Members of the Month

Nick Kottas - New Member of the Month for November

Year: First

Major(s): Aerospace Engineering

Minor(s): Computer Science

Favorite Tenet: Service

Why did you join CKI?

Was a big part of Key Club in high school

Favorite CKI Memory: Personally, I really liked volunteering at the Gainesville Community Ministries spot. It was one of my first CKI events in the club and I truly felt that the work that I was doing was making our community a better place for others

Did you do Key Club in high school?

I was Vice President senior year and secretary the year before, and overall, I felt that it was one of the clubs I was most involved with in high school simply because of the variety of opportunities I was presented with for volunteering. We also had small service activities at every meeting, which were fun to do as a member and even more fun to organize and lead as an officer

What do you expect (to gain) from your time in CKI?

I expect to gain leadership skills and hope to grow an even bigger love for service

Fast Facts

Favorite TV show: The Office

Favorite movie: Top Gun Maverick

Favorite song/artist: Life goes on - Lil Baby

Hobbies: Pickleball, work out, sports with friends

Amber Morgan - Returning Member of the Month for November

Year: Second

Major(s): Biochemistry

Minor(s): Philosophy

Reason/passion for your choice of major(s)/minor(s): I am on the pre-medical track and I enjoy science! I am pursuing a philosophy minor for fun and as a break from STEM classes.

Favorite Tenet: Fellowship

Why do you love CKI?

I love the friends I have made in CKI and I enjoy doing projects and socials with them

Favorite CKI Memory: My favorite CKI memory is LTC. I loved meeting people from all over and doing fun activities and exploring Camp Kiwanis with them. I enjoyed bunking with my club and getting to know everyone better The best part of LTC was the challenge events we did as teams.

What are you most excited for this year?

I am most excited for DCON I hope to see everyone who was at LTC at DCON and can’t wait to make new friends. I am also excited to do a service project with everyone!

Do you have any reflections you'd like to share about your time in the club?

My time in CKI has been amazing and I love meeting new people at socials (especially the boba ones) I have been able to make an impact in the community and learn more about how I can help. I have also grown as a leader and I am proud to watch my fellow CKIers grow as leaders as well.

Fast Facts

Favorite TV show: Stranger Things

Favorite movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Favorite song/artist: Somethin’ I’m Good At by Brett Eldridge

Favorite Food: Chocolate

Hobbies: I play Quidditch on the UF Club Quidditch Team!

Paula Zamudio - New Member of the Month for January

Year: Third

Major(s): Health education and behavior

Favorite Tenet: Service

Why did you join CKI?

I was at the club fair and my friends stopped by CKI’s table, everybody was really nice so I decided to join

Favorite CKI Memory: the New Year’s Eve party at the elementary school! It was really fun interacting with the kids and painting their faces!

What are you most excited for this year?

Spending my 21st birthday in Vegas!!

Fast Facts

Favorite TV show: Scrubs and Outlander

Favorite movie: When Harry Met Sally

Favorite song/artist: CAAMP

Favorite Food/Cuisine: Italian food

Hobbies: In my free time I really love going for walks w my dog, work out (CycleBar is my go-to place) and walking around target/marshalls without actually buying something lol

Ashley Saint Jean - Returning Member of the Month for January

Year: First

Major(s): Chemistry

Minor(s): East Asian Languages and Literatures-Japanese

Favorite Tenet: Service

Why do you love CKI?

I have a deep love for CKI because of the supportive and inclusive community it provides The people I have met through CKI are incredibly nice and interactive, making it an enjoyable experience every time I attend an event. Furthermore, the service events that CKI hosts are not only fun, but also have a significant impact on the Gainesville community. These events provide an opportunity for me to give back and make a positive impact. Additionally, the social events organized by CKI are a great way for me to meet new people and broaden my network I always look forward to these events, as they provide an enjoyable and relaxed environment to have fun with friends and make new connections.

Favorite CKI Memory: My favorite CKI memory is making a Schuyler Sister's TikTok with Paula, Chloe, and Amelia at the medieval faire. We had the same costume on and it was a fun and lighthearted experience.

What are you most excited for this year?

I am most excited for this year because of the new service events that are being planned These events provide an opportunity for me to make a positive impact in my community and give back in meaningful ways I am eager to participate in these events and contribute to making a difference in the lives of those around me.

Do you have any reflections about your time in the club?

Reflecting on my time at University of Florida Circle K International (UF CKI), I can say that it has been a meaningful and impactful experience. Being part of UF CKI has allowed me to explore not only the campus, but also the diverse group of students at UF and the vibrant community of Gainesville. Through my involvement in UF CKI, I have grown as an individual, made lasting friendships, and had the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community

Fast Facts

Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad

Favorite movie: The Godfather trilogy

Favorite song/artist: Slo dancing in the darkJoji

Favorite Food/Cuisine: Seafood

Hobbies: Sleeping

Any Advice?: Sign up and come to CKI events!