A large blue truck parked between the Plaza of Americas and Peabody Hall was soaking up the memories on Monday afternoon.
The truck was used as a makeshift video studio for about 30 students who stopped by to share stories and eat free pizza as a part of the "When Did You Become A Florida Gator?" campaign.
UF sociology senior Ana Herrera sat on a bench inside the truck, the walls of which were covered in blue and orange fabrics with an Albert the Alligator print, while she thought about her story.
"It was four years ago, right after I got my acceptance letter," she said. "The next day my stepdad went and switched his car decal from LSU to UF."
The truck, which is often used to display different advertisements, has been driving around campus since November promoting the new campaign, and cost about $1,300 to rent.
The campaign is run through Alpha PRoductions, a student-run public relations firm.
Nicole Baker, a campaign associate, said the new theme, which follows the The Gator Nation campaign, centers on finding Gator fans' connection to UF.
"We're finding out what everyone's stories are," she said.
UF psychology senior Keren Reznika, said she decided to stop by and interview after spotting signs for free pizza and drinks near the truck.
She said she considered herself a part of The Gator Nation once she celebrated on University Avenue after the 2005 NCAA basketball championship.
"We were all on the streets celebrating together," she said. "I knew that was something we would all remember."
The videos, which can be viewed on insidethegatornation.com, feature stories from past and current students.
"It's for anyone connected to The Gator Nation," Baker said, adding there are about 400 video interviews on the Web site so far.
Baker said a lot of video footage was taken during football season, and the majority of people interviewed attributed their UF loyalty to the Gators football team and national championship wins.
But Baker's Gator Nation tale grew from the experience she had at Preview, UF's orientation program for new students.
"I applied to other schools and was still unsure, but when I felt the energy of everyone I knew I wanted to go here," she said.
