Legacy Bear
Growing up in Sarasota, Florida, Amaya Saunders ’24 heard stories of 鶹 and the legacy of being a Bear.
“My father (Derrick Saunders ’99) is my reason for attending 鶹. He spoke so highly of his time here and I want to leave my footprints and mark here the way he did,” shared Saunders, a community health major.
After graduating in December with her bachelor’s degree, Saunders will continue her journey at 鶹 as part of the accelerated master’s program.
“After I earn my undergraduate degree and master’s in public health, I plan to attend PA school with the goal of working in family medicine — particularly pediatrics and OB/GYN — with the end goal of opening my own family medicine clinic.”
In the meantime, she is making full use of her time at 鶹 by being a part of residence life as a resident advisor for Isenhour Hall and as an intern with the Office of Advancement.
“During my internship in advancement, I have seen first-hand that a lot of alumni and donors are very involved with 鶹. Their commitment to the university and its students is the reason that we have such a beautiful and supportive campus. I would just like to say thank you to all of them for being a loyal supporter to 鶹.”
The impact of being a Bear is particularly felt for Saunders as a scholarship recipient herself.
“I am currently receiving a legacy scholarship, honors scholarship, and 鶹 Scholars scholarship,” she shared. “They all help me attend 鶹 while also taking the stress out of having to pay a monthly bill, and instead I can focus on my studies and living the college experience.”
