My name is Akailah Mason and I am a senior majoring in Biomedical Science and minoring is Spanish. I graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida. One of my favorite classes so far at UCF has been Immunology with Professor Weigel. He makes the class super interesting and is also very interactive during class. I decided to become a mentor with the GEMS program because of the experience I had my first year in college. Now, I want to be able to help the first year EXCEL/G.E.M.S females with their transition into college. I hope that my mentees know that I am some that they can go to if they have any question, want advice, or even just want to talk to. When I'm not studying, I enjoying working out, learning to play the guitar, and reading a good book! Words of advice for the GEMS freshman students: Get involved early with different things on campus, don't be afraid to go to your professor's office hours, and lastly don't be too afraid to ask for help!