College of Sciences Knight Receives Bachelor’s Degree at 16 Years Old
Psychology graduate Abigail Mena becomes one of UCF’s youngest Knights, with her sights set on medical school and space.
Written by: Emily Dougherty | August 28, 2025
When Abigail Mena ’25 walked across the commencement stage this summer, she became one of the youngest students to earn a bachelor’s degree at UCF. For her, the milestone shows not only her own determination, but also the unwavering support of her family.
Her journey to a bachelor’s degree was an accelerated one, as Mena received her high school diploma through Florida Virtual School at only 12 years old and her associates degree at Polk State College at 15 years old. Through the Direct Connect to UCF program in partnership with local state colleges, she decided to continue her journey as a Knight studying psychology.
Her choice to study psychology began with a belief that listening can be just as powerful as medicine.
“Psychotherapy — simply talking with people — is something we can all do. If you’re a good listener, you can help someone. That’s what I like most about psychology,” Mena says.
Her educational journey didn’t end at commencement, inspired by UCF’s reputation in space research, she hopes to take her education to space. Mena has decided to keep her future career options open, as she is currently working toward her master’s in criminal justice at UCF with hopes to move on to medical school.
“Attending here at SpaceU inspired me to hopefully become a physician astronaut for NASA,” Mena says. “You don’t often hear of psychiatrists becoming astronauts. I’d like to do research in space mental health and contribute in that way.”
Mena has decided to keep her future career options open, as she is currently working towards her master’s in criminal justice at UCF with hopes to move on to medical school.
She shares that her academic pursuits and achievements would be possible without her strongest support system: her family.
“My parents taught me that as long as we believe in ourselves and put school first, we can achieve anything we want,” Mena says. “Being part of such a close family has kept me motivated.”
Her mother, Claudia Mena, says that even as a young child, Abigail had exhibited a desire to help others.
“She has always been like this. If I was cooking, she would try to see what she could do to help. In her heart, she has always wanted to help,” she says. “When she learned to speak, she said she wanted to be a doctor or an attorney.”
Claudia Mena says that seeing her daughter accomplish her dreams at such a young age means a great deal to her family.
“Seeing her walk at graduation at such a young age was incredible. Abigail is showing that with determination, you can make what seems impossible, possible,” she says.
Abigail Mena says she’s made many memories as Knight, but the ones with her family mean the most to her.
“I always felt like ‘Young Sheldon.’ Even though I was primarily an online student, whenever I came to campus, I brought my mom and brothers with me for support,” she says.
For future Knights who are interested in getting college credit early, she offers some advice.
“I would advise high school students to look into dual enrollment at their local colleges. I know it’s a long process, and I’m glad my mom was patient enough to help me through it,” Mena says.