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Voices that Inspire

Hear stories from some of our most inspirational voices — you!

Pictured: Mark Zeigler

Listen: Week of November 9, 2023

Transcript
What inspires you from WFSU Public Media? Here's this week's Voices That Inspire. My name is Mark Ziegler. I am a senior lecturer in the College of Business and also the Director of First Year Experience Programs at Florida State. When I was a little kid, my mom and dad grew up in Perry, Florida and both sets of grandparents were in Perry. And if I was really good, we'd become to Tallahassee and we'd go to Gulf Mart and they'd give me a dollar. And then if I was really good, they would drive by the campus. It, to me, it was like the Emerald City. And they would drive by that stadium and I would just go, oh my gosh, look at that most beautiful place. And so when I drive on my way to campus, now, and I drive by the stadium or I drive by Westcott, I still am that little kid wanting to be a part of that institution. And when I then stop and take a step back and realize that I am and I'm valued and I have a role to play, it just doesn't get any better than that. It's the collegiality. It's being on the campus where there's always energy and young energy that I like. It's the chance to be in a classroom, an actual space with students that are asking questions and trying to learn, figure out who they are. That's what fires me up. I want your freshman to be a happy young adult. And I want them to make some friends and I want them to go to their classes and I want them to work really hard. And I want them to learn how to think and I want them to learn how to be a responsible member of the community. These four years will go by so fast you've only got one time to do it. So take a deep breath, learn what you can, and then just make it better while you're here. I'm Mark Ziegler and I'm passionate about Florida State and I'm passionate that I get to teach and be a part of this outstanding institution. You're listening to voices that inspire.
Mark Zeigler - Make it better while you’re here.

Mark Zeigler is a Senior Lecturer and the Director of First Year Experience Programs for Florida State University. A lifelong passion for FSU has led Mark to his current position. He now has the chance to help new students find their place in the institution that means so much to him.


Tell your inspirational story. Contact Kim Kelling at 850-645-6056 or kkelling@fsu.edu.