Why First-Gen College Student Julia Campa Chose St. Petersburg College
Hear from a Florida College System student on her decision to become a teacher
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Julia, and I am from Seminole, Florida. I am currently completing my degree in education and will be graduating in May 2026. I come from a background where higher education was not pursued, and I experienced challenges growing up that sometimes kept me out of school. Those experiences inspired me to pursue this path because I want to be the kind of teacher I needed when I was younger. After graduation, I plan to teach first grade in Citrus County, where I look forward to creating a classroom environment that inspires learning, encourages curiosity, and supports students’ growth both academically and personally.
What influenced your decision to attend St. Petersburg College?
I chose to attend St. Petersburg College because it has always been close to home and a part of my community. I knew it was a good school, and starting at a community college made it possible for me to afford my education. Being the first person in my family to go to college was really important to me, so I wanted to choose a path that I knew I could stick with and succeed in. St. Petersburg College gave me that opportunity and helped me work toward earning my bachelor’s degree.
Share an impactful story from your time at SPC:
One experience that really impacted me was during my second practicum. I remember teaching a lesson, and for the first time, I could see that the students truly understood what I was explaining. It just clicked for them, and in that moment, something clicked for me too.
It was a really powerful feeling to know that I was the reason they were able to learn something new. That moment made me realize that teaching was exactly what I wanted to do. My supervisor during that practicum, Connie Dierking, also made a huge difference in my experience. She not only gave me helpful feedback, but she spoke to me with so much encouragement and support. The way she believed in me helped me start to believe in myself, and it made me realize that I really could be a good educator.
Are there any misconceptions around state colleges that you would like to dispel?
A common misconception about state colleges is that they aren’t as good as other schools. From my own experience, that couldn’t be further from the truth. At SPC, I felt well-prepared and supported every step of the way. The classes and practicums gave me the knowledge and hands-on experience I needed to really learn and grow as a future teacher. Just because a school is affordable doesn’t mean it provides any less opportunity or preparation. My experience showed me that state colleges can give students the same tools and experiences as any other school.