2023 retreat counselor | 2022 retreat student

“The Mount truly changed my life in Gainesville. It was the best way to start off my journey at UF with the right mindset. I’ve never really had a good Christian community of people my age before coming to The Mount. It is so motivating to see my peers striving for the same things I am! I attended the retreat as a freshman. The weekend was full of meeting new friends, eating delicious food, and seeing the community I would be surrounded with at UF. Prior to attending the retreat, I had been preparing to study abroad on the fall. During the retreat, I ended up meeting my roommate that ended up studying abroad with me. She is now one of my best friends, and I am so thankful that The Mount Retreat connected us! Since then, I became involved with The Mount after the retreat weekend in 2022. I have attended different events such a Christmas party and a reunion, which was so fun to hang with my newfound community. I became a counselor for the new students in the 2023 retreat. This year I am entering into my second year as being a student counselor, and I could not be more excited! I loved meeting people with the same values as me that I could share life with. I’ve met some of my best friends through the Mount. It is such a welcoming community. I’m so grateful that I was a part of it and I can continue to be a part of it.”

2023 RETREAT COUNSELOR

“The Mount is, in my opinion, one of the most selfless and kingdom-focused ministries at the University of Florida. I say this because The Mount exists for the sole purpose of ensuring that incoming freshmen get plugged into other long term ministries! After attending as a counselor, I can say without a doubt that The Mount keeps Jesus in the center of everything they do and they push incoming students to set their focus on pursuing Jesus in college. If you are a freshman looking to grow your relationship with Christ and want to find Christian community at UF, The Mount is the place to be. If you’re a 2nd or 3rd year at UF/SF, looking to grow your relationship with Christ, and wanting to pour into the Kingdom, the Mount is the perfect opportunity to step into a service role as a leader.”

2023 retreat student

“What I love about the Mount is the opportunity to form friendships with people who love Jesus. Going into college as a first-year student is a big transition, but the ministry opportunities and mentorships at The Mount were just what I needed to start this new phase of life. My favorite part was worshipping together and small group time. I’ve stayed close with a lot of friends from The Mount up until now, and I’m so glad I was able to grow closer to people who ultimately led me to grow closer to God.”

2022 retreat student

“Going to the Mount was truly the best decision I’ve made since coming to college. Being able to experience the Lord’s presence in Gainesville and setting that foundation before school started was such a game changer for me. Meeting other college freshmen who were in the same situation as me and upperclassmen who care so deeply for the incoming freshmen to find their Christian community was so uplifting. I got to grow closer to the Lord and meet all of my college best friends in one weekend!”

2022 RETREAT STUDENT

“The Mount really helped me meet good people early in my college career. It’s so easy to fall away from your faith going to college, but because of the Mount I was plugged into Christian community early. The ministry fair showed me how many Christian ministries are in Gainesville, and helped me meet different people in each ministry so that I could find my home. Now, I am best friends with some of the people I met, and I am going back to be a counselor next year!”

2022 retreat student

“Going to the Mount was quite literally one of the best things to happen to me! Going into college I prayed to ground myself in my values and beliefs as well as be surrounded by a great community of people who would help me grow in college. The Mount answered these prayers and even more. It introduced me to people who I still consider my best friends in college today. It introduced me to Christian organizations in college so when I stepped onto campus, I was already familiar with what they had to offer and the people involved. The Mount made UF home before I even stepped on campus. It exceeded all my expectations and helped me grow more in my faith than I could have ever imagined.”

2021 retreat student

“Attending The Mount in Fall 2021 was super pivotal in my college experience. Going to college for the first time can definitely be overwhelming. The Mount allowed me to build a firm foundation in an incredible community in Gainesville before even being a student! I was introduced to various churches and faith-based organizations that have been such a huge part of my college experience. I tell everyone that I couldn’t imagine where I’d be in college without having first gone to The Mount. I’m forever grateful that I decided to go!”

2021 retreat student

“The Mount was exactly what I needed going into my freshman year at UF. It provided me with the connections, relationships, and spiritual stability that I was worried I wouldn’t find on my own. Some of my closest friends that I have now are people I met at the Mount, and the ministries and clubs I am involved in are because of the connections I made while at the Mount. I am so thankful for the comfort and peace that the Mount gave me about leaving for college, and I hope that the incoming class gets to experience the goodness of God that the Mount so clearly portrayed. I loved the Mount so much that I actually applied to be a counselor for next year!”

“Going to the Mount retreat provided me with such a strong foundation to build my faith life in college on! I was met with a community of people who were so welcoming and genuinely wanted to get to know me. I was able to find out about so many student ministries which really helped me get involved when I came to Gainesville. I have created many lasting, Christ centered friendships from this experience!"

2021 Retreat student

“Honestly, the Mount was and is life-changing! During those three days at Southwind my eyes were opened to such beautiful experiences and people. I felt God’s presence in every moment from sitting around the campfire and singing worship to the dance party! I left The Mount Retreat with a stronger faith than ever, friends that felt like family, zero fear about going into college, and so much excitement and gratitude!”