Hi! I'm Rhea, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Central Florida. As a student who had to figure out much of the college experience on my own, I know how important it is to feel comfortable and informed when exploring a campus. I love meeting new people and helping students see what life at UCF is really like. Whether you're interested in engineering, looking for the best study spots, or just want an honest student perspective, I'm happy to help. My goal is to make your visit feel welcoming, informative, and fun while giving you a genuine look at what life at UCF is really like.

Hometown

Palm Bay, Fl

Major(s)

Mechanical Engineering

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Society of Women Engineers, Swim Club

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was both exciting and challenging. As a mechanical engineering student, I quickly learned how important time management, persistence, and asking for help can be. Since I didn't have much family guidance about navigating college, I had to learn many things on my own, from finding opportunities to managing finances and academics. Living in the dorms my freshman year taught me independence and gave me plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

Tip for future students

Get involved early, even if it feels intimidating. Join clubs, attend events, talk to professors, and introduce yourself to people in your classes. Some of the best opportunities in college come from simply showing up and being willing to put yourself out there. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions because everyone is figuring things out as they go.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been EGN 1007C: Engineering Concepts and Methods. I loved this class because it allowed me to work on a hands-on engineering project and collaborate with my classmates. This introduced me to what engineering would be like, and allowed to get closer with some people from my college.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work in engineering research and product development, particularly in areas related to health and technology. In the long term, I would like to start my own company focused on developing innovative solutions that improve people's lives. I am especially interested in researching myopia progression and developing technology to help protect vision and make preventive healthcare more accessible.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is a mix of relaxing and spending time with people I care about. I enjoy trying new restaurants, watching a good movie, and working on personal projects. Sometimes the best nights are the simple ones spent talking with friends, family, or my boyfriend after a busy week.

High school or secondary school

Bayside High School

Favorite spot on campus

The Burnett Honors Courtyard