Shayranni (Shay) Gonzalez ’22 graduated in the Spring 2022 semester with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering!

Shay worked with the ConeXiones team serving as the PeerKnight Coach during the Spring 2022 term. During her time with ConeXiones, Shay was able to connect students with invaluable resources and engage students by bringing interactive programming opportunities. She always had a passion to assist Hispanic transfer students in their journey towards academic attainment.

“This place (ConeXiones) provides me an opportunity to help the Hispanic student population by finding resources on campus that I wish I knew when I first started here with no connections at all,” says Shay.

We thank her for all that she has done and wish her the very best in her future endeavors!

Roxette Rios ’23 graduated in the Spring 2023 semester with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree.

Roxette was an asset to the ConeXiones team – serving as a Student Leader for the ConeXiones program for the Spring 2023 term. During her time with ConeXiones, Roxette connected students with invaluable resources and engaged students by bringing interactive programming opportunities. She is passionate about assisting Hispanic transfer students in their journey toward academic attainment.

“Being a part of ConeXiones has been a pillar to me during my time at UCF by providing me a way to get closer to my Hispanic community in my home away from home. I have gained many sweet memories and valuable skills as a Peer Knights Mentor that I will carry on forever. ConeXiones impacts the Hispanic student population here in Central Florida, and I could not have been any prouder to be a part of this amazing program. It has truly changed my life for the better,” says Roxette.

We thank her for all she has done and wish her the best in her future endeavors!

“My name is Nicole Barrios, and during the 2022-2023 academic year, I proudly served as a ConeXiones PeerKnights Coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In this role, I provided essential guidance and support to transfer students, particularly those from Hispanic backgrounds, ensuring they had access to critical resources for a seamless transition to university life. I organized one-on-one mentoring sessions, and helped with the development of numerous networking and social opportunities to help these students navigate academic challenges and campus life.

Witnessing these students successfully integrate into the university community and seeing many of them assume leadership positions in various student organizations was deeply fulfilling. It underscored the importance of mentorship and support in fostering their personal and academic growth. This experience not only solidified my commitment to serving Hispanic communities but also significantly boosted my own confidence and leadership skills.

In the summer of 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by earning a Master of Science degree in Digital Forensics from UCF. Throughout my academic journey, I focused on expanding my knowledge in cyber investigations and forensic techniques, which prepared me for my current role.

Currently, I am honored to hold the position of Cyber Operations Analyst at an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking. In this role, I investigate cases of online child exploitation, employing my expertise in digital forensics to contribute to the protection of vulnerable individuals and the pursuit of justice.”

“When I worked for ConeXiones, I didn’t realize that I would slowly become integrated into the program over time. Being a part of ConeXiones was one of the most beneficial experiences for me during my time at UCF. I was able to meet many people who have been extremely kind. Building these connections was incredibly rewarding and I couldn’t have done it without ConeXiones.

ConeXiones also supported me in building skills for my future career. I’ve was able to work with so many different people and by doing this, I acquired many skills such as active listening, goal setting, and being organized. I want to thank the people at ConeXiones that have provided me with an incredibly rewarding opportunity.”

I graduated in Spring 2024 with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Secondary Education, Mathematics 6-12. I also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance at UCF in the Fall of 2021, after transferring from Puerto Rico in the Fall of 2018. I will be starting a full-time teaching position for the 2024-2025 academic year at the middle school where I did my second internship, and I will be teaching 6th grade mathematics.

ConeXiones had a great impact on me as an employee because I saw things from a different perspective. I worked closely with the ConeXiones team as a Graduate Assistant (GA) for the POTENCIAL Grant, one of the Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives. This grant helps ConeXiones achieve their goal for students to become part of their community and build relationships. During the events I attended, I talked with students who had similar or different stories than mine. ConeXiones works very hard to provide as many resources and advice as possible to their students, and I am very grateful for the work I did with them. I thank the ConeXiones team for creating a wonderful program that helps students get comfortable at UCF.

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What are your plans?
My postgraduate plans are to complete BCH 4024 (Medical Biochemistry) as a non-degree seeking student at UCF, pursue the Medical Physiology and Aging master’s degree at the University of Florida (UF), and then apply to medical school at UCF or UF.

How did ConeXiones help you?
ConeXiones for me had a huge impact on my journey as an undergraduate. From monthly meetings with an Academic Success Coach about plans and getting the help I needed in general, to attending different workshops and events aimed at student well-being, ConeXiones gave me the amazing opportunity to network with fellow students and have the resources needed as a college student. For me personally, all of these things helped me shape and prioritize the important things. If I were to give advice to a UCF Knight, it is to definitely join the awesome team ConeXiones has.