My name is Naomi Waddell. I am a junior transfer student from Seminole State majoring in Statistics, while pursuing a minor in Biology and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For a long time, I didn’t think I was a math person—until I took calculus and discovered the thrill of working through complex equations with my wonderful classmates and instructor. I never expected that in a few years my form of fun would be solving integrals with other determined minds. My grades definitely didn’t reflect perfection, but I learned a vital lesson along the way: they do not define your worth. Math—and learning in general—is about the process, curiosity, and ultimately what you make of it. As a STEM Ambassador, I want to help youth discover the joy of problem-solving and escape the trap of putting yourself in a box.

Outside of my studies, you can usually find me reading, exploring the outdoors, or chilling with my cat, Simba. My favorite book series is the Hunger Games, and I enjoy listening to rock and alternative music — right now I have Linkin Park on repeat.

I am so excited for what this semester has in store for us!