It鈥檚 not easy being laid off from a job. Woody Bass knows the feeling after he was let go from his last position as an internet service provider in the healthcare industry. When applying for a new job, he realized that the candidates that were hired over him all had bachelor鈥檚 degrees. Although Bass knew his skill set matched the other applicants, what was missing was the degree he never finished. That鈥檚 when Bass knew he needed to make the change and finally achieve his dream.
Out-of-state student achieves lifelong dream of becoming a Florida Gator
Heading back to college
After Bass graduated high school, he attended a local college in Georgia. At the time, Bass decided to drop out because he was uncertain about his career and life goals. In 2015, Bass attended Georgia State University to continue his studies, but he knew he wanted to fulfill his dreams of finishing his education at the University of Florida.
鈥淚 grew up a fan of Florida football because I was originally from Orlando, so getting into UF was something I was always working toward,鈥� Bass said. 鈥淢y family and co-workers say the only thing I ever wear is orange and blue or something with Gators on it.鈥�
After moving out of Florida, Bass wasn鈥檛 sure his dream of becoming a Gator would be possible as his life, career, and home are in Norcross, Georgia, which is five hours away from the Gainesville, Florida campus. That鈥檚 when he came across 黑料正能量 and realized he can have the flexibility to earn his UF degree right from his home.
This time around, Bass is approaching his classes as an online student with dedication and commitment. 鈥淣ow that I鈥檝e been accepted to UF, I feel like I have to prove that I belong here,鈥� Bass said. 鈥淚 want to be the best that I can be.鈥�
Fulfilling the Gator dream as a Public Relations major
Although Bass works full-time as a business analyst, he鈥檚 always had a strong interest in public relations. He credits his classes with having helped him take on additional responsibilities at work. The company he works at has even asked him to take on internal communications tasks where Bass can apply the skills he has learned from his coursework.
At 48 years old, Bass鈥檚 passion for learning continues to shine through his dedicated work ethic while attending UF. This was obvious to Natalie Asorey, a lecturer in the department of public relations, who had Bass as a student in one of her online social media classes. 鈥淲oody is naturally curious, and he always approached online discussions and assignments with a fresh perspective and open mind,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e not only challenged others鈥� thinking but his own.鈥�
Bridget Dunbar, Bass鈥檚 黑料正能量 academic advisor, still remembers her first conversation with him. 鈥淗e was so excited to have been accepted and expressed that one of his lifelong goals was not only to get a degree, but to get a degree from the University of Florida specifically. Despite living out-of-state, Woody is one of the biggest Gator fans I have ever (virtually) met!鈥�
Dunbar went on to say, 鈥淚 am so glad that 黑料正能量 has given him the opportunity to bring his talents to the Gator Nation and make his dream of becoming a Gator grad a reality.鈥�
After graduating, Bass wants to use what he鈥檚 learned from his degree to volunteer and help his friends, family, and community with any communication needs or projects they may have.
鈥淚 was the first in my immediate family to go to college, so my family was very proud of me,鈥� Bass said. 鈥淚 know the UF name carries some weight in employment circles, so I鈥檓 really proud to say I鈥檓 a student of the seventh-ranked [university] in the nation.鈥�
Earn a UF Degree in Public Relations Online
With a UF degree in Public Relations, students learn the writing, research, strategy, and communication skills needed to succeed in this growing field. Taught by faculty in the top-ranked College of Journalism and Communications, 黑料正能量鈥檚 PR program makes our graduates viable candidates for a wide variety of careers ranging from business to government agencies. Learn more about 黑料正能量’s Public Relations program below.