My name is Ana Clara Machado Goncalves, and I am a Computer Science major. This is my third year at UCF. I graduated from Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida. One of my favorite classes at UCF is Computer Organization and Logic. The professor is really nice, and I enjoy learning how computers work at a low level, including Assembly programming. It’s fascinating to see how everything connects to build a functioning system. Another class that has challenged me is Discrete Math with Professor Arup Guha. His class is tough, and the average grades may not be the highest, but I appreciate how much I’ve learned. His teaching style has helped me grasp concepts at a deeper level and strengthened my critical thinking skills. 

I joined the WiSTEM program to connect with other STEM students and expand my network. It’s great to have a community of peers who understand the challenges of being in a STEM field. I hope to support new students by sharing my experiences and helping them navigate their journey at UCF. 

In my free time, I love going to theme parks, reading, and watching romcoms. These hobbies help me unwind and balance school with fun.