My name is Angelique Solano and I am a Forensic Science major focusing on Biochemistry. This will be my second year at UCF. In 2014, I graduated from Plantation High School which is located in Plantation, Florida. My favorite class at UCF was Biology I with Pamela Thomas. She explains the concepts clearly and is the sweetest professor I've met so far. Professor Thomas is also my favorite professor because it wasn't just about memorizing meiosis, it was about understanding the concepts and applying them to real life situations. She used many examples, especially when going over genetics, which helped clarify the concepts. The GEMS program is an opportunity to meet and connect with other STEM students. This program relieves some stress about starting a new milestone in your life because you know people are there for you when you need them. There's a support system here that is unlike anything else. In my free time, I like to skateboard, play video games, binge watch TV shows on Netflix, read books, and hang out with friends. I've always struggled with asking for help, so don't be afraid to ask questions and get advice from your mentors or even your TA's! Ask for help even when you don't think you need it, and use the GTAs in the lab, they're grade savers.