Be comfortable being uncomfortable – Isabella Abouhana

For many UF students, CJC is a found family, and no one knows that better than Isabella Abouhana. Originally, she was a psychology major at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, driven to this major by a curiosity about how people think, feel and behave. Over time, however, she began to question how she could convert that curiosity into a career. That quest brought her to CJC.

“It was through my involvement and courses that I discovered advertising can serve as a form of modern-day storytelling, one where psychology, creativity, and strategy come together to tell stories that resonate and drive impact,” said Abouhana.

Now a senior, Abouhana stuck with her psychology major, and in addition is pursuing a major in advertising and an International Communication Certificate. Thanks to CJC, she found her passion in helping major brands tell stories that are rooted in real human insight and hopes to one day work in creative strategy. After she graduates, she plans to find a job in an agency or at a media or entertainment company.

As a student, CJC’s offerings kept Abouhana very busy. During her sophomore semester, she studied abroad in London, where she interned with a tour company called Totally Tailored. During her junior year, she joined the Agency as a strategist, where she got to work on big projects with companies like Disney Advertising and Gators Unidos. Last summer, she was selected to be a part of CJCxNYC, where she was given the opportunity to deliver a Thought Leadership Presentation at Burson’s NYC office with a group of other talented CJC students.

Outside the classroom, Abouhana serves as the president of UF’s Psychology Club; the Director of Speakers for Ad Society, the largest advertising student organization at UF; and as a marketing specialist for Advnt, a student-run annual advertising portfolio publication on campus.

“Beyond these accomplishments, I think my proudest moment was getting to a place where I am confident in my abilities and excited for whatever’s next, even though I am uncertain about what that may be,” Abouhana explained. “Learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable has been essential to my journey, because growth rarely happens within your comfort zone.”

This profile was featured in the 2026 Dean’s Report.

Category: College News, Profiles, Student Profiles
Tagged: Advertising Dean’s Report 2026 Graduation student experience
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