Compass Program – a first year experience program assisting the incoming freshmen with peer coaching, informational/fun/educational workshops, as well as campus events. I am very proud to say that I am one of two Peer Coach Leaders for the Compass Program and I supervise 15 Peer Coaches on their mentoring journey with their incoming freshmen students.
What do you do when not at school (extra- curricular activities/jobs…etc)?
I was the President of a volunteering club on campus (Club TRiO S4) for over a year. I stepped down last semester to give more students a chance to hold leadership positions on campus. Now I am a member of the club and we are so excited to get out there in the community and donate our time to the city of St. Pete. When I am not on campus, I really enjoy spending time outside at parks and nature preserves, as well as going to the beach with a good book to read.
If you could have a superpower which would you pick?
To be able to teleport anywhere in the world at the drop of a hat!
Who’s your favorite musician or group?
My favorite music group is without a doubt ‘Nahko & Medicine For the People’. Their lyrics of positivity, loving one another for who we are, enlightenment, and uplifting others are all things that I really resonate with and care deeply about. Their music moves my soul and helps me be a better person- inside and out!
Is there anything else you would like to include?
I’ve been playing the trumpet for 9 years and I am a black belt in the martial art of Tae Kwon Do. I went to the Junior Olympics in Orlando in 2003 and took home a bronze medal!
HCXOXO
Alana Long