Florida Opportunity Scholar: Monica Solomon, University of Florida

Name: Monica Solomon
Major: Health Education and Behavior
College: College of Health and Human Performance


Throughout her childhood, Monica Solomon experienced many trials and tribulations such as living in a shelter and government housing and being raised by her single mother who was usually unemployed as a result of being diabetic and recovering from a stroke.

"My past has made me a resilient and passionate individual who doesn't give up despite adversity," Monica said.

While in high school, Monica was told that she should consider a community college because it was cheaper even though she had a 4.2 GPA, played on the varsity girls golf team, played the cello for six years, and was accepted to six public universities.

The Florida Opportunity Scholarship made it possible for Monica to go beyond a community college education and attend the University of Florida. She's currently majoring in health education and behavior with a minor in communication studies. Monica's goal is to obtain a master's in public health and a doctorate in clinical and health psychology (PhD/MPH), a joint degree offered by the department of clinical and health psychology and the MPH program in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at UF.

Becoming a Florida Opportunity Scholar also gave Monica the chance to conduct undergraduate research that aims to help promote physical activities among underprivileged populations. The FOS scholarship also gave her the opportunity to be exposed to another culture when she pursued collegiate studies in France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Throughout her collegiate career, Monica has aligned herself with many worthwhile causes such as after school tutoring and giving campus tours as a member of the Florida Cicerones, UF's official student ambassador organization. Serving as a Florida Cicerone has been one of her most rewarding experiences because she's had the honor of serving as a presidential host and encouraging perspective students to achieve their dreams of higher education. She's also participated in Student Government as the vice presidential chief of staff and the health insurance director.

Furthermore, Monica co-founded a non-profit UF organization known as Caribbean Gator Aid, which aims to assist impoverished children and families in the islands by providing them with educational support.

Monica believes in the power of serving others and doing selfless acts for the empowerment of those less fortunate. She believes that her diligence, ambition, innovativeness, and willingness to go above and beyond are beneficial assets to the FOS program's continued efforts.

"Altruistic individuals such as the FOS donors can help lessen mountains of deterrents and create avenues for those students who come from a childhood like mine.
"Those students are your future doctors that will challenge the status quo, your future politicians that will give voice to many underserved populations, and your future researchers that will have the courage to discover the solutions that were once thought to have no answers," Monica said.

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Education

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