Beneetta Mary Jose, a second-year student in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program in the School of Public Affairs, was recently named the American Planning Association鈥檚 (APA) Student Planner of the Year.
This award recognizes a graduate student of a Planning Accreditation Board-approved planning program for outstanding achievement during the nominee's academic career in planning.
Through the nomination process, faculty in the MURP program shared anecdotes about Jose鈥檚 dedication to her work and leadership throughout several projects, including the APA鈥檚 national Student Design Competition, where Jose and her team, which included three other MURP students, took on the challenge of redesigning a long-neglected brownfield in the Logan Triangle neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Placing third, Jose shared how her involvement in the competition added to her student experience.
鈥淭hrough this hands-on experience, I had the privilege of applying my classroom learning to effect tangible improvements in the lives of the community's residents,鈥� Jose said. 鈥淐ollaborating closely with faculty members and fellow students, our team crafted a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing housing, transportation, access to essential services, and the overall identity of the neighborhood. This experience was transformative, deepening my understanding of urban planning and equipping me with the ability to propose both short-term and long-term innovative solutions for communities.鈥�
鈥淯pon arriving in Florida from Kuwait, I quickly found myself engaged in real-life projects while simultaneously pursuing my education.鈥�
She also reflected on her overall experience in the MURP program.
鈥淎s an international student, embarking on a journey to the United States was a significant decision, and selecting urban planning and USF for my studies was a momentous choice. I firmly believe that opting for the MURP program at USF was the right decision for me. Upon arriving in Florida from Kuwait, I quickly found myself engaged in real-life projects while simultaneously pursuing my education,鈥� Jose explained.
鈥淥ne of the standout features of the MURP program is its remarkable flexibility. It seamlessly bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application. What I learn in school, I can directly apply in the workplace, and vice versa.鈥�
On being named the APA Student Planner of the year, she understands the significance of winning the award and what its impact means for her future academically and professionally.
鈥淚t represents recognition and validation of the hard work, dedication, and passion I have invested in my studies and contributions to the field of planning,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚t serves as a motivating reminder that my efforts have not gone unnoticed and that I am on the right path in my academic and professional journey. Furthermore, it underscores the value of community involvement and collaboration, highlighting the importance of working together to create positive change in the community. Overall, this award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and making meaningful contributions to the field.鈥�
Jose also explained what she hopes to achieve professionally.
鈥淧rior to graduating from high school, I had set a long-term vision for myself earning a PhD. As a first step, I am working on my graduate thesis proposal in areas of transportation planning,鈥� she said.
鈥淎s a passionate advocate for transportation reform and engaging youth in planning, I will actively participate with policymakers in local, state and maybe even at national level. My objective is to promote sustainable transportation options for all the people and equitable access.鈥�