My Time at the Universtiy of Florida

UF: two letters that mean the world to me today. I'm writing this post with just a week away from graduation. It's unbelievable how fast my two years at UF have gone. I've learned the difference between a "wrap" and a "reader," I've experienced what it's like to be a producer, a reporter, an anchor and an assignment manager. I've learned that without support from teachers and classmates, getting through a week of news would be very difficult. I've met mentors that believe in me and truly believe I can make my dreams come true.

Being a telecom student at UF was meant to be part of my journey. The big man upstairs knew that my two years here would prepare me for my next chapter. I believe that he knew that I would be noticed here by my future employer... and that's exactly what happened.

I will forever be thankful for my time at UF's College of Journalism and Mass Comm.

I'm excited to announce that as of June, I'll be a reporter for WBBH, the NBC affiliate in Fort Myers.

I promise to always remember the fun times I've had as a Gator at UF, I'll remember all the valuable lessons I've learned. And most importantly...I leave here in a few days but I can guarantee you that I'll always be a GATOR!!!

More Talented WUFT People

There are so many great and talented people at WUFT... let me tell you about three of them. Casey Liening is a reporter and anchor for WUFT and she blogs about cool things to do in the kitchen. Cool! Then there's Robert Lopez who is a reporter for WUFT and blogs about sports. Cool! And lastly but not least, there Michael Cadigan who is also a reporter for WUFT and blogs about ways to stay healthy... a challenge sometimes for reporters that are always on the go.

My Talented Friends at UF

So I just wanted to share with you a bit about my friends at WUFT News. Let's start with Jana Jones... she's a sports superstar and a beautiful person. I can't wait to see where life takes her! Keaton Webb is my producer at WUFT News. He's very talented and should be hired right now! Lastly but not least, let me introduce you to Jillian Baach. She is a reporter and sports anchor for WUFT. She must be the coolest chick in the newsroom.

All about me!

Alex de Armas is currently a part-time reporter for WCJB TV 20, the ABC affiliate in Gainesville, Fla. De Armas also is a reporter and host for Comcast Newsmakers, a community news program that airs on CNN's Headline News in Florida. She recently was a host for Own The Vote, a Comcast series on educating young voters about the 2012 presidential election and politics. She is currently a senior at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications where she anchors and produces for the student newscast, WUFT TV First at Five, a PBS affiliate. De Armas also reports for the University’s radio newscast, Florida’s 89.1 WUFT FM, a NPR affiliate. She has a background in print and prior to attending the University of Florida she wrote and was managing editor for the award-winning Miami Dade College student newspaper, The Reporter, for two years.

De Armas has been practicing journalism for the past six years. She has interviewed many prestigious individuals including former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Former Pentagon Spokeswoman Victoria Clarke, and Journalist and Political Correspondent Larry Kane. De Armas was one of the few who interviewed the mother of the so-called Miami's Causeway Cannibal.

When de Armas is not reporting or watching the news, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves having her grandmother's homemade Cuban meals and being in her busy Hispanic home in Miami. She loves to dance and travel to new places. De Armas is passionate about finding everyone's story. She has a warm place in her heart for children and strives to motivate and inspire others. De Armas is compassionate and always remembers that people are behind the story she's telling.

De Armas is a Miami native of Cuban decent. She is a graduate of Miami Dade Honors College and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. She will graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in telecommunications and a concentration in political science in May.

My Resume

Here's a quick glance at my resume

key west

This is different huh?...that's because I'm on vacation :) I took this picture out on a boat in Key West. Don't worry I'll be back to work in no time.

Equine Herpes Outbreak

This is what my Final Cut timeline looks like while I was working on my Equine Herpes Outbreak.