My name is Maria Chamorro and I am a 3rd year Molecular and Microbiology student. I am originally from South Florida and graduated from Everglades High School. My favorite class at UCF so far has been Physiology. I learned so much and I actually enjoyed the subject. My favorite professor is Dr. Young. She was my pre‐calculus teacher my first semester here. She teaches very well and makes sure that her students understand everything. She made class exciting and you could tell she enjoyed what she was doing. I decided to get involved in the GEMS program because I think it is great to have an older mentor who can guide you and show you the ropes, especially in challenging STEM majors. I want to show the mentees that if I can do it, they can too. This year in the GEMS program I expect to form a friendship with my girls and help them in everything they need to make their first year here awesome. I expect my mentees to come to me with any troubles they might have so we can work things out together. Besides school, I like to watch movies, hang out by the pool, and go to the beach. Words of Advice to GEMS freshman students: Learn how to manage your time and find study habits that work best for you.