Hello, my name is Ricardo! I am a very social and welcoming person and I'm excited to meet you! I enjoy making others feel comfortable and will work with you to create a positive atmosphere for you. Whether you're on the fence to become a Knight or not, I'm here to do my best to make your experience on campus enjoyable and memorable!

Hometown

Tampa, Florida

Major(s)

Kinesiology B.S Exercise & Sport Physiology Track

Minor(s)

Health Science Minor

Clubs, organizations & involvement

BJJ and Judo club, UCF Run club, New Life Church fellowship, member of the UCF Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA) and the Hispanic Student Association (HSA), instructor of the UCF Latin Rhythm dance club (Design and execute lesson plans and attend instructor development)

Describe your college experience

My transition to college has incredibly rewarding! I become more independent, and learned how to manage my own schedule, make decisions on my own, and grow from my mistakes. I wouldn't change that experience for anything! I've met many new people, explored different parts of campus, and discovered and pursued both my academic interests and my social preferences.

Tip for future students

Talk to your Academic Success Coach! While you ultimately make your schedule how you see fit, they are you're advisors and meeting with them once a semester is a routine I'd recommend to any student. Utilize the SARC tutoring services, it got me through my chemistry classes and the tutors are engaging and funny. Join a club! Don't stay in your room, if you like to study privately, find a private spot on campus to study. Try new things!

Favorite class

My favorite class has surprisingly been a class not related to my major. I took an intro to philosophy course that I loved. It was a different kind of thinking than my other more stem related classes, but it was stimulating and rewarding. My advice, don't be afraid to take classes that aren't related to your major, pursue your interests and expand your mind.

Career goals

After college, I hope to obtain certifications in Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Sport and Performance Scientist (CSPS), and Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC). Using these certs, plus my Bachelors degree, I hope to get through physical therapy school and administer Physical Therapy to those in need.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night will oftentimes depend on how tough the week was. Usually though, an ideal free night would be spent with my friends. While I do respect my space, I don't like to spend all my free time alone. I'd prefer making memories and having fun with others.

High school or secondary school

Earl J Lennard High School, Ruskin FL

Previous college

Hillsborough Community College, Southshore Campus, Ruskin FL. I took dual enrollment classes and earned my AA degree in Liberal Arts from HCC. The transfer process was relatively easy. The only chore was keeping in contact with the office of administration to ensure the proper transfer of my credits. Otherwise, having credits and classes to transfer gave me a real head start and is something I'd recommend