January's Alumni Shout Out!

Our featured alumnus this month, Kevin O'Connell, graduated from UCF in 2002 with a degree in Finance.  He decided to go to UCF because he wanted to live in a relatively big city while he was in school, and he also wanted to have the opportunity to pursue internship opportunities that would then allow him to remain in that metropolitan area upon graduation.  He also decided to get his education here because he could tell that the campus was growing with all of the new construction and he wanted to be a part of something that was on its way up and that was building traditions from an athletics and curriculum standpoint.

Kevin is currently a Managing Director/ Financial Advisor.  He decided to pursue this career because he wanted to help people as well as have the ability to control his income.  He saw other people who were in his profession that had successful and balanced personal and work lives and were able to help people retire and protect their family in the event of an untimely death or disability, and he wanted to do this as well.  Kevin was not sure how much he would enjoy the financial aspect of his occupation at first, but he knew that he enjoyed helping people, building relationships and controlling his schedule, so he decided to make this his occupation.  This has now evolved into more of a leadership role, coaching, consulting, and recruiting financial reps.  However, Kevin still enjoys the impact he is able to make.

Kevin was born in New York and lived in Connecticut, but he went to high school in Palm Coast, Florida.  After high school he came to Orlando.  He is now engaged to another UCF alumnus, Lauren DeLarco, and is getting married this fall.  Kevin enjoys sports and travel.  He plays flag football, basketball and running, and he goes snow skiing once a year.  He is also a Magic, Knights, and NY Jets season ticket holder.

Kevin's favorite quote is by Bruce Jenner: "success is not measured by heights attained, but by obstacles overcome.  We're going to pass through many obstacles in our lives: good days, bad days.  But the successful person will overcome those obstacles and constantly move forward."

When asked what he would like to say to students, Kevin said, "dream big.  Set your goals high and keep them in front of you constantly.  Learn who you are and what you're passionate about, and then challenge yourself every day to make small incremental steps to your amazing future."



January's 4EK Superstar!

Our wonderful 4EK Superstar for this month is Anya Kroytor.  Anya is from Miami, Florida, and is currently majoring in Psychology at UCF.  She participates in a variety of activities on campus, including the President's Leadership Council, Volunteer UCF in which she is the Director of Mentoring and Literacy, and she is also a resident assistant in the Libra housing community on campus.  Through her involvement Anya plans volunteer events for students that relate to the issue of Mentoring and Literacy, such as helping children from underprivileged areas become inspired and excited to attend college, as well as tutoring for boys and girls clubs.  Through her work as a resident assistant, Anya is able to help freshmen transition from living at home to now living on their own at university.  Another role Anya has taken on at UCF is that of an undergraduate research assistant for the Anxiety Disorders Clinic and the Children's Learning Clinic in the psychology department.

When asked what she loves the most about UCF Anya said, "I love UCF because I have been given so many wonderful opportunities that are constantly shaping my life and guiding me in the direction of my future career. I also love the diversity of people that attend this university and that I am able to meet new people daily."

If you are interested in volunteering with Anya or with any of the Volunteer UCF directors, just go to the website or stop by the cubicle in OSI!