My name is Cristina Ravenna, and I’m a Data Science major with a Marketing minor at UCF. I’m currently in my third year, and I graduated from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Cooper City, Florida. One of my favorite classes I’ve taken so far was Spanish 2 while I studied abroad in Barcelona. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. We learned in the classroom, but also went on cultural excursions that helped us connect with the history and culture of the city in such a hands-on way. Our professor, Mrs. Salazar, made the experience unforgettable. Her teaching style was super engaging and made me genuinely excited to learn every day.  Another professor who really stood out to me is Professor Mabadou, who taught Statistical Foundations of AI and Data Science I. His class was definitely challenging, but he was so helpful and truly cared about his students. He wanted to see us succeed and always took the time to make sure we understood the material. I joined the COMPASS program because when I first came to UCF, I was an undecided major and had no idea what I wanted to do. Being part of COMPASS helped me find clarity through the class we had to take and the amazing people I met. It made a big difference in helping me choose the path that was right for me, and now I want to help others do the same. As a mentor, I hope to be a friendly and supportive guide for students who might feel overwhelmed or unsure of their direction—just like I did. Outside of school, I love staying active and enjoying the little things in life—like playing pickleball, going to the gym, traveling, trying new foods, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I try to keep a healthy balance between school and fun, and always make time for the things that make me happy and help me recharge.

My advice to incoming EXCEL, COMPASS, or STEM students is this: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, and lean on the people around you. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away—just take it one step at a time. There’s a whole community here ready to support you every step of the way.