Floricel Buencamino

She/Her
Class of 2026
Major: Civil & Environment Engineering

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
I benefitted a lot from my own experience at ClarkLEAD, especially as an incoming freshman with loads of questions and a bit of fear of what to expect in the engineering college. My own ClarkLEADER was very relatable and made the transition fun! I hope to do the same for the next class of engineers.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
I think new students should explore project-based clubs like Battle Bots or Steel Bridge, but also societies like the American Society of Civil/Mechanical/Aerospace etc Engineers or the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. Unrelated to engineering, there are a ton of fun clubs like the juggling club, and a huge variety of cultural organizations!

If you attended ClarkLEAD as a first-year student, what did you enjoy most about the event?
I enjoyed hearing the different perspectives of the ClarkLEADERS while they talked. I got to learn what the college was all about from a relatable person and felt comfortable asking them all the questions in the smaller environment of a table.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering students?
I would say to explore the many different projects, clubs, and organizations that not only the University but Maryland Engineering has to offer! Projects-oriented clubs like Battle Bots, Steel Bridge, and many more offer various opportunities to challenge yourself and have fun with others, while professional or social clubs offer opportunities to meet other people in your major.