ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida is seeing a growing Hispanic student community that now includes more than 22,700 students as of this fall.
UCF senior Sofia Lisman, an integrated business major and deputy chief of staff for UCF Student Government, is among them.
In her role, Lisman oversees the division of student affairs and helps plan events for thousands of fellow Knights.
“I love seeing what other people are passionate about and helping them achieve their goals,” Lisman said.
Lisman credits her parents for her ambition.
“Growing up in that Hispanic household, our values are always persecuting and pursuing what we want, going for our dreams, and really fulfilling that American dream,” Lisman said.
Lisman’s parents are originally from Venezuela. She is the first in her family to attend college.
“Even though they didn’t necessarily take this path because they were moving from a different country to here, they have always been supportive and helped me find my own resources,” Lisman said.
She says it’s not only her family supporting her on her path to graduate, but her university as well.
“So anyone who is coming into college and is nervous about not finding that group that reminds you a little of home I truly believe that anywhere you go, you will be able to find a community,” Lisman says.
Getting Hispanic students into college isn’t the biggest hurdle, says policy analyst Magin Sanchez. Finishing it is.
“With the issue of immigration enforcement, is these students may get in, but it’s remaining in school that is different,” Sanchez said.
Latinos make up about one in five college students nationwide, and slightly more in Florida.
Sofia Lisman is part of that community. She found a community that reminds her of home at UCF. Now, she’s making sure others find theirs.