LEAD 

Junior, Mechanical Engineering

Leadership Roles: Women’s Soccer Team
Leadership Trait: Adaptability to Change Skills

Past: 
When I moved to the U.S., adapting to a new culture, language, and meeting new people while away from my family became overwhelming and made me introverted and lacking self-confidence. In high school I started to self-reflect and became very aware of my introverted behaviors, and how that sometimes got in the way of me being able to achieve my full potential. From then on, I started putting myself in situations out of my comfort zone, such as taking on more leadership roles and involving myself in programs that required public speaking and interacting with people. I developed a habit of taking up opportunities and roles that sometimes scare me, but I know I will learn a lot from them and become more confident in myself. All these opportunities have gotten me to where I am; I still possess some of those shy habits, but overall, I feel a lot more confident with the way I speak, present myself, and the way I interact with others in group settings.

Present: 
I have always wanted to play soccer and be part of a team, and when I got the chance to be part of Florida Polytechnic University’s Women’s Soccer Team, I was extremely excited. The three years that I have been part of the team, it has taught me a huge lesson on commitment, being adaptable, communicating, and trusting others. On the field you must always be moving and be ready, you have to change your position as other players move, fill in vulnerable spots as they appear, and be able to get a full picture of what is happening on the field, not just who has the ball but also who is preparing to receive it. Another thing about soccer is once you commit to a move, you must finish it. The commitment also applies to attending practice and realizing my teammates depended on me as much as I did them on the field. The ability to observe my surroundings and react accordingly has helped me become a better leader, teammate, and student. It has helped me think of the most effective ways to approach different situations, and when necessary, know who is around the corner to step in if necessary. Although these didn’t seem to be important at the time, I have slowly realized how these habits have spread into other areas of my life and keep me motivated when things get hard.

Future: 
My goal is to be able to work with rockets, something I have wanted to do since I was 15 years old. The education I’m receiving at Florida Poly and all other resources available have been a huge step towards achieving that, but I recognize that to achieve that, I needed to be improving myself as well, so becoming the best version of myself has also been a big goal for me. As a result of years of stepping out of my comfort zone, I was recently offered an internship as a quality engineer intern with L3Harris in the Space and Airborne Systems sector, and during the interview an emphasis was put on my leadership skills and ability to work with people. L3Harris is an influential company in the field I want to work in, and they greatly value adaptability and being responsive, both of which are qualities I believe I have displayed at Florida Polytechnic as a student leader. I still have a lot to learn, and I am excited to see what that next thing will be!

Sophomore, Computer Engineering

Leadership Roles: Director of NOVA, Resident Assistant
Leadership Trait: Creativity/Innovation Skills

Past: 
When I was little, there was a white table in the kitchen that failed to stay white for very long at a time. My mother made sure it was covered in smudges of acrylic paint and glitter glue, strips of colorful tape left forgotten from unfinished crafts. She thought it important that I practice creativity from a very young age, as it was a cherished trait of her childhood. We would make homemade Play-Doh, crayon portraits of each other, and short picture books made of our very own drawings. My father, at night, wouldn’t read from regular bedtime stories — he would create his own, taking my ideas into account as well. I can’t remember a time when creativity wasn’t a part of my life; thanks to my parents, it has been since I was born.

I tried my best to use creativity in school, growing up. Most assignments I would be given had strict guidelines that allowed little for inventive alteration. Yet, any time I was assigned projects, I would try my best to prove myself. When learning about heat transfer and energy in late middle school, we were instructed to create a diorama of a miniature house that was energy efficient. I might have gone a little overboard — my design included real miniature solar panels on the roof, as well as a small computer fan
I’d excavated from my father’s old laptop. My classmates had difficulty understanding why I’d done more than necessary for the project, but for me, it wasn’t about the grade. There was little that made me feel more like myself than being creative.

Present: 
My creativity gave me a unique set of problem-solving skills, which landed me a position as a Resident Assistant in college. In most engineering courses, there is little room for creativity — but Resident Assistants must design bulletin boards, floor events, community-wide events, solutions to roommate conflicts, and create personalized door tags for all of their residents. The strict, rigorous curriculum of a computer engineer was balanced out by my equally important position as an RA. There is little I have enjoyed more here on campus than the time I have spent with my residents, learning how to best support them through their time at Florida Poly.

Being creative isn’t always easy. It can take a lot of time to foster ideas into reality, and sometimes, teammates make for an added complication to the process. Not everyone is going to get along, and sometimes ideas will clash — but creative problem solving allows for compromise and for the best ideas to be the ones we put on display. On top of being a Resident Assistant, I am also the Director of NOVA within the Student Government Association. Planning NOVA, our annual awards banquet, is a huge task, but fostering creativity between myself and my teammates has played a huge role in bringing this year’s banquet to fruition. Our ideas don’t always mesh with each other’s, but respectful challenges to each other’s ideas have allowed for our creative thinking skills to grow, as well as our strength as a team. Our creativity and collaboration is what will allow NOVA to grow and improve each year.

Future: 
While there might not be much room for creativity when it comes to mathematics homework, there are still plenty of ways creativity is necessary to the world of engineering. Often, there are different ways to solve a problem with machines and structures, and creativity allows for all possible solutions to be considered. Many engineering jobs rely on innovation to be successful, as even when there is a known solution to a problem, people still keep their eyes open to better ones. I am determined to use my creativity to help others, whether it be in the field of engineering or through something entirely different. My time as an RA has shown me a path outside of my engineering curriculum that allows me to help others, and it has furthered my desire to help others by means of working with people themselves, not just behind the scenes, as many computer engineers might do. Whatever job I take after college, as long as I keep fostering my skills of innovation, I can help create a future that is beneficial to everyone around me.

Junior, Computer Science

Leadership Roles: Society of Hispanic and Professional Engineers, Varsity Esports
Leadership Trait: Teamwork/Leadership Skills 

Past: 
La hora de mate, parrillada al lado de la piscina, and giving hugs/kisses to EVERY SINGLE PERSON before leaving a party. Growing up, these were just some of many things that quite literally defined how I view the world today. At the crux of each one of those examples is a very intimate bond in which multiple people lower the barriers surrounding their hearts and connect.  For instance, during la hora de mate, the act of sharing a cup of mate tea with family and friends not only symbolized hospitality but also taught me the importance of inclusivity and collaboration. These early experiences laid the groundwork for my development as a leader, highlighting the importance of empathy and connection when dealing with a group of multiple people.

Further, I was raised with the prevalent Hispanic belief that if you don’t fight for yourself, no one else will, imbibing a philosophy of self-reliance from an early age. This mindset evolved over time, becoming the foundation for my natural inclination towards leadership. I recognized that my aspirations and desires resonated with others, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and life stories. This realization fueled my drive to initiate and lead various endeavors, uniting people towards common goals. As a result, I honed my ability to inspire and guide teams, leveraging our collective strengths to achieve success.

Present: 
Being deeply involved in on-campus organizations at Florida Polytechnic University has been instrumental in honing my ability to lead teams of heavily capable individuals. I am currently the captain of the Florida Poly Overwatch Varsity Esports team and the title manager for the Florida Poly Academy, Purple, and White Overwatch Esports teams, having created them from the ground up. To share some highlights, with the creation of these teams, university esports grew by 46%. Additionally, the Florida Poly Overwatch Varsity Esports team made it to the South Atlantic Challengers Grand Finals, finishing the season strong by coming in 2nd place overall. These roles have taught me the importance of effective communication, strategic planning, and collaboration in achieving shared goals. Balancing the responsibilities of leading competitive gaming teams while fostering a positive and inclusive environment has been a rewarding challenge that has strengthened my ability to lead talented players towards success.

Additionally, my role as a co-founder and Vice President of Professional Development for Florida Poly’s Society of Hispanic and Professional Engineers (SHPE) has significantly contributed to my leadership journey. Within SHPE, I lead initiatives aimed at empowering Florida Poly’s Hispanic talent through professional growth opportunities and networking events, preparing them to get internships/full-time jobs while fostering a sense of community and support among our members. Despite it being in our inaugural year, SHPE at Florida Poly has made major strides, taking 13 members to the SHPE National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah; many of which were able to interview with top companies, and some were even given offers! Witnessing the growth and success of Florida Poly Overwatch Esports and SHPE @ Florida Poly from their inception has been incredibly rewarding. As a co-founder and leader, it brings me immense joy to see my teammates and peers ascend to new heights of achievement.

Future:
Most people are surprised to discover that coding is just a fraction of what a software engineer truly does. The job primarily entails planning, prioritizing, navigating trade-offs, and engaging in human-to-human interactions. While mastering programming skills is essential, excelling as a team member and, even more so, as a team leader, is what propels one towards their full potential. My aspiration aligns perfectly with this perspective—I aim to progress through the ranks of software engineering and eventually assume a leadership role as a vice president or higher, overseeing and guiding a substantial part of a company's technical operations.

This summer, I will embark on a pivotal journey as I intern with Bank of America in Manhattan as a Software Engineer. This opportunity marks the initiation of my professional career, providing me with a platform to showcase my expertise, skills, and passion to a critical audience. My goal is to deliver an exceptional performance, leaving a lasting impression on the company and securing a return offer. Despite only being nineteen, I harbor ambitious dreams. These aspirations are not merely lofty goals; they are fueled by a blend of past experiences and present dedication, stemming from a myriad of memories and meaningful interactions. My journey from childhood to university, from leadership roles to internships, has instilled in me a deep understanding of the value of teamwork, empathy, and continuous growth. I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead, armed with the knowledge that my past and present have prepared me to lead with purpose and resilience towards a future filled with possibilities.

Junior, Mechanical Engineering

Leadership Roles: Men's Lacrosse, Resident Assistant
Leadership Trait: Management Skills

Past: 
I still remember the excitement of finding something that caught my eye at the school's activity fair, naturally it was a shiny red Pinewood Derby car at the Cub Scouts' table. It wasn't just about the car, though; ok maybe it was a little, but it was also the start of a journey that would shape me in ways I never expected. Moving up from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts, I left the derby cars behind and stepped into a world where I could lead the way, learning by doing, not just by listening. 

Becoming an Eagle Scout isn’t just about earning badges or going on all the camping trips; it is about leading real projects that made a difference and learning valuable life skills along the way. For my Eagle Scout project, I took on building a community space with a fire pit at our local church. It was more than just construction; it was about bringing people together, figuring out the plan, and making it happen on time. This experience was my first real taste of management, leading a team, solving problems on the fly, and seeing a big project through from start to finish. It taught me the value of teamwork, planning, and sticking with a task until it's done right. On April 11th of 2020 I became the newest Eagle Scout in the Southwest Florida Council.

Present:
Starting college at Florida Polytechnic University, I jumped at the chance to grow as a leader. My adventure kicked off as the President of the Men’s Lacrosse Team. Funny thing, I’d never played lacrosse before, but neither had most of the team, so we were all learning together. That was my first taste of leadership on campus, but it was just the beginning. After applying as a freshman, I became a Residential Assistant (RA) starting my sophomore year, not quite sure what I was getting into but excited to dive in and make a difference in campus life.

This RA role has been amazing for developing my leadership skills. It's one thing to learn about leadership in theory; it's another to live it out, planning events for my peers and stepping up in those intense, unexpected moments. Whether it’s organizing a movie night or handling a late-night emergency, I’ve been there, learning on the go. I’ve also had the chance to mentor new RAs, sharing the ups and downs, and all the little insights I’ve picked up. It’s been an incredible way to see just how much you can impact people's lives, guiding them through their college journey, and making their experience a bit better.

Future: 
My main goal is simple: to help other people. That’s what really matters in leadership, right? The idea of making a difference through serving others. I don’t need to have everything figured out for the future, but I’m sure that if I’m doing something I love and using my skills to contribute, I’ll find my way. For the leadership skills I’ve picked up along the way, I will keep building on them, using them to guide teams through any challenges we face, all with the goal of getting things done and making things better.

Thinking back to my scouting days, getting my first merit badge, engineering, was a big deal for me. I was just a kid building Pinewood Derby cars with my dad, not really knowing it would lead me to study Mechanical Engineering. But here I am, loving every bit of it at Florida Polytechnic University. Every day is a chance to show what’s possible when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, pushing forward with effort and imagination. I’m just starting to explore what it means to be a leader in the engineering world, and I’m excited about the adventures and opportunities that are waiting out there for me.

Senior, Computer Science

Leadership Roles: IFF/Career Liaison, Orientation Leader
Leadership Trait:  Continuous Improvement Skills 

Past: 
Growing up, I was home-schooled until college which really fostered my passion for learning and is what sparked my love for technology and innovation. My father is in the computer science consulting field, so between school and my community I grew up surrounded by the ability to tinker with computers. This drive for learning technology is how I found myself at Florida Poly. My father’s work caused my family to move around to many different states allowing me to experience different locations, hobbies and cultures; so I was constantly adapting to change. I felt this really pushed me to try new things and not be afraid to jump-in head first to any opportunities that arose, explore new horizons fearlessly, seize opportunities eagerly and develop both my knowledge base and skills as a person.

Learning to be adaptive when I was younger was a very important skill. Approximately 2 months before I started at Poly, I suffered two concussions within a brief time frame as a result of a dance accident. This left me grappling with short-term memory loss and profound difficulties in mathematical disciplines. Despite these obstacles, through hard work, tutoring and support from my new friends at Poly, I was able to achieve academic excellence and thrive in my new university setting. I wanted other students to be able to feel that same perseverance to success and know that there are people out there to support them in their journeys too. This is what pushed me to become a ULEAD student and really foster my skills and growth as a leader and mentor. This opportunity helped me grow my confidence in public speaking just in time for interviews; allowing me to land my internship at Deloitte during my sophomore year which helped me gain business experience in the industry.

Present: 
My present roles as an Orientation Leader and Career Liaison have been instrumental in growing my professional skills set and honing my leadership skills. Serving as a liaison between students and career services, I've had the opportunity to develop strategies that enhance the professional development of my peers as well as learn more about the professional field. By participating in different career-oriented events on campus, I’ve learned how diverse the STEM field is and all of the research opportunities available from private government like NAVSEA to environmental with IFF. Moreover, my experiences as an Orientation Leader and Career Liaison have allowed me to lead by example, inspiring others to embrace a growth mindset. Through workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and networking events, I've encouraged students to actively seek out opportunities for self-improvement and professional growth.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it can have on individuals and the broader community. IFF/Career Liasons has helped me gain confidence in professional settings and allow me to really grow my network in the STEM community. As I continue to pursue my own personal and professional goals, I remain committed to leveraging my leadership skills to empower others to strive for excellence and embrace lifelong learning.

Future: 
As a graduating student in Computer Science at Florida Polytechnic University, my present experiences have greatly shaped my future goals, particularly in the realm of leadership and management. My internship experience provided invaluable real-world insights that have solidified my professional aspirations. After graduation, I have accepted a full-time position with Deloitte, specializing in Government and Public Services Cyber Risk and Financial Advisory. Working within a dynamic and challenging environment, I hope to enhance my technical prowess and hone my leadership skills further as I navigate complex projects and collaborate with diverse teams. My past experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for adaptability and resilience, traits essential for success in any STEM position.

Looking ahead further, my aspirations extend beyond technical expertise. While I am eager to delve deeper into the field of cyber strategy, I am also drawn to the broader landscape of business administration. In a year's time, I plan to pursue a Master's in Business Administration Management, aiming to broaden my skills set and deepen my understanding of strategic management and organizational leadership. I hope to work my way up the corporate ladder into technology project management.  In my free time, I aspire to broaden my horizons by traveling the world and exploring other cultures. Ultimately, I envision myself reaching the pinnacle of my career, striving to make Partner at Deloitte within the next 15 years, while also embracing opportunities to explore new cities and hobbies, particularly in the vibrant greater Washington, DC area.

Senior, Electrical Engineering

Leadership Roles: Presidential Ambassador
Leadership Trait: Self-Awareness Skills

Past:
The past has influenced me in the same way it has shaped everyone else. The hands of time have always helped me be a bit more self-aware due to my familial situation regarding my twin brother, Stephen. Watching someone who should be at a similar level of development lag due to a disability, severe, low-functioning autism, really helped me realize who I was and how fortunate I am, as Stephen and I could have easily switched positions.

Looking back, this situation helped me develop who I would become: compassionate, driven, and focused. Having a different reality present helped drive me forward to excel at life’s challenges. Through this self-awareness, I found my passion for engineering, and it has allowed me to reflect on my situation and relate to others, allowing me to be more personable.

Present:
My life as a Presidential Ambassador has helped develop my leadership skills through various events, tasks, and challenges. I have developed my public speaking and improvisation skills by leading several tours for potential faculty candidates and impromptu presentations on topics I had no prior knowledge of. These skills allow me to communicate more efficiently and professionally, maintaining proper social criteria based on the situation.

Being a Presidential Ambassador has developed my self-awareness skills by teaching me how to act in professional settings. These soft skills, such as formal communication and body language, have helped my awareness of ticks and odd social cues I used to give off. My experience with the Presidential Ambassadors has made me aware of how I presented myself and how to interact and communicate in professional settings properly.

Future:
My future goals involve working with satellite communications in a diverse team of engineers, potentially managing said team. Present experiences with the Presidential Ambassadors have developed my communication and teamwork skills, allowing for proper delegation and cooperation between upper and lower-level employees in a management position. In addition, the professional skills cultivated from the Presidential Ambassador program would allow me to better communicate with business partners from the experience of interacting with investors and potential faculty through tours.

For this summer, I will be returning to UltiSat Inc., in no small part due to the development of my Self-Awareness Skills. These skills have helped me understand my role as an intern and how to improve and expand upon my skills to offer to the UltiSat team. Through being self-aware and having experience working with a team, I will be able to work more efficiently and effectively with multiple parties than last summer. The Self-Awareness skills I have developed have allowed me to define my goals and will allow me to further my career by having a true definition of what I want to do.