My name is Emily Mendenilla, and I will be a third-year Forensic Science major on the chemistry track. In 2024, I graduated from St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, Florida, as part of the high school dual enrollment program. My favorite classes are organic chemistry and analytical chemistry, because it was where I learned that I love chemistry. The professors who teach these difficult courses can make you love or hate the subject. Fortunately, I had amazing professors for both. I took them with Dr. Som and Dr. Xia, who are very kind and passionate about the subject. After I got accepted into UCF, I received an email about the EXCEL program and what it had to offer. I really liked the support they offered, and it was a way to get more involved in UCF, which is why I joined. Later, I also saw the email from GEMS, and I liked the idea of having someone more accustomed to UCF to give advice. I am so glad I joined the programs because I was able to have many opportunities and meet new people. I have had mentors who helped me a lot, from finding opportunities inside UCF to more professional opportunities. That is why I am excited to help incoming students familiarize themselves with UCF and support them the best I can! My advice to the incoming students is never to give up. College is full of ups and downs, but at the end of the day, you can at least say you tried your absolute best! Outside of classes, I love to hang out in my hammock at Memory Mall or have game nights with my friends.