ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: Pensacola, FL
• Class: 2025
• Major: & Health Information Technology

How did you choose your major?

I was initially a Computer Science major but Information Technology allowed me to continue my education remotely and focus more on cybersecurity and earning specific qualifications. I already wanted to pursue a career in a medical environment, so adding Health Information Technology as a second major was another natural development.

How have any faculty, staff, or mentors at the University played a significant role in your journey?

My professors and advisors have made all the difference by directing me to critical resources, working with me to customize my academic journey, and overall helping me to move mountains and achieve success.

Other Notable Experience 

I had the opportunity to fulfill my capstone requirement through a study abroad program in Manchester, England. This option was ideal for me as it utilized group work and served a purpose beyond a personal showcase. I did not fully qualify to attend when the program was available, but thanks to the efforts of the staff I not only got to attend, but I was a team leader.

Advice to Prospective Students

Never be afraid to ask for help, even if you could conceivably get by without it. If you are afraid, ask anyway — the rewards far outweigh the cost.

How has ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú provided you with opportunities to engage in research, partnerships, or experiences that shaped your way of thinking?

My study abroad experience gave me an opportunity to lead a team in a real work environment beyond the classroom. Even traditional group projects have given me a more appreciative mindset for collaboration and allowed me to refine my skills in leadership and management as opposed to doing everything by myself by default.

How have you used what you learned in different subjects to solve a problem or come up with a new idea?

I am a STEM field student, but my work has consistently been influenced and shaped by the humanities. By invoking an anthropological mindset, I do my best to tackle technological design problems in a way that effectively serves as many people as possible.

How have your experiences at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú helped you develop an entrepreneurial mindset — like being resilient, adaptable, or willing to take risks?

I previously had a very rigid mindset and generally avoided anything that might draw attention to myself. Asking questions or seeking any alterations to standardized models were almost unthinkable to me. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has been a nurturing environment where I could genuinely see and feel the staff's willingness and excitement to help me. I had previously learned to be resilient and adaptable to survive those stricter environments, but ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has given me the confidence to take more risks and experiment.

How have you used your knowledge or skills from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú to positively impact your community or the world around you?

In my study abroad program, we had the opportunity to work with an English charity for the homeless. In addition to traditional volunteer work, we were able to put our technological skills towards this greater cause.

How has ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú helped you build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds or viewpoints?

I have made several new friends and connections during my academic journey. While far from my first time socializing beyond my immediate "bubble", collaborative projects often meant greater opportunities to explore different views in depth as we worked towards a unified final project.

How have you taken on leadership roles or responsibilities — whether in your classes, work, or community — during your time at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú? What motivated you to step into those roles, and what impact did they have?

I regularly assumed a leadership role in any classroom group I was a part of. My career goal is to work in a managerial or administrative position, so I have been extra keen to step into that role. Sometimes this meant spirited collaboration, and other times it meant doing my best to help everyone else do their best. I found many of my peers to be talented and hard-working, but largely unassertive and/or indecisive when it came to anything lacking a definitive solution. There was a palpable sense of relief whenever I proposed specific action plans that allowed them to focus on the elements they were more invested in. I strove to not talk over anyone and to generally act as a sort of cheerleader for my team to keep spirits up and the work fair. I wanted to be a leader, not a boss, and I could see the positive consequences of that mindset in the work my teams would produce.