Meet Jana

Who are you?
Hi

I’m Jana (she/her), a third year Life Sciences major. I am 21 and originally from Frankfurt in Germany, but I’ve got to say that I like Freiburg better.

Why did you choose LAS at UCF?
I was very undecided what I wanted to do after school because I was (and still am) interested in so many different disciplines and fields of study. I also appreciate the opportunity to study in English and meet people from all over the world at UCF since LAS has lots of internationals.

Why did you choose your Major?
It was a pretty hard choice, but after all I’m a science girly at heart. Life sciences at UCF was especially interesting to me because it is organized around human beings but the field in general encompass the study of living organisms, from the smallest microorganisms to complex ecosystems so it is super multifaceted. I have also just always really liked chem and bio, so it made sense for me to pursue that interest.

When you started LAS, what did you find challenging and/or unexpected?
Your course of study when starting LAS is very undetermined. It really depends on one’s own interests and it requires a lot of thinking about what it is that you want to pursue and learn about. On the other hand, this is also one of LAS’ greatest perks.

What’s your favorite thing about LAS?
Aside from the outstanding academics (who knows who’s gonna read this ^^), I will have to say the community LAS created. Somebody once said we are “a special bunch” and I couldn’t agree more. LAS is a lovely mix of unique people with strong opinions who aren’t afraid to voice them. However, at the same time they are some of the most warm and welcoming people I had the pleasure to meet.

Are you part of a committee?
I am part of “Arts Liberated”, LAS’ art committee that serves as an umbrella term for all the fun and artsy things LAS students are up to like painting, theater, and crochet to name a few.

What advice would you give to future LAS students?
Don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t judge the entire program by the first semester.

Can you explain LAS in one sentence?
A bunch of people who would like to be renaissance polymaths created a study program.

(November 2023)