Since high school, Health Sciences major Gabriela Facio has followed her passion for medicine and people. She began her UCF journey as a Biology major but quickly pivoted to Health Sciences, drawn by its hands-on approach. Through her internship at Conductive Education Center of Orlando (CECO), she worked with children with neurodevelopmental disorders, learning how communication tools like gaze-tracking iPads and head-tapping machines give patients and families a voice. The experience ignited her passion for pursuing a career as a pediatrician who advocates for accessibility, empathy, and building trust in underserved communities.
As the Vice President of Students Care and a multi-semester teaching assistant for UCF physiology labs, Gabriela mentors her peers, builds community, and leads with compassion. She believes growth comes from challenge, and she has learned the value of embracing every challenge and opportunity that comes her way. When asked about advice for her peers, she says, “Choose something you love, because passion is the foundation for impact.” With her resilience, empathy, and drive, Gabriela isn’t just preparing for medical school, she’s already making the kind of difference most hope to one day achieve.
