Sofia Flores is a Computer Science student at the University of Central Florida who has consistently given back to the academic community that welcomed her as an international student from Panama.

At UCF, Sofia serves as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Mentor, where she is not only a tutor, but the supervisor of other SI leaders who help students succeed in some of the university's most demanding courses. She is also the Vice President of AI @ UCF, a registered student organization dedicated to advancing education and collaboration in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Sofia is known among students and faculty as a reliable, driven, and deeply committed leader within the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

On a recent outing with friends, Sofia experienced a serious accident while rock climbing for the first time. She was following all safety protocols, climbing with experienced friends, and had even practiced how to fall correctly. Despite these precautions, a freak accident occurred and she fell from a height of over eight feet, fracturing her fibula. She is scheduled to undergo surgery on February 9th.

As an international student, Sofia does not have access to the same medical and financial safety nets that many students rely on. Her parents will need to cover the cost of the surgery largely out of pocket. What was initially estimated to be around $500 has now increased to $5,000, a sudden and significant burden that would require her family to use a large portion of their life savings.

Sofia has done everything within her control. She followed safety procedures, sought medical care immediately, and explored available options. This fundraiser is not a first step, but a last resort to help cover the cost of a necessary surgery that will allow her to walk properly, recover fully, and continue her education without long-term pain or complications.

All donations will go directly toward covering her surgical and medical expenses. Any support will help reduce the financial strain on her family and allow Sofia to focus on recovery and returning to her work as a mentor, leader, and student.

Sofia has already earned an internship offer at BNY and is working toward a future in machine learning and computer science. With proper treatment, she will be able to continue building toward that future.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for any support you are able to offer. Even sharing this page helps more than you may realize.