Isaac Mendoza

“Never stop keep moving forward, be better then you were yesterday”

Considering my background and qualities I possess, I consider myself to be a prepared leader. As a first generation college student, being the son of  two immigrant parents who never received the opportunity to attend college, and as a low income household who has faced socio-economic hardships I have had to build my own path to continue my goal in higher education. As the eldest of four, I have been a mentor to help my siblings pave their own path in pursuit of higher education. It is not an easy task since I have responsibilities to fulfill in my own pursuit to attend college. A couple of my leadership roles outside of my personal and family life are: ASB (Associated Student Board), Youth Ministry Core Team, head altar server, and confirmation group leader. I have had to learn to effectively manage my time to fit in extracurriculars. Both ASB and Core Team are school clubs that require a certain GPA and faculty signature in order to be eligible. With hard work and effort I have helped organize school rallies, school dances, character assemblies, fundraisers, retreats, and liturgy events. These club events fulfill Don Bosco’s Oratory model of home, school, church, and playground.  Being the confirmation group leader and head alter server are outside extracurricular activities that I have earned based on my ability and character. I have been an alter server for six years and a confirmation group leader for one. Throughout these roles I have been a leader and role model to other volunteers showing them what it means to be an alter server and a person seeking confirmation. From all leadership positions both at home and school, provide evidence that I will succeed as a college student and overcome all other challenges that arise. 

My high school, Don Bosco Technical Institute, has a unique system that adds a technology major to a student’s daily schedule. As a member of the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) technology, I have been given the opportunity to study and understand the fundamentals of what engineers do and further embrace my goal of becoming a Civil Engineer. My high school engineering major has taught me how to use certain tools that are designed to cut wood. For example, the table saw is at a high level of danger and can easily cut off the fingers of someone. My school counselors are another opportunity I have taken advantage of. As a first generation college student I wanted to be sure that I was completing all the requirements and that I would be prepared to apply to colleges. Talking to my counselors and receiving academic updates helped me create my path to college. As a younger classmen, I had no clue of the purpose of a school counselor. Now that I am a senior getting ready to apply for college, I have been visiting my counselor on a regular basis to get advice, guidance, and recommendations on what I could and should do. Attending a college preparatory high school has given me advantages and opportunities that will help me thrive as a college student. Within my school there are also advanced placement (AP) classes that I have taken to help me prepare myself and to give me an idea of what to expect in a college course. As a junior I took AP Spanish Language and Culture and I am currently enrolled in AP Spanish Literature and Culture and AP English Literature. Life throws opportunities, it is just up to one’s self to realize the benefits that could help one thrive and show pride.