The University of Florida nominated three undergraduates for the 2024 Truman Scholarship: Sofia Aviles, Adam Bernstein, and Katherine Lynch. These students are passionate about answering the call to serve others. They also recognize the merits of the application process guided by the Office of Prestigious Awards, a unit within UF Student Success. 

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship “identifies aspiring leaders at an important inflection point in their development…and recognize[s] and reward[s] their commitments to careers in public service.” Those third-year undergraduates selected as Truman Scholars are provided generous funding for their future graduate study, as well as special opportunities to take part in Truman-sponsored fellowship programs, internships in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Truman Scholars Leadership Week in Liberty, Missouri. 

Sofia Aviles majors in sustainability and political science. Her family and Puerto Rican heritage inspire her to push forward as a changemaker. When asked about her goal for the future, Aviles said, “I want to manage renewable microgrid projects that can provide reliable, clean power to [Puerto Rico].” She strives to embody the strength and communal bond the Puerto Rican people displayed after the devastation of Hurricane María. 

Adam Bernstein dreams of making a positive impact on housing affordability. He majors in economics and political science, and he is motivated by compassion to ease the financial burden on communities. Bernstein says, “I hope to pursue policy work in housing affordability throughout various agencies of the federal government.” He believes that “the more people in government motivated by service to their fellow person, the more human and compassionate our policy will become.” 

After Katherine Lynch completes her undergraduate degree in women’s studies and political science, she plans to pursue a Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Education and Human Development. Lynch’s inspiration as a changemaker originates from listening to the stories of women and children navigating our complex criminal justice and welfare systems. Her focus is “creating change within our school systems to better support children and foster opportunity.” 

All three of UF’s 2024 Truman Scholar nominees were asked their thoughts on the long and intense application process. They commented on an improved adeptness in communicating their goals and experiences, exploring their future paths more purposefully, and discovering increased clarity. Bernstein noted, “…a clear plan for the trajectory of your life is worth its weight in gold.” 

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is one of many opportunities for UF students and alumni interested in advancing their academic, professional, and personal goals. If you’re feeling inspired by these Gators changemakers, then head to the Office of Prestigious Awards webpage to learn more about award opportunities and discover helpful advice. 

Written by Braden Blue and Kelly Medley.