Recently, the Honors Program launched Affinity Groups as “informal opportunities for Honors students to connect around shared identities and interests.” Currently, Honors students can join Affinity Groups for BIPOC, first generation, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and out-of-state scholars.
I interviewed the faculty sponsors and primary affinity liaison (PAL) students from each group to see what they’ve been up to. Keep reading to find out more about each Affinity Group and learn how to get involved!
- What activities do(es) your Affinity Group(s) usually host?
Dr. Tehquin D. Forbes (BIPOC and LGBTQ+ groups): The Affinity Groups I advise typically stick to more social activities. In the past, we’ve had coffee and tea socials, a movie night, and a Krishna picnic out on Plaza of the Americas.
Mr. Gregg Henderschiedt (Jewish and out-of-state groups): We have done social events and tours of little known places on campus. For this fall, we have a game night and other events planned for the out of state/international student group, and we are looking into a Hanukkah celebration sponsored by the Jewish group toward the end of the semester. Although the events are sponsored and planned by the respective groups, any student is welcome to attend!
Dr. Kristy Spear (First Generation (H1G) group): In the past we’ve hosted social and community building events (e.g., picnics) as well as professional development events (e.g., career workshops). Our first event for this academic year was a game of Uno and a chance to get to know one another and discuss our plans for the year.
- What is your favorite part about leading your Affinity Group(s)?
Dr. Forbes: My favorite part about leading my Affinity Groups is helping get students with similar backgrounds in touch with one another. Their identities don’t define them, but at the same time it’s nice to know you’re not the only one. And that’s how it can feel sometimes.
Mr. Henderschiedt : I love seeing students with shared interests and identities connect and have fun. Honors students internalize a lot of stress, and it’s great to see everyone relax outside of the classroom!
Dr. Spear: Connecting with others that are the first generation in their families to attend college. I was the first generation in my family to attend and graduate from college.
- What is your favorite part about being a PAL for your Affinity Group?
Em Petlev (LGBTQ+ group): My favorite part about being a PAL for my Affinity Group is meeting individuals with a shared identity and becoming friends outside of the group. I also love using the group as a means to promote local queer events so we can all engage with that part of our identity outside of official group activities.
Avi Selsky (Jewish group): My favorite part about being a PAL for the Jewish affinity group is being able to connect with my peers in Honors through a key part of my identity. Being able to form bonds with others that follow your same beliefs creates a sense of belonging and a tighter-knit community within the overall scope of UF Honors.
Ali Hilal (Out-of-state group): My favorite thing about being a PAL for my Affinity Group is watching a mere idea, which started with only a few members, pick up traction as it resonates with more people. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students from diverse backgrounds come together, each bringing their unique experiences of adapting to life away from home. Watching the group evolve and seeing members gain a sense of belonging and confidence makes all the effort worth it.
Jonas Dickens (First Generation (H1G) group): Getting to connect with other people about shared experiences within college life. I felt very misguided at the start of my college experience as a first-generation college student, but getting around fellow students who have learned how to adapt help me adapt as well. I’m glad I get to now extend this onto other first-generation students.
- How do you think being a member of your Affinity Group impacts your college experience?
Em: Being a member of my Affinity Group has improved my college experience by allowing me to connect with other people in Honors in a more casual and social manner than in other Honors spaces.
Avi : I think being a member of this Affinity Group makes the college experience feel more welcoming and connected. Having that anchor of peers who I can relate to on a deeper level through identity is a very comforting thing. Additionally, it lets me build connections with more people that I may not have met otherwise.
Ali: Coming into college, I was the type of student focused on maximizing my time with what I saw as ‘important’ extracurriculars, steering clear of activities I viewed as ‘unnecessary.’ I assumed I’d benefit more from pursuits strictly aligned with my academic and career goals. But that changed when my advisor suggested I join the out-of-state Affinity Group, assuring me I’d enjoy it. I joined somewhat reluctantly at first, but I quickly realized how wrong my initial assumptions had been. Being a part of this group has profoundly enriched my college experience. It’s given me a place to connect with others facing similar challenges and experiences. Looking back, I’m grateful for this opportunity, as it’s helped me grow personally and find a community that supports me academically and socially.
P.S. You get access to carpools to the airports on breaks!
Jonas: It makes me feel a lot more connected to the Honors Program and my community as a whole. I love getting to work with Dr. Spear and getting a sense of the identity of my school. You would think an academic Honors Program would be cutthroat and uninviting, but UF Honors is quite the opposite. It’s a supportive community full of wonderful people.
- How do you think being a member of your Affinity Group(s) would have impacted your college experience?
Dr. Forbes: Well, I have a unique perspective on this. When I was an undergraduate student, I was a member of Honors First Generation. Back then, it was a full-fledged Honors org. Now, it’s an Affinity Group. Being a part of H1G put me in close contact with a faculty member, Dr. J., and other Honors students who were first generation and it was an extremely positive experience for me, just in terms of community-building within Honors and at UF more generally. So, I hope we’re doing the same for current students.
Mr. Henderschiedt: Affinity groups would have been a great way to carve out a community in an otherwise very large (and sometimes impersonal) university. College age students are often exploring their identities and it’s a great way to learn about themselves and others.
Dr. Spear: It would have provided another avenue for support and connection.
- What ideas do you have for the future of your Affinity Group?
Em : In the future, I would love for my Affinity Group to grow and for us to start attending more events outside of UF together, like Gainesville Pride. I also want to start holding increased office hours to chat with members of my Affinity Group.
Avi: Regarding ideas for the group’s future, I really just want to create a smaller community within Honors that can act as a home base of sorts for my Jewish peers. Whether it be a place for students to reach out to one another to go to Jewish events together around campus, or to go to organized events hosted by the group itself, a place for Jewish students to connect is the main goal I have with this group.
Ali: In the future, I’d love to see our Affinity Group offer practical workshops tailored to out-of-state students, covering topics like building local networks and navigating career opportunities in a new region. Additionally, we could create a support system for those who can’t travel home during holiday breaks, organizing group gatherings and activities to ensure everyone feels connected and supported. These initiatives would help our members feel more at home and confident navigating college life far from their families.
Jonas : I would love to have some professional development workshops and continue to have fun social events. I want us to become a reliable network.
- If people are interested in joining your Affinity Group(s), what is the best way to contact you?
Dr. Forbes: The best way to join the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Affinity Groups is to send me an email at tforbes@honors.ufl.edu so that I can add students to the mailing list.
Em: The best way to contact me is through my email, e.petlev@ufl.edu. I can also send you information about our GroupMe.
Mr. Henderschiedt: Send me an email at greggh@honors.ufl.edu or just stop me in the hall if you see me! I’d love to talk to you about either group.
Avi: If any Jewish identifying student wants to join the group, they can either send me an email at avi.selsky@ufl.edu, or text me at 407-620-8201. We’d love to have you!
Ali: Best way to contact me? Bang on door 626 Building 4 in the Honors Village. Second best way? Email me at a.abouhilal@ufl.edu.
Dr. Spear: Check the HoW for details about upcoming events. Email me kspear@Honors.ufl.edu.
Jonas: Email me at jdickens1@ufl.edu or message me on Instagram @j._dickens.
- Do you have any additional thoughts or information you wish to add on Honors Affinity Groups?
Dr. Forbes: The Affinity Groups are part of the UF Honors Strategic Areas of Focus. Our office’s aim is to create an (un)common environment that distinguishes and defines students’ UF experience. To that end, we’re constantly checking in with students to see which identities and interests might warrant the Affinity Group treatment, so that students can be put in touch with one another and experience community within community, all fostered by UF Honors.
If you’re interested in joining any of the Honors Affinity Groups’ vibrant communities, please feel free to reach out to the individuals above with further questions!
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