My name is Prabhjot Ahluwalia and I am a sophomore studying Civil Engineering. I arrived at UCF after I graduated from Atlantic Technical Center Magnet High School, a high school that most people have never heard of. With that being said, I wanted to get involved in a program that would help me with this big move, from small high school to big college, studying in a STEM discipline. GEMs proved to be the perfect program for just that, I met so many girls who I have forged ties with because of the GEMs program, it's been so good to me and now I want to give back to it by being a mentor. I want this program to provide support and advice for entering freshman in STEM and push them to continue in these difficult, but rewarding, fields. So far, with just one year under my belt, I have to say that my favorite class at UCF would have to be SPC 1603, Fundamentals for Technical Presentations. That class not only taught me how to give great speeches, but it also gave me confidence, something that future employers would appreciate. My favorite professor is Dr. Flitsyian, she was very helpful and understanding when I was taking her physics for Scientists and Engineers I class. Dr. Flitsyian genuinely wanted her students to succeed and did whatever she could to help achieve that goal. I went to her office various times and she always greeted me with a smile and helped me the best she could, she is an amazing professor. Even with all these amazing classes and brilliant professor, you still need to bring in your part. You have to study for tests; you have to practice your math, and if you need help don't be afraid to help. Everyone at UCF and EXCEL and GEMS is here to help you and wants you to succeed. Words of advice for the GEMS freshman students: It's not all about math, science, and studying at UCF, there are so many other things that you can do. For example, I became the treasurer for the UCF Harry Potter Club, I plan on joining SWe, and I am running for a position on Academic Village Area Council. Even with all this going on, I still have time to do the things I love, such as reading, watching movies and TV, and listening to music. I completely adore reading and watching movies, particularly fantasy ones, I love that I can pick up a book or start a movie at it can take me to a different world. I also love going on adventures with my friends, not knowing where we're going and what we're doing but having a pleasant surprise at the end. Don't let studying overtake your life, everyone needs a break.