Reflections on leadership, belonging, service, and what comes next
These reflections come from the UFCF FLU testimonials archive and include current students, student leaders, and alumni.
WeAreFLU achievement profiles and senior reflections are different submission types. Use the WeAreFLU form to share an achievement spotlight, or the senior reflection form to describe your FLU journey and next step.
Learning, service, and relationships continue beyond the program year.United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.
Joining this program was the best decision I’ve made since starting high school. I’ve learned so much about my community, the world, and myself. FLU helped me strengthen my leadership and soft skills, work effectively in a team, network, and ultimately make a difference in my community.
Future Leaders United is both a lifesaver and a life-changer. It helped me step outside my comfort zone, gain self-confidence, and understand the power of relationships.
Serving as President of Future Leaders United for the 2023–24 school year reshaped how I view leadership and personal growth. Through Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall’s mentorship, I transformed into a confident and poised leader.
Serving as President of Future Leaders United for the 2023–24 school year reshaped how I view leadership and personal growth. Through Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall’s mentorship, I transformed into a confident and poised leader. FLU gave me leadership skills, career exploration, scholarships, relationships, and support that has truly been life-changing.
Being appointed Vice President of Future Leaders United for the 2023–24 school year was a highlight of my senior year. Helping lead over 100 members was overwhelming at first, but with encouragement from Mrs. Sandra and the FLU Board, I stepped into the role confidently. The skills I developed will serve me well in college and beyond.
Future Leaders United has been a pivotal part of my high school journey, helping me grow as an individual and as a leader. Joining this program pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me opportunities to engage in my community, build leadership skills, and develop teamwork, dedication, and confidence.
When I joined Future Leaders United, I thought it was just another opportunity to earn community service hours. It turned out to be so much more. Through FLU, I connected with industry professionals, built confidence, expanded my network, and prepared for my future.
Joining Future Leaders United was one of the best decisions I made during high school. Through this program, I developed leadership and communication skills, expanded my professional network, and gained a strong sense of purpose in serving my community. FLU created an environment of diversity, growth, and empowerment.
Future Leaders United has become more than just a program for me. It’s a second home. Through FLU, I learned to write resumes, improve my public speaking, and develop leadership skills. Serving as Public Relations Coordinator was a privilege, and I am grateful for the impact FLU has had on my life.
Future Leaders United has been an incredibly impactful program, offering me a window into leadership and community service while helping me grow as a person. Through FLU, I learned how I can contribute to meaningful change and gained confidence in my ability to present myself and take on responsibilities.
Future Leaders United has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills and confidence to pursue my goals while making a difference in my community. From workshops to community projects, the program gave me opportunities to grow as a leader and develop a greater sense of purpose.
When I joined Future Leaders United, I had no idea what to expect, but it quickly became one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Through FLU, I learned the importance of taking chances and being open to opportunities that shape your future.
Future Leaders United transformed how I approach leadership, instilling in me values like humility, gratitude, and hope. Through FLU, I learned that true leadership comes from understanding and empathy.
My experience in FLU has been amazing. I had the honor of serving as Vice President for the 2018–2019 school year. FLU taught me the importance of voting, giving back, and staying informed, helping me become better prepared for my future. Joining this program was one of the best decisions I made, and I wish I had joined sooner.
FLU marked a new beginning for me and my career. I learned how to cope with stress, manage schoolwork, face life’s challenges, and work effectively in a group. FLU helped me better myself when life wasn’t kind and when I needed a second chance. FLU showed me a different perspective, and I will always cherish my time here.
Future Leaders United helped me build strong, respectful relationships with my peers. I learned to communicate with influential political figures, understand leadership roles, and take on challenging positions that opened academic doors for me. FLU motivated me to work harder, take responsibility, and become more confident.
I learned how to be my true self through the Future Leaders United After-School Program, which emphasized self-worth. It taught me budgeting, commitment to service, and the positive impact service has on my community. I encourage all students to join UFCF FLU. It was the best program I joined in high school.
FLU made a strong impact on my life, even though my time there felt brief. It provided me with valuable life lessons and insights that I couldn’t have found elsewhere.
FLU taught me that there’s no limit to how far you can go. There’s always room for growth and improvement. I enjoyed connecting with other youth in my community and proving that some young people are actively involved.
Future Leaders United is honestly one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Through this program, I’ve been exposed to incredible opportunities, met amazing people, and experienced things I wouldn’t have otherwise.
What I like most about FLU is the cooperation among members, the guest speakers, and the relationships I’ve built. I learned a lot about leadership, and FLU helped me communicate more effectively. The workshops also helped me get involved in my community and stay informed about current events.
FLU taught me that we are all part of a community, whether teacher or student. When we visited Ridgewood, we offered advice to the kids about life in high school and the importance of staying focused.
Future Leaders United played a pivotal role in my senior year at Evans High School. I’ve always been reserved, but the networking events and interactions made me more outspoken and extroverted. This program introduced me to people I probably never would have met otherwise.
The most important lesson I learned from FLU was family. It doesn’t take blood to form family bonds. Despite my short time in FLU, I noticed that everyone supported each other. Because of FLU, I see friends as more than friends.
Throughout my time in FLU, I developed many valuable qualities and became more outspoken. FLU taught me leadership, diligence, mindfulness toward others, and what family truly means. I also had the chance to create community events that raise awareness among youth.
Through FLU, I’ve become more involved in my community and built connections with distinguished individuals.
FLU is the best program I’ve ever seen. I’ve never come across an after-school program that fosters care and connection like FLU. Without FLU, I wouldn’t be as prepared for my future as I am now.
Future Leaders United is an amazing after-school program designed to prepare us for life after high school, including college readiness and financial literacy. Through guest visits, we met business professionals from our community, broadening our perspectives.
FLU helped me understand myself better. Exposure to different experiences and people helped me identify what I like and dislike, which clarified the type of person I am.
Future Leaders United taught me to be a leader, a role model, and a productive member of my community. I gained knowledge from elected officials, business owners, doctors, lawyers, and other guest speakers. I also learned about life after high school, financial credit, college preparation, and civil rights.
Future Leaders United was a blessing in my life, offering exposures and opportunities that I never imagined. It motivated me to get out of the house and make a positive impact. FLU felt like a training ground for success, bold leadership, and standing apart from others.
FLU encouraged me to become more involved in my community and with my peers. It provided me with motivation and guidance as I start my path in life. I learned that building bonds with people can lead to great things.
FLU has been a source of motivation for me. The compassion of the leaders and the greatness of those involved inspired me to become a better version of myself. FLU opened my eyes to Pine Hills’ potential, and I now want to give back to my community.
The day I joined FLU was unforgettable. FLU brought me determination and inspiration and allowed me to meet amazing people who shared stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success. Hearing their journeys inspires me because I envision myself standing among them someday.
Being a member of Future Leaders United at Evans High School has been an honor. This organization contributes so much to the Pine Hills community. FLU taught me networking skills, and I am grateful to UFCF and FLU for investing time in me.
I’ve participated in many after-school programs, but FLU has had the most significant impact. It provided critical skills that prepared me for life after high school, including networking, formal introductions, and professional communication. FLU is now like a family to me.
Participating in Future Leaders United led me to engage in community service events like the Taste of Pine Hills. The event highlighted the community’s diversity, promoting peace and unity. As a FLU member, I’m proud to have contributed to such a positive event.
FLU encouraged me to be more open and talkative, even though I’m still shy. It also made me more adventurous; I started attending events and places I hadn’t considered before.
My time in Future Leaders United changed me forever. It opened my eyes to the many possibilities of success. I learned that with education, a strong work ethic, and staying out of trouble, I could be successful. I won’t forget my experience with FLU and the strong, smart individuals I met.
My year in FLU taught me a lot about myself, my community, and the world. I became more involved in the community, learned about local representatives, and figured out my career path. I had incredible experiences like visiting the Capitol and participating in cleanups.
Since joining FLU, I’ve developed my social and leadership skills. One of the best experiences was attending Pine Hills Community Council meetings, which emphasized the importance of community involvement. FLU even took us to the Florida Capitol to meet with senators and representatives.
I’ve been in this program for two years, focused on college preparation, community service, and understanding our community. FLU opened many doors for me and taught me I’m ready to tackle life after high school.
Future Leaders United is an amazing after-school program. Ms. Sandra is kind, the board is excellent, and the rules keep the program safe and fun. We traveled to Tallahassee and visited colleges. FLU offers mentoring, workshops, SAT/ACT prep, and fun activities.
FLU is a fantastic program. The board of directors genuinely cares about our success. Ms. Sandra, Mr. Hall, and Ms. Alex provided a safe space to discuss our concerns, and the mentors truly care about our education.
It’s an honor to share how FLU impacted my senior year. I learned effective communication, how to focus, and more. I highly recommend FLU to all scholars because it encourages active participation, not just membership.
I’m glad I joined FLU in my final year at Evans High School. I learned so much, especially about connecting with the community. This program provided community service hours and networking opportunities with officials and entrepreneurs.
FLU gave me the chance to grow in many ways. Before joining, I was reserved, but being in a program with diverse members helped me come out of my shell. FLU became a second family that welcomed me with open arms.
