Joseph Ortiz

Hometown: Guayama, Puerto Rico
Major: Psychology (Pre-Med Track)
Class Year: 2027

Why I Chose Stetson:

I chose Stetson because of the incredible experience I had with the Ambassador Program. I had the chance to meet one of the student ambassadors who happened to be from the same city and state. Their insight and enthusiasm really resonated with me and made me feel like Stetson could be a home away from home.

Beyond that, I was drawn to the small, close-knit community at Stetson, where everyone genuinely supports each other. Here, they set you up for success and want to see you succeed. There's no other place quite like Stetson, and I'm proud to be part of this community. Once a Hatter, always a Hatter :) 

Involvements on Campus:

Presidential Fellow, Residential Assistant Area 3, Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SGA, LSU Member, Pre-Health Student, Teacher Assistant for Intro to Health Professions, Residential Living & Learning Office Assistant

What I Like to Do on Weekends:

On weekends, I love heading to Downtown DeLand to explore the different restaurants and take advantage of the discounts I get with my Stetson ID. It's a great way to try new places and experience the local vibe. I also enjoy spending time on campus, walking around, or relaxing by hammocking at Palm Court. Weekends are my time to recharge and enjoy some flexibility, which I really appreciate.

My Favorite Class at Stetson:

My favorite class at Stetson was Diversity in the 21st Century with Dr. Heins. This class touched on a lot of important social issues, and we discussed social changes while reading several impactful books. It’s a great class to start college with because it really opens your mind to different perspectives. Plus, it’s a writing-enhanced course, so we had to write a lot of papers, which helped me sharpen my writing skills and prepare for the rest of my college career.

Advice to Prospective Students:

My advice is to make this your own experience and not compare yourself to others. Everyone's journey is different, and it's important to focus on your personal growth. Be grateful for the opportunity to have access to education and take full advantage of it. At Stetson, we support each other and set you up for success, so embrace the community and make this experience truly yours.

Favorite Place on Campus:

My two favorite places on campus are the Carlton Union Building (CUB) and Palm Court. The CUB is where most of the student life happens—it's always full of energy, with plenty of spaces like the student lounge and study areas. It's the hub for socializing and connecting with others. On the other hand, Palm Court is my peaceful escape. It offers such a calm and relaxing atmosphere that I love to unwind there.