Hi, my name is Katrina and I am a Biomedical Sciences major at UCF. Currently I am a sophmore at UCF. I graduated from West Boca Raton High School. My favorite class at UCF is Chemistry because it relates to my major and I find it very interesting. I love all aspects of it and my favorite teacher for this class was Chem 2 with Dr. Patino. This professor is an excellent mentor who cares about your success and gives helpful tips and information to help you succeed. I decided to get involved with GEMS because it seemed to be a great program to be in. It is a great asset to the EXCEL program and builds lifelong relationships. To say that my expectations for the program were met would be an understatement. I hope that future members would agree and enjoy the wonderful experience of getting to know other people similar to them and their interests. Words of wisdom I would like to give to incoming EXCEL freshman would be to stay focused. Be prepared and expect a lot of work and commitment to your studies, therefore you will not be so overwhelmed. Also take advantage of the numerous opportunities for extra help from tutors and teacher assistants. “”Don't ever be afraid to seek kelp when you truly need it. We don't enter college as geniuses, and we don't leave college as geniuses. We leave as learners, who are determined to succeed.”” In my free time I really enjoy exercising. There are many benefits to exercising your mind and body and helps reduce stress which is especially important in college. It improves the quality of your life and leaves you feeling good. I also like reading books to take my mind off of things and spend time with friends and family.