My name is Miranda Valbuena, and I am a Mechanical Engineering major. This is my third year at UCF. I am from Coral Springs, Florida and in 2023, I graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. My favorite classes thus far have been Calculus 1 and Statics. Calculus 1 was that first class that truly challenged me at UCF. It taught me how to study and work hard. Statics was the first class I took that related to my major beyond just a math course. I liked to see how my major was used in the real world. Beyond the classes for my major, I also have taken GEP courses at UCF and I met my favorite professor from ENC 1102. Nandi Mainer was a young professor which helped her relate to her students and she made sure to keep the class entertaining because she felt it was important. I hope to somewhat emulate her as a GEMS mentor. I am here to become a resource for incoming freshmen. I am here to help to the best of my ability. In my free time I like to relax with friends, go to the beach, and travel.