Episode 5: Jonathan Tanawan — Class of 2014

Jon Tanawan, a family medicine resident, talks with host Vi Payulert (DCP’12) about his time at UF, serving through various campus organizations, studying abroad for medical school in the Philippines and now finishing up medical residency in Chicago.

Episode 4: Sonia Amin — Class of 2002 & 2006

Sonia Amin, a consultant pharmacists and children’s book author, talks with host Vi Payulert (DCP’12) being from a family of Gator alumni, her early career, serving the community, and also branching out and writing her own children’s book - Bax and His Bubbles, a book all about a kid and his thoughts. 

Episode 3: Michael Satyapor — Class of 2012

As a Product Manager at Hulu, Michael talks about the early years of the UF Association of Asian Alumni (AAA) and gives advice on building your skills outside the classroom. Not only did Michael serve as a former leader of the AAA, he also served as president of the Asian American Student Union while he was a student. 

Episode 2: Ellen Casile Kostewicz — Class of 1992

Ellen graduated from UF's College of Design, Construction and Planning in 1992 with a degree in interior design. Amid the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, she decided to change career paths and work in student affairs. After a 20-year career in student affairs, she is now a licensed realtor. Ellen talks about her experience on campus, pivoting to new careers opportunities, and being passionate for all things creative.

Episode 1: Phillip Cheng — Class of 2011

Phillip Cheng, an educator & licensed real estate agent, talks with host Vi Payulert (DCP’12) about his time at UF serving as President of the Asian American Student Union (AASU), teaching in Hawaii, and his passion for educating and learning.

Hosted by Phillip Cheng, When I Became a Gator- Season 1 focuses on the stories of various alumni around the country in the hopes of bringing closer the Gator Nation — one alumni at a time. Watch or listen below.

Episode 11: Carré Mitchell — Class of 2000

Now serving as the Director of Volunteer Engagement at the UF Alumni Association, Carré Mitchell talks about how she become a Gator when she bought her first T-shirt from the UF Bookstore.

Episode 10: Sandy Chiu — Class of 2007 & 2014

Double-Gator alumni Sandy Chiu talks about her Weeks of Welcome experience attending the Asian American Student Assembly at University Auditorium and how that inspired her to become a student activist during her time at UF.

Episode 9: Naomi Abraham — Class of 2013

Naomi shares how she became a leader in the Indian Students Association during her time at UF and how her leadership experiences still influence her career as a lawyer today.

Episode 8: Dennis Ngin — Class of 2007

Dennis Ngin shares his memories of when he was a Preview Staffer and how the phrase "Go Gators" allows him to stay connected to UF no matter where he is in the world. 

Episode 7: Vanessa Kwong — Class of 2010

From finance to food delivery, Vanessa Kwong talks about the moment she knew she wanted to be a leader in the Asian American community at UF.

Episode 6: Brian Fung — Class of 2009 & 2013

Brian Fung reminisces on the "Golden Age" of Gator Football and talks about how he went from playing World of Warcraft to becoming an Informatics Pharmacist.

Episode 5: Kevin J. Nguyen

From Florida to Los Angeles, Kevin J. Nguyen talks about his path into the world of media production and how he allowed his creative side to shine.

Episode 4: Vi Payulert — Class of 2012

After completing her degree in architecture at UF, Vi Payulert reflects on her time as a student leader and how the skills she learned at UF led her to a successful career in commercial real estate. 

Episode 3: Bowie Oliveira — Class of 2010

Bowie Oliveira, a founding member of the UF chapter of alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, shares how attending an Asian American student conference at UF while in high school impacted her decision to apply to UF.

Episode 2: George Liu — Class of 2007

South Florida native George Liu shares his memories about being involved in the Chinese American Student Association while at UF.

Episode 1: Philippe Kahn — Class of 1998

Phil Kahn shares his journey from being a news anchor right out of college to now owning his own personal care product company in Los Angeles, California.