Hi there! My name is Maren Tomcsak and I am a junior here at the University of Central Florida. I am majoring in forensic science and minoring in chemistry. I graduated from Olympia High School, which is only about 40 minutes away from UCF. As of right now, my favorite class at UCF has been Introduction to Forensic Science because I really enjoyed exploring the different disciplines of forensic science while listening to several guest speakers discuss their careers in this field. This class really helped put into perspective what careers I could potentially see myself in, years down the line, with a forensic science degree. One of my favorite professors at the University of Central Florida is Dr. Candice Bridge. It's not every day you look forward to attending a 3‐hour class, once a week, but Dr. Bridge made Introduction to Forensic Science worthwhile. I can confidently say I learned so much from her class due to her constant determination to help us understand the material as well as her enthusiasm towards forensics as a whole. She loved to make us laugh which made lectures so much fun! I really wanted to get involved with the GEMS program because I genuinely think so highly of it and want other girls to find the same enjoyable experience that I have found with GEMS. This program is great for meeting other girls with similar STEM majors, creating networking opportunities, and forming solid friendships. It also provides mentoring, which is definitely useful when coming into college for the first time. I sincerely hope that those coming into the GEMS program really take advantage of all that it has to offer. It really is an honor to be a part of such a great program that will support you no matter what. When I'm not swamped in homework, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going out to eat, baking, watching movies, Pinterest, and shopping. Here's to a great year! Go Knights!