Profile

Hi! My name is Eliza, and I’m a junior studying Industrial Engineering. I decided on IE because it focuses on optimization of systems and quality control. This gives students and professionals the opportunity to work in any field, whether that be entertainment at Disney World, or consulting for companies such as Sony.

So far, my favorite class at UCF has been Statics with Professor Zaurin, because it was taught and supplemented very well. I am usually not the best at physics, and I really struggle in testing environments, but through the use of SARC (the Student Academic Resource Center), I ended up getting 100% or higher on every test in that class! I really appreciated the effort that the instructor and tutors put into assisting the students.

I went to high school right around the corner from UCF, but my favorite activity is travelling (oh the irony). During my free time, I like to go to theme parks, the beach, spend time with my friends, and plan elaborate vacations. The summer after my freshman year of college, I organized and went on a 2-month backpacking trip around Europe with my friends, and this summer my friends and I are going on a road trip across the country! Oh, and when there’s time, I like to sleep… sleep is great.
The reason I decided to get involved with COMPASS was because I was inspired by all the awesome opportunities I was given as a freshman in the EXCEL program. COMPASS is about deciding what STEM field you want to join, and I think it is very important to find a perfect match, so I want to help you! EXCEL/COMPASS truly set students up for success, and everything you could possibly need is right within reach in this community.

My words of wisdom to any freshman coming into UCF would be to not let the size of this school intimidate you. During my first semester, I was afraid to put myself out there and I avoided joining clubs and even going to EXCEL/COMPASS events! Then, during my second semester, I decided to put my fears aside and just do it – what’s the worst that could happen? I joined clubs, attended social events and networking events, and now I hold many leadership positions in organizations around campus! One other piece of advice that I find immensely important is not to make sacrifices when it comes to having fun. College is a time when stress is just as common as breathing air, and you deserve the enjoyment of life. Use this time wisely. When you reflect on your life twenty years from now, what memories will you wish you would have created?