My major is Civil Engineering. I am a Sophmore at UCF. I graduated from Cypress Bay High School in Weston, FL. (South Florida). My favorite class at UCF I would say is Calculus II because I just love math. This class is challenging but completely possible. Also, all the help we get from EXCEL makes it easier and more enjoyable. My favorite professor would be professor Pyle. She was my Calc I and Calc II professor, and the way she teaches is just great. She makes everything easy to undertand. Also, she tries to make the class less of a “”regular class”” by adding activities outside of class that help students interact more and get to know eachother in a friendly environment. Professor Pyle is a really outgoing, understanding, and a really friendly person. The reason why I decided to get involved with the GEMS program is because I love the idea of a minority in math, science, and engineering coming together and helping eachother. The GEMS program could become like a family to many. Every girl understands each other, not only in school related situations, but also in life. Everyone you meet in GEMS will somehow encourage you to keep going and accomplish your goals; Everyone needs that little push. My expectation from this program is to meet people that are most likely somehow going to be part of my life for a very long time, people that will help me keep my head up and finish what I started; people that will help me shape my future. This year (2012‐2013) will be amazing with my mentees. I hope every single one of them enjoyes my company as much as I will enjoy theirs. Besides from the educational aspect of my life, some things I love to do are draw, watch netflix, eat, go out, listen to music, and more. Words of advice for the GEMS freshman students: “” As an incoming freshman, the EXCEL program helped me a lot to get used to the campus, classes, and the people here at UCF. Just keep your head up high. We are all here for each other. “”