My name is Kai Hughes, and I’m currently a second-year Aerospace Engineering student. I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, but later moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where I graduated from West Boca Community High School. One of my favorite courses at UCF so far has been my Introduction to Engineering classes, where I worked with an amazing team throughout both the fall and spring semesters. That class felt like I was getting the true engineering experience, especially with the late nights we spent soldering and working on our projects. My favorite professor has been Dr. Sacher, who taught American History during the fall semester. His great sense of humor made a subject I wouldn’t typically enjoy fun to learn. When I first heard about WiSTEM, I knew I wanted to get involved. I’ve always had a passion for helping others succeed and introducing them to different resources, which is why I also work at the Office of Student Involvement here at UCF. I hope to assist freshmen in STEM with navigating the many opportunities on campus, helping them feel less overwhelmed, and keeping them motivated. Outside of school, I enjoy arts and crafts, painting, watching movies, practicing jiu-jitsu, and, more recently, playing pickleball. 

Words of advice: Don’t worry about being behind because everybody has different goals and is on their unique path.