by McKenna Slaughter
There’s a particular kind of magic in watching a sunset paint the sky after an evening lecture, the clouds tinged with impossible shades of pink and orange unique to Florida’s atmosphere. These moments remind us that despite the constant march of development – the frequent changes on campus, the endless construction reshaping Orlando’s skyline – some experiences remain timeless.
In this issue of Imprint, our contributors explore what it means to come of age in a state of perpetual transformation. Florida exists in a constant state of flux, caught between preserving its natural wonders and embracing rapid growth. As students at UCF, we find ourselves at the heart of this evolution, witnessing firsthand how our state grapples with questions of identity and progress. This positioning is unique – we study at the intersection of preservation and development, watching as natural Florida adapts socially, environmentally, and politically, to its ever-changing circumstances. No two days in Florida look the same, and so no two experiences may, either. Our campus itself embodies this duality, with its modern buildings pressed up against protected lands and wildlife.
What emerged as we collected these pieces was a profound sense of connection to Florida’s natural heritage. Our contributors reflect on the ways their relationships with this distinctive landscape have shaped their experience, background, and identity. Through their words, Florida becomes not just a place for education, but a multifaceted state filled with hidden beauty and meaning. Each writer brings their own understanding of Florida – some rooted in generations of family history, others discovering our state’s quirks for the first time. College is sold as the time to figure out who you are. This issue also asks you to look at where you are, and what it means to you.
The Florida of our childhood exists in parallel with the Florida of our future. In these pieces, you’ll find reflections on this duality – how we reconcile our memories with the reality of change, how we maintain our connection to natural spaces in an increasingly urban world, and how we envision our role in shaping Florida’s future.
These pieces reveal how deeply our state’s character has influenced student life at UCF. Beyond the stereotypes and headlines, there exists a more nuanced Florida, one that teaches us about resilience, adaptation, and the delicate balance between preservation and progress. Our writers explore this complexity with honesty and insight, offering perspectives that challenge and complicate conventional narratives about our state.
As you read through this issue, we hope these stories resonate with your own experiences of Florida – whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent arrival. We hope you find something familiar here, be it the springs you frequented as a child or your discovery of the state as a new resident. More than that, we hope they inspire you to consider the differences and find the beauty in your own relationship with this ever-changing landscape we call home.
